Laminate molding apparatus and method for cooling unmelted portion

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of shortening a processing time.SOLUTION: There is provided a laminate molding apparatus 1 comprises: a table 13 arranged inside a container-shaped molding tank 14; a processing unit 6 which supplies a powder material 101 to a molding surface 13a of the table 13, preheats the supplied powder material 101, and supplies energy to the preheated powder material 101 to obtain a mold object 101S and an unmelted portion 101U; a cooling mechanism 8 which has a cooling shaft extending in the direction orthogonal to the molding surface 13a and to which a cooling medium is supplied; a cooling shaft movable portion which holds the cooling shaft and moves the cooling shaft along the axial direction of the cooling shaft; and a positioning unit which holds the cooling shaft movable portion and moves the cooling shaft movable portion in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft; and a control part 4 for controlling at least the cooling mechanism 8, for changing the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the molding tank 14 inside the molding tank 14 along the direction crossing the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus and a method for cooling an unmelted portion. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an additive manufacturing apparatus that melts and bonds powder materials to form an additive object. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for cooling an additive object during its formation. The technique described in Patent Document 1 suppresses molding defects caused by excessive heat accumulation by cooling during the formation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-11485 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an additive manufacturing apparatus, it is necessary to cool the additively manufactured object after manufacturing and remove the additively manufactured object from the apparatus. Since the removed additively manufactured object has unmelted powder material adhering thereto, a blasting process is performed. In this technical field, it is desired to shorten the processing time. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technique capable of further shortening the processing time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An additive manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is disposed inside a container-shaped modeling tank and comprises a table for supporting powder material, a processing section for supplying powder material to a modeling surface of the table, preheating the supplied powder material, and supplying energy to the preheated powder material to obtain a modeled object formed by melting and solidifying the powder material, as well as an unmelted portion which is unmelted powder material, a cooling mechanism which extends along a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface and through which a cooling medium is supplied, a cooling axis which holds the cooling axis and moves the cooling axis along the axial direction of the cooling axis, and a positioning section which holds the cooling axis movable section and moves the cooling axis movable section in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling axis, and a control section which controls at least the cooling mechanism and changes the relative positional relationship between the cooling axis and the modeling tank inside the modeling tank along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling axis.

[0006] In an additive manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a powder material is supplied to the modeling surface of a table, preheated, and supplied with energy. As a result, a model (modeling processing section) and an unmelted portion (modeling unprocessed section) remain on the modeling surface. The cooling shaft movable section and the positioning section make it possible to insert the cooling shaft into the unmelted portion. In this case, cooling is performed from the depth of the unmelted portion, improving the cooling efficiency of the unmelted portion. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time. In addition, the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft and the modeling surface changes inside the modeling tank, making it possible to agitate the unmelted portion. In this case, the unmelted portion is pulverized while being cooled. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time of a process (e.g., blasting process) after removing the model from the additive manufacturing apparatus. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time.

[0007] The cooling shaft movable part may reciprocate the cooling shaft along the axial direction of the cooling shaft. As the cooling shaft reciprocates, it is possible to promote stirring of the unmelted portion. This makes it possible to further shorten the processing time.

[0008] The cooling shaft movable part may rotate the cooling shaft about its axis. As the cooling shaft rotates, it becomes possible to promote stirring of the unmelted part. This makes it possible to further shorten the processing time.

[0009] The positioning unit may move the cooling shaft movable part to a first position where the tip of the cooling shaft faces the modeling surface, and to a second position where the tip of the cooling shaft does not face the modeling surface. When performing the modeling process, the temperature on the modeling surface of the table inside the modeling tank becomes high. By moving the cooling shaft to the second position, it becomes possible to retract the cooling shaft when performing the modeling process. This suppresses the temperature rise of the cooling shaft. As a result, the cooling performance of the cooling shaft for the unmelted portion can be improved.

[0010] The table may be disk-shaped. The additive manufacturing apparatus may include a drive unit that rotates the table around a central axis of the table. The control unit may control the drive unit to rotate the table in a state where the tip of the cooling shaft is inside the modeling tank. As the table rotates, it is possible to promote stirring of the unmelted portion. This makes it possible to further shorten the processing time.

[0011] The positioning unit may have a rotating shaft and a connecting unit that connects the rotating shaft and the cooling shaft movable unit. The positioning unit may move the cooling shaft movable unit between a first position and a second position by rotating the rotating shaft around the axis of the rotating shaft. The positioning unit moves the cooling shaft movable unit by rotating. That is, a polar coordinate system is formed in which the connecting unit moves in a circumferential direction with the rotating shaft as the center. Here, the additive manufacturing device is in a vacuum environment and an environment in which dust can be generated. For example, when the cooling shaft is moved by the linear axis, the seal surface slides against the seal portion. Therefore, the possibility of the powder adhering to the seal surface being caught increases. In contrast, the rotating shaft can suppress the powder being caught due to the movement of the cooling shaft. As a result, the seal performance of the positioning unit in the polar coordinate system is improved.

[0012] The cooling shaft may have a tip portion provided continuously with the tip of the cooling shaft. The tip portion may be formed with a tapered portion tapered away from the tip of the cooling shaft. Such a cooling shaft is inserted into the inside of the modeling tank from the tapered portion. The tapered portion comes into contact with the unmelted portion, so that the force applied to the unmelted portion can be concentrated. As a result, the crushing performance of the cooling shaft with respect to the unmelted portion is improved.

[0013] The cooling mechanism may have a tip end having a length longer than the diameter of the shaft body when viewed from the axial direction of the cooling shaft. When such a cooling shaft rotates around the axis, the circumference of the path of the tip end becomes longer than the diameter of the shaft body. In this case, it is possible to further promote stirring of the unmelted portion.

[0014] The cooling mechanism may have a vibration device attached to the cooling shaft movable part and generating vibrations. When the vibration device generates vibrations, the cooling shaft vibrates via the cooling shaft movable part. In this case, the vibration of the cooling shaft can improve the crushing performance of the cooling shaft for the unmelted portion. This can further shorten the processing time.

[0015] A method for cooling an unmelted portion according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: supplying powder material to a printing surface of a table arranged inside a printing tank, preheating the supplied powder material, and supplying energy to the preheated powder material to obtain a molded object formed by melting and solidifying the powder material, and an unmelted portion which is unmelted powder material; and inserting a cooling shaft into the unmelted portion, and, with the cooling shaft inserted into the unmelted portion, changing the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft and the printing tank inside the printing tank along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft.

[0016] In a method for cooling an unmelted portion according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a powder material is supplied to the modeling surface of a table, preheated, and supplied with energy. As a result, a model (modeling processing portion) and an unmelted portion (modeling unprocessed portion) remain on the modeling surface. Then, with a cooling shaft inserted into the unmelted portion, the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft and the modeling surface inside the modeling tank changes, so that the unmelted portion is stirred. In this case, cooling is performed from the depth of the unmelted portion, so that the cooling efficiency of the unmelted portion is improved. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time. In addition, the unmelted portion is pulverized together with the cooling of the unmelted portion. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time of a process (e.g., blasting) after removing the model from the additive manufacturing device. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique capable of shortening processing time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship of processing units. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cooling mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the cooling mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the layered manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of the position of the cooling mechanism during the modeling process. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an example of the position of the cooling mechanism after the modeling process. [Figure 8] 8(a) and (b) are diagrams showing another example of the position of the cooling mechanism after the modeling process. [Figure 9]FIG. 9(a) to (e) are diagrams illustrating configurations of cooling axes according to modified examples. [Figure 10] FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams illustrating configurations of cooling mechanisms according to modified examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a rotary additive manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as "additive manufacturing apparatus 1") according to an embodiment. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 is a so-called 3D printer. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a molded object 101S from a powder material 101. The powder material 101 is, for example, a metal powder such as titanium-based metal powder, Inconel powder, or aluminum powder. The powder material 101 is not limited to a metal powder. The powder material 101 may be, for example, a powder containing carbon fiber and resin such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics). The powder material 101 may be other powders having electrical conductivity. The powder material 101 in the present disclosure is not limited to those having electrical conductivity. For example, when a laser is used as an energy beam, the powder material 101 does not need to have electrical conductivity.

[0021] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 employs a powder bed method in which an energy beam is irradiated onto a spread powder material 101 to perform modeling. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 imparts energy to the powder material 101. In other words, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 increases the temperature of the powder material 101. As a result, the powder material 101 melts or sinters. When the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 stops imparting energy, the temperature of the powder material 101 drops. As a result, the powder material 101 solidifies. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 repeats the application and stopping of energy application multiple times to form an object 101S. The object 101S is, for example, a machine part. The object 101S may also be another structure.

[0022] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a driving unit 3, a control unit 4, a processing unit 6, a housing 7, and a cooling mechanism 8. The driving unit 3 realizes various operations required for modeling. The control unit 4 is responsible for controlling the entire additive manufacturing apparatus 1. The processing unit 6 processes the powder material 101 to obtain a modeled object 101S. The processing of the powder material 101 includes a supplying process of the powder material 101, a preheating process of the powder material 101, and a modeling process of the powder material 101. The housing 7 forms a modeling space S. The modeling space S is an airtight space that can be decompressed for processing the powder material 101 by the processing unit 6. The housing 7 is supported by a plurality of columns 9. The cooling mechanism 8 cools the modeled object 101S and the powder material 101 after the modeling process.

[0023] In the printing space S, a cooling mechanism 8, a table 13, and a printing tank 14 are arranged. The table 13 is a processing stage on which the powder material 101 is processed. The table 13 rotatably supports the powder material 101. The table 13 is, for example, disk-shaped. The table 13 is arranged so that the central axis of the table 13 overlaps with the central axis of the housing 7. The table 13 has a printing surface 13a (main surface or upper surface) and a back surface 13b. The printing surface 13a faces the processing unit 6. The powder material 101, which is the raw material of the molded object 101S, is arranged on the printing surface 13a. The drive unit 3 is connected to the back surface 13b. The printing tank 14 is container-shaped and arranged so as to surround the table 13. The printing tank 14 contains the powder material 101.

[0024] The drive unit 3 rotates and raises and lowers the table 13. The drive unit 3 has a rotation unit 15 and a lifting unit 16. The rotation unit 15 rotates the table 13 with the central axis of the table 13 as the rotation axis. The rotation unit 15 includes a drive source (e.g., a motor). The upper end of the lifting unit 16 is connected to the table 13. The lifting unit 16 raises and lowers the table 13 relative to the modeling tank 14. The table 13 is raised and lowered along the rotation axis of the rotation unit 15. The drive unit 3 may be any mechanism that can rotate and raise and lower the table 13, and is not limited to the mechanisms described above.

[0025] The control unit 4 controls the operations of the drive unit 3, the processing unit 6, and the cooling mechanism 8. For example, the control unit 4 rotates the table 13 by controlling the rotation unit 15 of the drive unit 3. The control unit 4 raises and lowers the table 13 by controlling the lifting unit 16 of the drive unit 3. The control unit 4 processes the powder material 101 by controlling the processing unit 6. The control unit 4 controls the table 13 and the cooling mechanism 8 to perform the cooling process described below.

[0026] The processing unit 6 is disposed above the table 13. The processing unit 6 faces the modeling surface 13a. The processing unit 6 has a feeder 61 (supply unit), a heater (heating unit) 62, and a beam source (irradiation unit) 63. The feeder 61 performs a supply process of the powder material 101. The heater 62 performs a preheat process of the powder material 101. The beam source 63 performs a modeling process of the powder material 101.

[0027] The feeder 61 functions as a supply unit that supplies the powder material 101 to the table 13. For example, the feeder 61 has a raw material tank and a leveling unit. The raw material tank stores the powder material 101. The raw material tank supplies the powder material 101 to the table 13. The leveling unit levels the surface of the powder material 101 on the table 13. For example, the surface layer of the powder material 101 on the table 13 comes into contact with the leveling unit as the table 13 rotates and is spread and leveled. The additive manufacturing device 1 may have a roller unit, a rod-shaped member, a brush unit, etc. instead of the leveling unit.

[0028] The heater 62 functions as a heating unit that heats the powder material 101 placed on the table 13. The heater 62 preheats the powder material 101 before it is irradiated with the energy beam. For example, the heater 62 increases the temperature of the powder material 101 by radiating heat. The heater 62 may be one that heats by other methods, and may be, for example, an infrared heater. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 may have an electron gun or a laser generator instead of the heater 62.

[0029] The beam source 63 functions as an irradiation unit that irradiates an energy beam onto the powder material 101 placed on the table 13. The beam source 63 is, for example, an electron gun. The electron gun generates an electron beam according to a potential difference generated between a cathode and an anode. The beam source 63 irradiates the powder material 101 with the electron beam. The beam source 63 may be, for example, a laser generator. In this case, the energy beam may be a laser beam.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of the processing unit 6. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 in a plan view. The table 13 rotates in a clockwise rotation direction CW around the rotation axis AX. The processing unit 6 has processing units 6A and 6B as multiple processing units. The processing units 6A and 6B are arranged at equal intervals (180 degrees) around the rotation axis AX. In other words, the processing units 6A and 6B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The arrangement of the processing units 6A and 6B is not limited to this. For example, the processing units 6A and 6B may be arranged at different angles in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The processing units 6A and 6B each have a feeder 61, a heater 62, and a beam source 63. The feeder 61, heater 62, and beam source 63 of the processing unit 6A are arranged above the table 13 in this order along the rotation direction CW of the table 13. Similarly, the feeder 61, heater 62, and beam source 63 of the processing unit 6B are arranged above the table 13 in this order along the rotation direction CW of the table 13. In this manner, the components of the processing units 6A and 6B may be the same. The components of the processing units 6A and 6B may be different from each other. For example, one of the processing units 6A and 6B may omit some of the components of the other. Below, the processing unit 6A will be described in detail, and the processing unit 6B will be described as necessary. In the following description, "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the rotation direction CW of the table 13.

[0032] A plurality of processing regions are formed on the printing surface 13a. For example, the processing unit 6A forms a processing region 30A on the printing surface 13a. Similarly, the processing unit 6B forms a processing region 30B on the printing surface 13a. The processing regions 30A and 30B revolve relative to the table 13. "Revolve relative to the table 13" means that the positions of the processing regions 30A and 30B do not change with the rotation of the table 13. The processing regions 30A and 30B each include a supply region 31, a preheating region 32, and a printing region 33.

[0033] The feeder 61 forms a supply area 31 on the modeling surface 13a. The supply area 31 is an area where the powder material 101 is supplied to the table 13 and leveled. The supply area 31 has, for example, a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the diameter direction (radial direction) of the table 13, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The heater 62 forms a preheating region 32 on the printing surface 13a. The preheating region 32 is a region for increasing the temperature of the powder material 101. The heater 62 heats the powder material 101 in the preheating region 32 so that the temperature of the powder material 101 is higher than the temperature of the powder material 101 in the supply region 31. The heat treatment may be, for example, a process for presintering the powder material 101. Presintering is a state in which the powder material 101 is diffused and bonded to each other at the minimum point by a diffusion phenomenon. As an example, the presintering temperature is more than half the melting point of the powder material 101. This is based on the fact that the diffusion phenomenon of the powder material 101 generally becomes active at more than half the melting point. For example, when the powder material 101 is titanium, the presintering temperature is 700°C or more and 800°C or less. The melting point of a titanium alloy is about 1500°C or more and 1600°C or less. When the powder material 101 is aluminum, the presintering temperature is 300°C. The melting point of aluminum is about 660° C. The preheating area 32 has, for example, but is not limited to, a sector shape.

[0035] The beam source 63 forms a printing region 33 on the printing surface 13a. The printing region 33 is a region where the temperature of the powder material 101 is increased. The temperature of the powder material 101 heated in the printing region 33 is higher than the temperature of the powder material 101 present in the preheating region 32. The temperature of the powder material 101 present in the printing region 33 is a temperature at which a model 101S can be formed (sintering temperature or melting temperature). The beam source 63 irradiates a desired portion in the printing region 33 with an electron beam while scanning it. The shape of the printing region 33 is not limited. The printing region 33 may or may not coincide with the irradiation range (irradiable range) of the beam source 63.

[0036] The positional relationship between the supply region 31, the preheating region 32, and the printing region 33 corresponds to the positional relationship between the feeder 61, the heater 62, and the beam source 63. The supply region 31, the preheating region 32, and the printing region 33 may be formed in this order along the rotation direction CW. The areas occupied by the supply region 31, the preheating region 32, and the printing region 33 may be changed as appropriate. When a virtual point P is assumed on the printing surface 13a, the virtual point P passes through the supply region 31, the preheating region 32, and the printing region 33 in this order as the table 13 rotates.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cooling mechanism 8. Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a portion of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. The cooling mechanism 8 has a cooling shaft 81, a cooling shaft movable part 82, a positioning part 83, and a chiller 84.

[0038] The cooling shaft 81 is a rod-shaped cooling body that extends in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface 13a and is supplied with a cooling medium. The cooling shaft 81 has a shaft main body 810, a first end 811 (base end), and a second end 812 (tip end). The shaft main body 810 is a rod-shaped member having a flow path inside. The first end 811 is one end. A chiller 84 is connected to the first end 811. The second end 812 is the other end. The cooling shaft 81 rotates around the central axis 81X as the rotation axis. A flow path for the cooling medium is formed inside the cooling shaft 81. In one example, the flow path for the cooling medium includes an outward path from the first end 811 to the second end 812 and a return path from the second end 812 to the first end 811. The cooling shaft 81 is cooled by the cooling medium flowing inside the cooling shaft 81.

[0039] The cooling-axis moving part 82 holds the cooling axis 81 and moves the cooling axis 81 along the axial direction of the cooling axis 81. The cooling axis moving part 82 is, for example, a linear rotary actuator. The cooling axis moving part 82 raises and lowers and rotates the cooling axis 81. For example, when the cooling axis moving part 82 is located above the modeling tank 14, the cooling axis moving part 82 lowers the cooling axis 81. The cooling axis 81 is inserted into the modeling tank 14 from the second end 812 and approaches the modeling surface 13a. When the cooling axis 81 is inserted into the modeling tank 14, the cooling axis moving part 82 raises the cooling axis 81. The cooling axis 81 moves away from the modeling surface 13a and goes outside the modeling tank 14. In other words, the cooling axis moving part 82 adjusts the distance of the cooling axis 81 to the modeling surface 13a. The cooling shaft moving part 82 may reciprocate the cooling shaft 81 along the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. The cooling shaft moving part 82 may rotate the cooling shaft 81 around its axis.

[0040] The positioning unit 83 holds the cooling-axis movable part 82 and moves the cooling-axis movable part 82 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling axis 81. The positioning unit 83 is, for example, a rotary actuator. The positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-axis movable part 82 to a first position where the second end (tip) of the cooling axis 81 faces the modeling surface 13a, and to a second position where the second end 812 of the cooling axis 81 does not face the modeling surface 13a. The positioning unit 83 has a rotating shaft 831 and a connecting part 832. The rotating shaft 831 rotates around a central axis 83X as a rotating axis. The central axis 81X of the cooling axis 81 and the central axis 83X of the rotating shaft 831 may be parallel to each other. The connecting part 832 is a plate-shaped member that connects the rotating shaft 831 and the cooling-axis movable part 82. For example, the connecting part 832 protrudes from the rotating shaft 831 as a base end in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rotating shaft 831. The tip of the connecting part 832 holds the cooling-shaft movable part 82. The connecting part 832 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 831. When the rotating shaft 831 rotates, the cooling-shaft movable part 82 rotates via the connecting part 832.

[0041] The chiller 84 is a device that circulates a cooling medium such as cooling water. The chiller 84 adjusts the temperature of the cooling medium and circulates the cooling medium between the cooling shaft 81. The chiller 84 supplies the cooling medium to the cooling shaft and receives the cooling medium that has passed through a flow path formed in the cooling shaft 81.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the cooling mechanism 8. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 in a plan view. For example, the rotating shaft 831 rotates around the axis by an angle θ. The connecting unit 832 rotates the cooling shaft movable unit 82 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 831. For example, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling shaft movable unit 82 between the first position and the second position by rotating the rotating shaft 831 around the axis of the rotating shaft 831. When the cooling shaft movable unit 82 is in the first position, the cooling shaft 81 is located above the modeling tank 14. When the cooling shaft movable unit 82 is in the second position, the cooling shaft 81 is not located above the modeling tank 14.

[0043] Inside the modeling tank 14, a region 80 is formed on the trajectory of the cooling-shaft moving part 82. For example, the region 80 is located downstream of the processing region 30A and upstream of the processing region 30B. The cooling-shaft moving part 82 moves the cooling shaft 81 along the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81 on the region 80. The cooling shaft 81 is inserted inside the modeling tank 14.

[0044] [Additive manufacturing device in action] An example of an operation method of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8(b). Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Fig. 6(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the position of the cooling mechanism 8 during the modeling process. Fig. 6(a) shows a schematic diagram of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 in a plan view. Fig. 6(b) shows a schematic diagram of a cross section of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Fig. 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the position of the cooling mechanism 8 after the modeling process. Fig. 7(a) shows a schematic diagram of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 in a plan view. Fig. 7(b) shows a schematic diagram of a cross section of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Fig. 8(a) and (b) are diagrams showing another example of the position of the cooling mechanism 8 after the modeling process. Fig. 8(a) shows a schematic diagram of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 in a plan view. Fig. 8(b) shows a schematic diagram of a cross section of a part of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0045] In step S1, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 sets its position. For example, the lifting unit 16 moves the table 13 upward. The table 13 is placed at a position above the modeling tank 14. The positioning unit 83 of the cooling mechanism 8 moves the cooling-shaft movable part 82 to a second position where the second end 812 of the cooling shaft 81 does not face the modeling surface 13a. In other words, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-shaft movable part 82 and the cooling shaft 81 away from above the modeling tank 14. The rotation unit 15 rotates the table 13.

[0046] In step S2, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 performs a supply process. For example, the feeder 61 supplies the powder material 101 to the table 13. The surface of the supplied powder material 101 is smoothed by a recoater. The powder material 101 supplied by the feeder 61 moves in association with the rotation of the table 13.

[0047] In step S3, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 performs a preheating process. For example, the heater 62 preheats the powder material 101 before it is irradiated with the electron beam. The powder material 101 is heated while rotating together with the table 13. The powder material 101 preheated by the heater 62 moves in association with the rotation of the table 13.

[0048] In step S4, the layered manufacturing apparatus 1 performs a manufacturing process. For example, the beam source 63 irradiates an electron beam onto the powder material 101. The powder material 101 is melted or sintered, and then solidified, thereby manufacturing a model 101S.

[0049] The table 13 descends as the modeling of the object 101S progresses. That is, the lifting unit 16 lowers the table 13. The descent of the table 13 may be synchronized with the rotation of the table 13, but does not have to be completely synchronized. Then, after the modeling of all layers is completed, the modeling of the object 101S is completed.

[0050] 6(a) and 6(b), during the modeling process in step S4, the cooling mechanism 8 is located outside the modeling tank 14. As described in step S1, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling shaft movable part 82 to the second position. At this time, the entire cooling mechanism 8 may be located outside the modeling tank 14. In other words, the cooling shaft 81, the cooling shaft movable part 82, and the positioning unit 83 may be located outside the modeling tank 14.

[0051] 5, if the formation of the object 101S is completed (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S5. If the formation of the object 101S is not completed (NO in step S5), the process returns to step S2.

[0052] By the process up to step S5, a molded object 101S (molding processing portion) formed by melting and solidifying the powder material 101, and an unmelted portion 101U (molding unprocessed portion) which is the unmelted powder material 101 are obtained. The unmelted portion 101U may include the powder material 101 and a provisionally sintered body. The provisionally sintered body is the powder material 101 in a provisionally sintered state. The molded object 101S and the unmelted portion 101U remain on the molding surface 13a. In one example, the molded object 101S has a cylindrical shape. When the molded object 101S on the molding surface 13a is viewed from above, it is annular. When viewed from above, the unmelted portion 101U is attached to the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the molded object 101S. In the following description, the "outer peripheral side" and the "inner peripheral side" refer to the outer and inner regions when the molded object 101S is used as a reference in a plan view.

[0053] In step S6, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 performs a cooling process on the outer periphery of the modeled object 101S (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 7). For example, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-axis movable part 82 to a first position where the second end 812 of the cooling axis 81 faces the modeling surface 13a. In one example, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-axis movable part 82 above the unmelted part 101U on the outer periphery of the modeled object 101S. That is, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling axis 81 to a position where the tip of the cooling axis 81 faces the unmelted part 101U on the outer periphery in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling axis 81. The cooling axis movable part 82 moves the cooling axis 81 toward the unmelted part 101U on the outer periphery. The cooling axis movable part 82 inserts the cooling axis 81 into the unmelted part 101U on the outer periphery. That is, the cooling shaft movable part 82 moves the cooling shaft 81 in the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81 to insert the cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side. The cooling shaft 81 absorbs heat from the unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side.

[0054] The control unit 4 changes the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the modeling tank 14 inside the modeling tank 14 along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. For example, the control unit 4 controls the rotation unit 15 to rotate the table 13. The unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side moves with the rotation of the table 13. The unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side moves relative to the cooling shaft 81 and comes into contact with the cooling shaft 81. The unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side is cooled and stirred by the cooling shaft 81 and the table 13. As a result, the unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side is pulverized. The cooling shaft movable part 82 may reciprocate the cooling shaft 81 along the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. The cooling shaft movable part 82 may rotate the cooling shaft 81 around the axis of the cooling shaft 81.

[0055] When the cooling shaft 81 is inserted into the unmelted portion 101U on the outer periphery side, a processing force F along the rotation direction CW may be applied to the cooling shaft 81 (see FIG. 7(a)). For example, the processing force F may be applied along the extending direction of the connecting part 832 extending from the rotating shaft 831 toward the cooling shaft movable part 82.

[0056] In step S7, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 performs a cooling process on the inner periphery side of the model 101S (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 8). For example, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-axis movable part 82 to a first position where the second end 812 of the cooling axis 81 faces the modeling surface 13a. In one example, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-axis movable part 82 above the unmelted part 101U on the inner periphery side of the model 101S. That is, the positioning unit 83 moves the cooling axis 81 to a position where the tip of the cooling axis 81 faces the unmelted part 101U on the inner periphery side in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling axis 81. The cooling axis movable part 82 moves the cooling axis 81 toward the unmelted part 101U on the inner periphery side. The cooling axis movable part 82 moves the cooling axis 81 toward the unmelted part 101U on the inner periphery side. The cooling-shaft movable part 82 inserts the cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side. That is, the cooling-shaft movable part 82 moves the cooling shaft 81 in the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81 to insert the cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side. The cooling shaft 81 absorbs heat from the unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side.

[0057] The control unit 4 changes the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the modeling tank 14 inside the modeling tank 14 along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. For example, the control unit 4 controls the rotation unit 15 to rotate the table 13. The unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side moves with the rotation of the table 13. The unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side moves relative to the cooling shaft 81 and comes into contact with the cooling shaft 81. The unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side is cooled and stirred by the cooling shaft 81 and the table 13. As a result, the unmelted portion 101U on the inner circumference side is pulverized. The cooling shaft movable part 82 may reciprocate the cooling shaft 81 along the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. The cooling shaft movable part 82 may rotate the cooling shaft 81 around the axis of the cooling shaft 81.

[0058] In step S8, post-processing is performed. For example, the model 101S is removed from the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 together with the table 13. A small amount of unmelted portion 101U is attached to the removed model 101S. A blasting process is performed on the model 101S. This removes the unmelted portion 101U attached to the model 101S. Then, a process is performed to separate the model 101S from the table 13 using, for example, a wire electric discharge machine. If there is a support material or the like used in the modeling process, the support material is removed.

[0059] The processes of steps S6 and S7 may be reversed. In relation to steps S6 and S7, the cooling-shaft moving part 82 may insert the cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U while the table 13 is rotating. The cooling-shaft moving part 82 may insert the cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U while rotating the cooling shaft 81 about its axis.

[0060] As described above, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is disposed inside the container-shaped modeling tank 14, and includes the table 13 for supporting the powder material 101, the processing unit 6 for supplying the powder material 101 to the modeling surface 13a of the table 13, preheating the supplied powder material 101, and supplying energy to the preheated powder material 101 to obtain a modeled object 101S formed by melting and solidifying the powder material 101, and an unmelted portion 101U which is the unmelted powder material 101, and a processing unit 6 extending along a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface 13a. The cooling mechanism 8 includes a cooling shaft 81 to which a cooling medium is supplied, a cooling shaft movable part 82 that holds the cooling shaft 81 and moves the cooling shaft 81 along the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81, and a positioning part 83 that holds the cooling shaft movable part 82 and moves the cooling shaft movable part 82 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81; and a control part 4 that controls at least the cooling mechanism 8 and changes the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the modeling tank 14 inside the modeling tank 14 along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81.

[0061] In the layered modeling apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the powder material 101 is supplied to the modeling surface 13a of the table 13, preheated, and supplied with energy. As a result, the modeled object 101S (modeling processing portion) and the unmelted portion 101U (modeling unprocessed portion) remain on the modeling surface 13a. The cooling shaft movable portion 82 and the positioning portion 83 make it possible to insert the cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U. In this case, cooling is performed from the depth of the unmelted portion 101U, so that the cooling efficiency of the unmelted portion 101U is improved. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time. In addition, the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the modeling surface 13a changes inside the modeling tank 14, so that the unmelted portion 101U can be agitated. In this case, the unmelted portion 101U is pulverized as the unmelted portion 101U is cooled. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time of the process (for example, blast processing) after the model 101S is removed from the layered modeling apparatus 1. As a result, the processing time can be shortened.

[0062] The cooling shaft movable part 82 reciprocates the cooling shaft 81 along the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. As the cooling shaft 81 reciprocates, it becomes possible to promote stirring of the unmelted portion 101U. This makes it possible to further shorten the processing time.

[0063] The cooling shaft movable part 82 rotates the cooling shaft 81 around the axis of the cooling shaft 81. As the cooling shaft 81 rotates, it becomes possible to promote stirring of the unmelted portion 101U. This makes it possible to further shorten the processing time.

[0064] The positioning unit 83 moves the cooling-shaft movable unit 82 to a first position where the tip of the cooling shaft 81 faces the modeling surface 13a, and to a second position where the tip of the cooling shaft 81 does not face the modeling surface 13a. When performing the modeling process, the temperature on the modeling surface 13a of the table 13 inside the modeling tank 14 becomes high. By moving the cooling shaft 81 to the second position, it is possible to retract the cooling shaft 81 when performing the modeling process. This suppresses the temperature rise of the cooling shaft 81. As a result, the cooling performance of the cooling shaft 81 for the unmelted portion 101U can be improved.

[0065] The table 13 is disk-shaped. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a drive unit 3 that rotates the table 13 around the central axis of the table 13. The control unit 4 controls the drive unit 3 to rotate the table 13 while the tip of the cooling shaft 81 is inside the modeling tank 14. As the table 13 rotates, it becomes possible to promote agitation of the unmelted portion 101U. This allows the processing time to be further shortened.

[0066] The positioning unit 83 has a rotating shaft 831 and a connecting unit 832 that connects the rotating shaft 831 and the cooling shaft movable unit 82. The positioning unit 83 moves the cooling shaft movable unit 82 between a first position and a second position by rotating the rotating shaft 831 around the axis of the rotating shaft 831. The positioning unit 83 moves the cooling shaft movable unit 82 by rotating. That is, a polar coordinate system is formed in which the connecting unit 832 moves in the circumferential direction around the rotating shaft 831. Here, the additive manufacturing device 1 is in a vacuum environment and an environment in which dust can be generated. For example, when the cooling shaft 81 is moved by a linear shaft, the seal surface slides against the seal portion. Therefore, the possibility of the powder adhering to the seal surface being caught increases. In contrast, the rotating shaft 831 can suppress the powder being caught due to the movement of the cooling shaft 81. As a result, the positioning unit 83 of the polar coordinate system improves the sealing performance of the positioning unit 83.

[0067] A method for cooling an unmelted portion according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of supplying powder material 101 to a printing surface 13a of a table 13 arranged inside a printing tank 14, preheating the supplied powder material 101, and supplying energy to the preheated powder material 101 to obtain a molded object 101S formed by melting and solidifying the powder material 101, and an unmelted portion 101U which is the unmelted powder material 101; and the steps of inserting a cooling shaft 81 into the unmelted portion 101U, and, with the cooling shaft 81 inserted into the unmelted portion 101U, changing the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the printing tank 14 inside the printing tank 14 along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81.

[0068] In the method for cooling the unmelted portion according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the powder material 101 is supplied to the modeling surface 13a of the table 13, preheated, and supplied with energy. As a result, the modeled object 101S (modeling processing portion) and the unmelted portion 101U (modeling unprocessed portion) remain on the modeling surface 13a. Then, in a state where the cooling shaft 81 is inserted into the unmelted portion 101U, the relative positional relationship between the cooling shaft 81 and the modeling surface 13a changes inside the modeling tank 14, so that the unmelted portion 101U is stirred. In this case, since cooling is performed from the depth of the unmelted portion 101U, the cooling efficiency of the unmelted portion 101U is improved. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time. In addition, the unmelted portion 101U is pulverized together with the cooling of the unmelted portion 101U. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time of a process (e.g., blasting process) after the modeled object 101S is removed from the layered modeling apparatus 1. As a result, it is possible to shorten the processing time.

[0069] [Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In implementing the present disclosure, the shape and arrangement of each component may be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the claims.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the layered manufacturing apparatus 1 is described as a rotary layered manufacturing apparatus, but may be a reciprocating coating type layered manufacturing apparatus. In the above embodiment, the energy beam is an electron beam, but is not limited to this. For example, the energy beam may be a laser beam.

[0071] Each element constituting the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 may be replaced with another element capable of performing a required function. For example, an electron gun or a laser generator may be used instead of the heater 62. In this case, the powder material 101 may be preheated by an electron beam or a laser beam.

[0072] The shape of the cooling shaft 81 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. Fig. 9 (a) to (e) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a cooling shaft according to a modified example. The following mainly describes the cooling shaft according to the modified example, focusing on the differences from the cooling shaft 81 of the embodiment.

[0073] Cooling shaft 81A shown in Fig. 9(a) has a tip portion 813. Tip portion 813 is a rectangular plate-shaped member provided continuous with second end 812. A tapered portion 813a is formed at the lower end (tip) of tip portion 813. Tapered portion 813a has a shape that tapers in a direction away from second end 812. When viewed in the axial direction of cooling shaft 81A, the length of tip portion 813 is longer than the diameter of shaft main body 810.

[0074] 9(b) has a tip portion 814. The tip portion 814 is a rod-shaped member that is provided continuously to the second end 812. A tapered portion 814a is formed at the lower end (tip) of the tip portion 814. The tapered portion 814a has a shape that tapers in a direction away from the second end 812.

[0075] A cooling shaft 81C shown in FIG. 9(c) has a tip portion 815. The tip portion 815 is a comb-shaped (for example, horizontal comb-shaped) member provided continuous with the second end 812. A tapered portion 815a is formed at the lower end (tip) of the tip portion 815. The tapered portion 815a has a shape that tapers in a direction away from the second end 812 for each of a plurality of teeth. When viewed in the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81C, the length of the tip portion 815 is longer than the diameter of the shaft body portion 810.

[0076] The cooling shaft 81D shown in FIG. 9(d) has a tip portion 816. The tip portion 816 is a rod-shaped member extending in a spiral shape that is provided continuously with the second end 812. In one example, the side surface of the tip portion 816 may protrude in a spiral shape along the axial direction of the tip portion 816. In another example, a spiral slit may be formed in the side surface of the tip portion 816 along the axial direction of the tip portion 816. A tapered portion 816a is formed at the lower end (tip) of the tip portion 816. The tapered portion 816a has a shape that tapers in a direction away from the second end 812.

[0077] Cooling shaft 81E shown in FIG. 9(e) has a tip portion 817. Tip portion 817 is an arc-shaped member provided continuous with second end 812. For example, tip portion 817 has an S-shape in plan view. A tapered portion 817a is formed at the lower end (tip) of tip portion 817. Tapered portion 817a has a shape that tapers in a direction away from second end 812. When viewed in the axial direction of cooling shaft 81E, the length of tip portion 817 is longer than the diameter of shaft main body 810.

[0078] The rectangular plate-shaped tip 813 is easy to manufacture and has high crushing and stirring performance. The rod-shaped tip 814 imposes a small load on the cooling shaft 81B when crushing the unmelted portion 101U. This reduces the risk of the cooling shaft 81B breaking when crushing and stirring the unmelted portion 101U. The comb-shaped tip 815 has the advantages of both the rectangular plate-shaped tip 813 and the rod-shaped tip 814. The rod-shaped tip 816 extending in a spiral shape promotes stirring of the unmelted portion 101U in the axial direction of the tip 816 with the rotation of the cooling shaft 81D. The arc-shaped tip 817 promotes stirring of the unmelted portion 101U in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81E with the rotation of the cooling shaft 81E. A cooling medium may be supplied to the tips (tips 813 to 817). In this case, the cooling performance for the unmelted portion 101U is improved.

[0079] As described above, the cooling shafts (cooling shafts 81A-81E) may have tip portions (tips 813-817) provided continuously to the second end 812. The tip portions may have tapered portions (tapered portions 813a-817a) tapered toward the direction away from each other. Such cooling shafts are inserted into the inside of the modeling tank 14 from the tapered portions. The tapered portions come into contact with the unmelted portion 101U, so that the force applied to the unmelted portion 101U can be concentrated. As a result, the crushing performance of the cooling shafts with respect to the unmelted portion 101U is improved.

[0080] The cooling mechanism 8 may have tip portions (tips 813, 815, and 817) that have a length longer than the diameter of the shaft main body 810 when viewed from the axial direction of the cooling shafts (cooling shafts 81A, 81C, and 81E). When such a cooling shaft rotates about its axis, the circumference of the path of the tip portion becomes longer than the diameter of the shaft main body 810. In this case, it is possible to further promote stirring of the unmelted portion 101U.

[0081] The configuration of the cooling mechanism 8 is not limited to the example of the embodiment described above. Figures 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a cooling mechanism according to a modified example. The following mainly describes the cooling mechanism according to the modified example, focusing on the parts that are different from the cooling mechanism 8 of the embodiment.

[0082] 10(a) has a positioning unit 83A instead of the positioning unit 83. The positioning unit 83A moves the cooling-shaft movable part 82 in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81 and in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81 and the first direction. That is, the driving method of the positioning unit 83A is an orthogonal coordinate system. The configuration of the cooling mechanism 8A also provides the same effects as the cooling mechanism 8 of the embodiment.

[0083] The cooling mechanism 8B shown in FIG. 10(b) has a vibration device 85 that generates vibrations. For example, the vibration device 85 is a vibration motor. The vibration device 85 is attached to the cooling shaft movable part 82. When the vibration device 85 generates vibrations, the cooling shaft 81 vibrates via the cooling shaft movable part 82. In this case, the vibration of the cooling shaft can improve the crushing performance of the cooling shaft for the unmelted portion. This can further shorten the processing time.

[0084] The cooling mechanism 8C shown in FIG. 10(c) has a rotating shaft 86 that rotates in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81. The rotating shaft 86 is attached to the tip of the cooling shaft 81. The rotating shaft 86 rotates around a central axis 86X perpendicular to the central axis 81X of the cooling shaft 81. The central axis 86X may be along the rotation direction CW of the table 13, for example, or along a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction CW. With such a rotating shaft 86, the unmelted portion 101U that moves with the rotation of the table 13 faces the rotating shaft 86. This makes it possible to promote the pulverization of the unmelted portion 101U in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cooling shaft 81.

[0085] 10(d) has a plurality of cooling shafts as cooling shaft 81 and a plurality of cooling shaft movable parts as cooling shaft movable parts 82. For example, cooling mechanism 8D may have cooling shaft 81C as cooling shaft 81 for grinding and cooling shaft 81E as cooling shaft 81 for stirring. Cooling mechanism 8D may have cooling shaft movable part 82A that holds cooling shaft 81E and cooling shaft movable part 82B that holds cooling shaft 81C as cooling shaft movable parts 82. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the performance of both grinding and stirring.

[0086] [Note] The following is a summary of the present disclosure. [1] a table disposed inside the container-shaped modeling tank and supporting the powder material; a processing unit that supplies the powder material to a modeling surface of the table, preheats the supplied powder material, and supplies energy to the preheated powder material to obtain a modeled object formed by melting and solidifying the powder material, as well as an unmelted portion that is unmelted powder material; and a cooling mechanism including a cooling shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface and to which a cooling medium is supplied, a cooling shaft movable part that holds the cooling shaft and moves the cooling shaft along the axial direction of the cooling shaft, and a positioning part that holds the cooling shaft movable part and moves the cooling shaft movable part in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft; and a control unit that controls at least the cooling mechanism and changes a relative positional relationship between the cooling axis and the modeling tank inside the modeling tank along a direction intersecting an axial direction of the cooling axis. Additive manufacturing equipment. [2] The additive manufacturing apparatus according to [1], wherein the cooling shaft movable part reciprocates the cooling shaft along an axial direction of the cooling shaft. [3] The additive manufacturing apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the cooling shaft movable part rotates the cooling shaft about an axis of the cooling shaft. [4] The additive manufacturing device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the positioning unit moves the cooling shaft movable part to a first position where the tip of the cooling shaft faces the modeling surface, and to a second position where the tip of the cooling shaft does not face the modeling surface. [5] The table is disk-shaped, a drive unit that rotates the table around a central axis of the table, The control unit controls the drive unit to rotate the table in a state where the tip of the cooling shaft is inside the modeling tank. [4] An additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. [6] the positioning unit has a rotating shaft and a connecting unit that connects the rotating shaft and the cooling shaft movable unit, the positioning unit moves the cooling shaft movable part between the first position and the second position by rotating the rotation shaft about an axis line of the rotation shaft. [5] An additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. [7] the cooling shaft has a tip portion provided continuously with a tip of the cooling shaft, The tip portion is formed with a tapered portion tapered in a direction away from the tip of the cooling shaft. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] The additive manufacturing apparatus according to [3], wherein the cooling shaft has a tip portion having a length longer than a diameter of the shaft main body portion when viewed in the axial direction of the cooling shaft. [9] The additive manufacturing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the cooling mechanism includes a vibration device attached to the cooling shaft movable part and configured to generate vibrations.

[10] supplying a powder material to a modeling surface of a table arranged inside a modeling tank, preheating the supplied powder material, and supplying energy to the preheated powder material to obtain a modeled object formed by melting and solidifying the powder material, and an unmelted portion which is the unmelted powder material; a step of moving a cooling shaft to a position where a tip of the cooling shaft faces the unmelted portion in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the cooling shaft that extends along a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface and through which a cooling medium is supplied, and moving the cooling shaft in the axial direction of the cooling shaft to insert the cooling shaft into the unmelted portion; A method for cooling the unmelted part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Additive manufacturing equipment 3 Drive unit 4. Control section 6 Processing section 7. Housing 8,8A,8B,8C,8D Cooling mechanism 13 Tables 14 Modeling tank 15 Rotating Unit 16 Lifting unit 61 Feeder 62 Heater 63 Beam Source 80 areas 81,81A,81B,81C,81D,81E Cooling shaft 82,82A,82B Cooling shaft movable part 83,83A Positioning part 84 Chiller 85 Vibration device 86 Rotational Axis 13a Modeling surface 13b Back 101 Powder materials 810 Shaft body 811 1st end 812 2nd end 813,814,815,816,817 Tip 831 Rotating shaft 832 Connecting part 101S Sculpture 101U Unmelted part 813a, 814a, 815a, 816a, 817a Tapered section

Claims

1. a table disposed inside the container-shaped modeling tank and supporting the powder material; a processing unit that supplies the powder material to a modeling surface of the table, preheats the supplied powder material, and supplies energy to the preheated powder material to obtain a modeled object formed by melting and solidifying the powder material, as well as an unmelted portion that is unmelted powder material; and a cooling mechanism including a cooling shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface and to which a cooling medium is supplied, a cooling shaft movable part that holds the cooling shaft and moves the cooling shaft along the axial direction of the cooling shaft, and a positioning part that holds the cooling shaft movable part and moves the cooling shaft movable part in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cooling shaft; and a control unit that controls at least the cooling mechanism and changes a relative positional relationship between the cooling axis and the modeling tank inside the modeling tank along a direction intersecting an axial direction of the cooling axis. Additive manufacturing equipment.

2. The additive manufacturing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling shaft movable part reciprocates the cooling shaft along an axial direction of the cooling shaft.

3. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling shaft movable part rotates the cooling shaft about an axis of the cooling shaft.

4. The additive manufacturing device according to claim 1 , wherein the positioning unit moves the cooling shaft movable unit to a first position where the tip of the cooling shaft faces the modeling surface and a second position where the tip of the cooling shaft does not face the modeling surface.

5. The table is disk-shaped, a drive unit that rotates the table around a central axis of the table, The control unit controls the drive unit to rotate the table in a state where the tip of the cooling shaft is inside the modeling tank. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. the positioning unit has a rotating shaft and a connecting unit that connects the rotating shaft and the cooling shaft movable unit, the positioning unit moves the cooling shaft movable part between the first position and the second position by rotating the rotation shaft about an axis line of the rotation shaft. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. the cooling shaft has a tip portion provided continuously with a tip of the cooling shaft, The tip portion is formed with a tapered portion tapered in a direction away from the tip of the cooling shaft. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

8. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the cooling shaft has a tip portion having a length longer than a diameter of a shaft body portion when viewed in an axial direction of the cooling shaft.

9. The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling mechanism includes a vibration device attached to the cooling shaft movable part and configured to generate vibrations.

10. supplying a powder material to a modeling surface of a table arranged inside a modeling tank, preheating the supplied powder material, and supplying energy to the preheated powder material to obtain a modeled object formed by melting and solidifying the powder material, and an unmelted portion which is the unmelted powder material; a step of moving a cooling shaft to a position where a tip of the cooling shaft faces the unmelted portion in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the cooling shaft that extends along a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface and through which a cooling medium is supplied, and moving the cooling shaft in the axial direction of the cooling shaft to insert the cooling shaft into the unmelted portion; A method for cooling the unmelted part.

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