Method for manufacturing three-dimensional shaped object

Abstract

To provide a technology that reduces variations in strength in the layering direction of three-dimensional shaped objects when simultaneously forming multiple three-dimensional shaped objects.SOLUTION: A forming surface of a stage comprises a first region and a second region. The temperature of space between the first region and a discharge section is higher than the temperature of space between the second region and the discharge section. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object comprises: a first step of acquiring shape data representing the shape of the three-dimensional shaped object; a second step of placing a plurality of pieces of shape data on a virtual forming surface; a third step of generating forming data for forming a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects based on the placed shape data; and a fourth step of forming the plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects based on the forming data. The step 2 includes at least one of a step of preferentially placing the multiple pieces of shape data in a virtual first region and a step of placing the multiple pieces of shape data on the virtual forming surface such that the spacing between the multiple pieces of shape data is within a predetermined spacing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for creating a three-dimensional object by extruding molten thermoplastic material onto a base from an extrusion nozzle that scans according to preset shape data, and then layering more molten material on top of the hardened material on the base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-192710 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When multiple three-dimensional objects are simultaneously manufactured by stacking layers on a stage, a technology is desired that can reduce variations in strength of the multiple three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object. This method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit to build layers on a modeling surface of a stage, the stage having a stage heater for heating the stage, the modeling surface having a first region and a second region, the temperature of the space between the first region and the discharging unit being higher than the temperature of the space between the second region and the discharging unit, and the method includes a first step of acquiring shape data representing the shapes of the three-dimensional objects, a second step of arranging the shape data on a virtual modeling surface based on predetermined conditions, a third step of generating modeling data for building the three-dimensional objects based on the arranged shape data, and a fourth step of building the three-dimensional objects based on the modeling data, the second step including at least one of a step of preferentially arranging the shape data in the virtual first region and a step of arranging the shape data on the virtual modeling surface so that the spacing between the shape data is within a predetermined spacing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a screw. [Figure 4] Schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 5] View of the heating section from the +Z direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating how a three-dimensional object is formed in the three-dimensional printing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a region of a printing surface. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a forming process. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which shape data is arranged in a virtual first area. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a region of a printing surface in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a region of a printing surface in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a region of a printing surface in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A. First embodiment: 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system 100 according to a first embodiment. Arrows representing mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The X and Y directions are parallel to a horizontal plane. The Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the X, Y, and Z directions in other figures indicate the same directions. When specifying a direction, positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction indicated by the arrow, with "+" indicating the positive direction and "-" indicating the negative direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0008] The three-dimensional printing system 100 includes a three-dimensional printing device 200 and an information processing device 400. The three-dimensional printing device 200 of this embodiment is a device that prints a three-dimensional object by a material extrusion method. The three-dimensional printing device 200 includes a control unit 70 that controls each unit of the three-dimensional printing device 200. The control unit 70 and the information processing device 400 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0009] The control unit 70 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 200. The control unit 70 is configured by a computer equipped with one or more processors, a memory, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The control unit 70 performs various functions, such as executing a printing process for printing a three-dimensional object, by the processor executing programs and instructions loaded onto the main memory. Note that instead of being configured by a computer, the control unit 70 may be realized by a configuration combining multiple circuits for realizing at least some of the functions.

[0010] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 further includes a modeling unit 10, a stage 20, a position changing unit 30, a heating unit 40, a nozzle moving unit 50, and a temperature measuring unit 60.

[0011] Under the control of the control unit 70, the modeling unit 10 plasticizes a solid material to form a paste-like modeling material, and discharges the plasticized material onto a stage 20, which serves as a base for a three-dimensional object. The modeling unit 10 includes a material supply unit 11, a plasticizing unit 12, and a discharging unit 13. The modeling unit 10 is also referred to as a head.

[0012] The three-dimensional modeling device 200 includes a first modeling unit 10a and a second modeling unit 10b as the modeling unit 10. The first modeling unit 10a includes a first material supply unit 11a as the material supply unit 11, a first plasticizing unit 12a as the plasticizing unit 12, and a first discharging unit 13a as the discharging unit 13. The second modeling unit 10b includes a second material supply unit 11b as the material supply unit 11, a second plasticizing unit 12b as the plasticizing unit 12, and a second discharging unit 13b as the discharging unit 13. The first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b are arranged side by side in the X direction so that their positions in the Y direction are the same. The second modeling unit 10b is arranged in a position in the +X direction from the first modeling unit 10a. The first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b have the same configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they may be simply referred to as modeling units 10. Furthermore, the nozzle 151 included in the first discharge unit 13a will also be referred to as the first nozzle 151a, and the nozzle 151 included in the second discharge unit 13b will also be referred to as the second nozzle 151b.

[0013] The material supply unit 11 supplies material for generating the modeling material to the plasticizing unit 12. The material supply unit 11 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material supply unit 11 stores pelletized or powdered material. For example, thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), and polyacetal resin (POM) are used as the material. A communication passage 15 that connects the material supply unit 11 and the plasticizing unit 12 is provided below the material supply unit 11. The material supply unit 11 supplies material to the plasticizing unit 12 via the communication passage 15.

[0014] The plasticizing unit 12 plasticizes at least a portion of the material supplied from the material supply unit 11 to generate a fluid, paste-like modeling material, which is then guided to the discharge unit 13. Here, "plasticization" is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a material from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, in the case of a material that undergoes glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. In the case of a material that does not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point. The plasticizing unit 12 includes a screw 110, a screw case 120, a drive motor 130, and a barrel 140.

[0015] The screw 110 is housed in a screw case 120. The upper surface side of the screw 110 is connected to a drive motor 130. The screw 110 rotates in the screw case 120 by the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 130. The axial direction of the rotation axis RX of the screw 110 is along the Z direction. The rotation speed of the screw 110 is controlled by the control unit 70 controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor 130. The screw 110 may be driven by the drive motor 130 via a reducer. The screw 110 is also called a rotor or a flat screw.

[0016] The barrel 140 is installed on the -Z direction side of the screw 110. An opposing surface 141, which is the upper surface of the barrel 140, faces a groove forming surface 111, which is the lower surface of the screw 110. A communication hole 142, which communicates with a flow path 153 of the discharge section 13, is formed in the center of the barrel 140. A plasticizing heater 144 is provided inside the barrel 140. The temperature of the plasticizing heater 144 is controlled by the control section 70.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the screw 110. The screw 110 has a generally cylindrical shape whose length in the direction along the rotation axis RX is shorter than its length in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RX. A spiral groove 113 is formed on the groove-forming surface 111, centered on a central portion 112. The groove 113 communicates with a material inlet 114 formed on the side surface of the screw 110. Material supplied from the material supply unit 11 is supplied to the groove 113 through the material inlet 114. The grooves 113 are formed by being separated by ridge portions 115. FIG. 3 shows an example in which three grooves 113 are formed, but the number of grooves 113 may be one or more. Note that the groove 113 is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be a spiral shape or an involute curve shape, or may have a shape extending in an arc from the central portion 112 to the outer periphery.

[0018] 4 is a schematic plan view of barrel 140. A plurality of guide grooves 143 are formed around communicating hole 142 in opposing surface 141. One end of each guide groove 143 is connected to communicating hole 142, and extends in a spiral shape from communicating hole 142 toward the outer periphery of opposing surface 141. Note that one end of guide groove 143 does not have to be connected to communicating hole 142. Furthermore, barrel 140 does not necessarily have to have guide grooves 143 formed therein.

[0019] The material supplied to the grooves 113 of the screw 110 is plasticized within the grooves 113 by the rotation of the screw 110 and the heat of the plasticizing heater 144, while flowing along the grooves 113 and being guided to the center portion 112 of the screw 110 as a modeling material. The pasty modeling material that has flowed into the center portion 112 and exhibits fluidity is supplied to the discharge portion 13 via the communication holes 142. Note that not all types of substances that make up the modeling material need to be plasticized in the plasticizing portion 12. It is sufficient that the modeling material is converted into a fluid state as a whole by plasticizing at least some of the types of substances that make up the modeling material.

[0020] The discharge unit 13 discharges the modeling material and includes a nozzle 151, a flow path 153, a discharge adjustment unit 154, and a suction unit 155.

[0021] The nozzle 151 is connected to the communication hole 142 of the barrel 140 through a flow path 153. The nozzle 151 discharges the modeling material produced in the plasticizing unit 12 from a nozzle opening 152 at the tip of the nozzle 151 toward the stage 20.

[0022] The discharge adjustment unit 154 adjusts the opening area of ​​the flow path 153. In this embodiment, the discharge adjustment unit 154 is configured by a butterfly valve. The butterfly valve is also called a valve. The butterfly valve is provided on a machined portion of a drive shaft. The drive shaft is provided so that the butterfly valve is located at the intersection of the drive shaft and the flow path 153. The butterfly valve is rotatably disposed within the flow path 153. The shape of the butterfly valve may be, for example, a plate shape or a hemispherical shape, as long as it rotates within the flow path 153 to adjust the opening area of ​​the flow path 153. The discharge adjustment unit 154 is controlled by the control unit 70. The control unit 70 controls the rotation angle of the butterfly valve to adjust the flow rate of the modeling material flowing from the plasticizing unit 12 to the nozzle 151, i.e., the flow rate of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 151. The discharge adjustment unit 154 adjusts the flow rate of the modeling material and controls the on / off of the outflow of the modeling material.

[0023] The suction unit 155 is connected between the discharge adjustment unit 154 and the nozzle opening 152 in the flow path 153. When the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 151 stops, the suction unit 155 temporarily sucks the modeling material in the flow path 153, thereby suppressing the tailing phenomenon in which the modeling material hangs like a string from the nozzle opening 152. The suction unit 155 is composed of a plunger. The suction unit 155 is controlled by the control unit 70.

[0024] The stage 20 is disposed at a position facing the nozzle opening 152 of the nozzle 151. The three-dimensional modeling device 200 forms a three-dimensional object by ejecting a modeling material from the nozzle 151 onto a modeling surface 21, which is the upper surface of the stage 20, and stacking layers. The stage 20 is equipped with a stage heater 22 to prevent the modeling material ejected onto the stage 20 from cooling suddenly. The stage heater 22 heats the stage 20 so that the temperature of the modeling surface 21 remains constant regardless of its horizontal position. The temperature of the stage heater 22 is controlled by the control unit 70.

[0025] The position changer 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 changes the relative position between the nozzle 151 and the stage 20. In this embodiment, the position changer 30 changes the relative position between the nozzle 151 and the stage 20 by moving the modeling unit 10 along the stacking direction and by moving the stage 20 in a direction intersecting the stacking direction. Specifically, the position changer 30 in this embodiment changes the relative position between the nozzle 151 and the stage 20 in the Z direction by moving the modeling unit 10 along the Z direction, and changes the relative position between the nozzle 151 and the stage 20 in the X direction and the Y direction by moving the stage 20 in the X direction and the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the position changer 30 includes a first electric actuator 31 that moves the stage 20 along the X direction, a second electric actuator 32 that moves the stage 20 and the first electric actuator 31 along the Y direction, and a third electric actuator 33 that moves the modeling unit 10 along the Z direction. The third electric actuator 33 moves the movable part 41, to which the first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b are fixed, along the Z direction, thereby moving the first modeling unit 10a and the second modeling unit 10b along the Z direction. Note that the third electric actuator 33 and the movable part 41 are omitted from FIG. 2.

[0026] The first electric actuator 31, the second electric actuator 32, and the third electric actuator 33 described above are driven under the control of the control unit 70. Note that the position change unit 30 may, for example, move the stage 20 in the Z direction and move the modeling unit 10 along the X and Y directions, or may move the stage 20 in the X, Y, and Z directions without moving the modeling unit 10, or may move the modeling unit 10 in the X, Y, and Z directions without moving the stage 20.

[0027] The heating unit 40 heats the modeling material deposited on the stage 20. The heating unit 40 is arranged on the discharge unit 13 side of the stage 20, i.e., on the +Z direction side. The heating unit 40 is plate-shaped and has a heater, and is fixed to a movable unit 41. The heating unit 40 is moved in the Z direction together with the modeling unit 10 by a third electric actuator 33. That is, the heating unit 40 moves in conjunction with the discharge unit 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 40 has an opening 42 that penetrates it in the Z direction. When the nozzle 151 is discharging the modeling material to model a three-dimensional object, the nozzle 151 is located inside the opening 42, and the tip of the nozzle 151 is located between the heating unit 40 and the stage 20 in the Z direction.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a view of the heating unit 40 from the +Z direction. The heating unit 40 has a first heating region 45 and a second heating region 46. The first heating region 45 is a region located at the center of the heating unit 40 in a planar view. In this specification, "planar view" refers to a state in which the object is viewed along the stacking direction. In this embodiment, the stacking direction is the Z direction. In other words, "planar view" refers to a state in which the object is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the build surface 21. The opening 42 is provided in the first heating region 45. In this embodiment, the first heating region 45 has a rectangular shape in a planar view. The second heating region 46 is a region surrounding the first heating region 45 in a planar view. The first heating region 45 and the second heating region 46 are each provided with independent heaters. The temperature of the heater in the first heating region 45 and the temperature of the heater in the second heating region 46 are controlled by the control unit 70. The control unit 70 sets the heater setting temperature of the first heating region 45 and the heater setting temperature of the second heating region 46 to the same temperature. Because the second heating region 46 is located on the periphery of the heating unit 40, its temperature is likely to drop. The control unit 70 increases the heater output of the second heating region 46 to maintain the temperature of the second heating region 46. Therefore, even if the heater setting temperatures of the first heating region 45 and the second heating region 46 are the same, the temperature of the space between the second heating region 46 and the stage 20 will be higher than the temperature of the space between the first heating region 45 and the stage 20. In other words, the second heating region 46 is a region that consumes more energy to heat the heating unit 40 than the first heating region 45. The shape of the first heating region 45 does not have to be rectangular in plan view; for example, it may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal in plan view.

[0029] 2 is provided on the surface of the heating unit 40 on the −Z direction side so as to be located between the two openings 42. The temperature measuring unit 60 is, for example, a temperature sensor. The temperature measuring unit 60 measures the temperature of the layers stacked on the stage 20 and the temperature of a columnar object (described later) formed on the stage 20.

[0030] The nozzle movement unit 50 shown in FIG. 1 changes the relative position between the nozzle 151 and the heating unit 40. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 is provided with two nozzle movement units 50, one for the first modeling unit 10a and the other for the second modeling unit 10b. Each nozzle movement unit 50 is fixed to the movable unit 41 and moved in the Z direction together with the heating unit 40 by a third electric actuator 33. The nozzle movement unit 50 is configured as, for example, an electric actuator and is driven under the control of the control unit 70. The nozzle movement unit 50 changes the relative position between the nozzle 151 and the heating unit 40 by moving the modeling unit 10 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, one nozzle movement unit 50 moves the first modeling unit 10a in the Z direction, and the other nozzle movement unit 50 moves the second modeling unit 10b in the Z direction. Each nozzle movement unit 50 is individually controlled by the control unit 70. In other embodiments, the nozzle moving unit 50 may move, for example, only the discharge unit 13 in the Z direction, rather than the entire modeling unit 10. Note that the nozzle moving unit 50 is omitted in FIG.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating how a three-dimensional object is formed in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 200. As described above, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 200, the plasticizing unit 12 plasticizes the solid material supplied to the grooves 113 of the rotating screw 110 to generate the printing material MM. The control unit 70 controls the position changing unit 30 to change the position of the nozzle 151 relative to the stage 20 in a direction along the printing surface 21 of the stage 20 while maintaining the distance between the nozzle 151 and the printing surface 21 on the stage 20, thereby discharging the printing material MM from the nozzle 151. The printing material MM discharged from the nozzle 151 is continuously deposited in the direction of movement of the nozzle 151, forming a layer ML. After forming one layer ML, the control unit 70 raises the printing unit 10 and moves the position of the nozzle 151 relative to the stage 20 in the +Z direction. Then, a three-dimensional object is formed by stacking further layers ML on the layers ML that have been formed so far.

[0032] The control unit 70 may temporarily suspend the discharge of the modeling material MM from the nozzle 151, for example, when the nozzle 151 moves in the Z direction after completing the formation of one layer ML, or when each layer ML has multiple independent modeling regions. In this case, the control unit 70 closes the flow path 153 using the discharge adjustment unit 154 to stop the discharge of the modeling material MM from the nozzle opening 152, and temporarily sucks the modeling material MM from the nozzle 151 using the suction unit 155. After changing the position of the nozzle 151, the control unit 70 opens the flow path 153 using the discharge adjustment unit 154 while discharging the modeling material MM from the suction unit 155, thereby restarting the deposition of the modeling material MM from the new position of the nozzle 151.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the regions of the printing surface 21. The printing surface 21 has a first region 25 and a second region 26. In this embodiment, the first region 25 is a region located at the center of the printing surface 21 in a planar view, and the second region 26 is a region surrounding the first region 25 in a planar view. In other words, the second region 26 is a region closer to the outer periphery of the stage 20 than the first region 25 in a planar view. Therefore, the temperature of the space between the second region 26 and the discharge unit 13 is likely to decrease. Therefore, the temperature of the space between the first region 25 and the discharge unit 13 is higher than the temperature of the space between the second region 26 and the discharge unit 13. Furthermore, because the heating unit 40 moves in conjunction with the discharge unit 13, the relative positions of the stage 20 and the heating unit 40 change during the printing of a three-dimensional object. In the second region 26 located on the outer periphery of the modeling surface 21, the temperature of the space between the modeling surface 21 and the discharge section 13 is more likely to change than in the first region 25 due to changes in the relative positions of the stage 20 and the heating section 40.

[0034] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device 400. The information processing device 400 is configured as a computer in which a CPU 410, a memory 420, a storage device 430, a communication interface 440, and an input / output interface 450 are interconnected via a bus 460. An input device 470 such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a display device 480 such as a liquid crystal display are connected to the input / output interface 450. The information processing device 400 is connected to the control unit 70 of the three-dimensional printing device 200 via the communication interface 440.

[0035] The CPU 410 executes the programs stored in the storage device 430 to function as a shape data acquisition unit 411, a priority reception unit 412, a shape data placement unit 413, and a modeling data generation unit 414.

[0036] The shape data acquisition unit 411 acquires shape data representing the shapes of a plurality of three-dimensional objects. The shape data is data representing the shapes of three-dimensional objects created using three-dimensional CAD software, three-dimensional CG software, etc. As the shape data, data in STL format, AMF format, etc. can be used, for example.

[0037] The priority receiving unit 412 receives the priorities of a plurality of shape data.

[0038] The shape data placement unit 413 places a plurality of shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 based on predetermined conditions. Here, the virtual printing surface 21 means the printing surface 21 in the data.

[0039] The modeling data generation unit 414 generates modeling data for forming a plurality of three-dimensional objects based on a plurality of pieces of shape data arranged on the virtual modeling surface 21.

[0040] 9 is a flowchart of the modeling process executed by the information processing device 400 and the three-dimensional modeling device 200. The modeling process is executed to realize a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object. The processes from step S10 to step S50 are executed by the information processing device 400, and the processes from step S60 to step S70 are executed by the three-dimensional modeling device 200.

[0041] In step S10, the shape data acquisition unit 411 acquires multiple pieces of shape data from another computer, a recording medium, or the storage device 430. The shapes of the 3D objects corresponding to the respective shape data may be different from each other, may be partially the same, or may be entirely the same. Step S10 is also referred to as the first step.

[0042] In step S20, the priority receiving unit 412 receives the priorities of multiple shape data. Specifically, the priority receiving unit 412 receives the priority of each shape data input by the user to the information processing device 400 via the input device 470. For example, if seven shape data are acquired in step S10, the user assigns a priority from 1 to 7 to each shape data and inputs the priority of each shape data to the information processing device 400. Step S20 is also referred to as a fifth step.

[0043] In step S30, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges the shape data acquired in step S10 on the virtual printing surface 21 based on predetermined conditions. Step S30 includes steps S31 and S32. Step S30 is also referred to as a second process.

[0044] In step S31, the shape data placement unit 413 places multiple pieces of shape data preferentially in the virtual first region 25. That is, the shape data placement unit 413 places the shape data on the printing surface 21 so that most of the shape data is placed in the virtual first region 25. It is preferable that the shape data placement unit 413 places more than half of the shape data acquired in step S10 in the virtual first region 25. For example, if seven pieces of shape data are acquired in step S10, the shape data placement unit 413 places four to seven pieces of shape data in the virtual first region 25, and places the remaining shape data in the virtual second region 26.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, if it is possible to print three-dimensional objects corresponding to all of the shape data even when all of the shape data are placed in the virtual first area 25, the shape data placement unit 413 places all of the shape data in the virtual first area 25. If it is impossible to print a three-dimensional object corresponding to at least one of the shape data when all of the shape data are placed in the virtual first area 25, the shape data placement unit 413 places as many shape data as can be printed in the first area 25, and places the remaining shape data in the virtual second area 26. Here, "it is possible to print three-dimensional objects corresponding to the shape data" means that the shape data do not overlap with each other and each three-dimensional object can be printed independently. "It is impossible to print three-dimensional objects corresponding to the shape data" means that the shape data overlap with each other and each three-dimensional object cannot be printed independently. Here, "shape data overlap" means that when three-dimensional objects are actually printed at positions corresponding to multiple shape data placed on the virtual printing surface 21, the three-dimensional objects are printed as a single unit. FIG. 10 shows a state in which seven pieces of shape data D1 are arranged in a virtual first area 25.

[0046] In step S31, the shape data placement unit 413 places shape data with a higher priority in the virtual first area 25. For example, if seven pieces of shape data are acquired in step S10, the shape data placement unit 413 places the shape data with priorities 1 to 5 in the virtual first area 25, and the shape data with priorities 6 and 7 in the virtual second area 26.

[0047] In step S32, the shape data placement unit 413 places the plurality of shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 so that the spacing between the plurality of shape data is within a predetermined spacing. Here, the spacing between the shape data means the distance between the shape data in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The predetermined spacing is preferably equal to or less than the maximum width of the shape data in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, for example. Furthermore, the shape data placement unit 413 places the shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 so that the shape data with the highest priority is located in the center of the plurality of shape data.

[0048] In step S30, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges, in the virtual second region 26, the columnar object data, which represents the shape of a columnar object to be formed simultaneously with the three-dimensional object. The shape of the columnar object may be, for example, a rectangular prism or a cylinder. FIG. 10 shows the columnar object data D2 arranged in the virtual second region 26. The columnar object is formed in the three-dimensional object formation process by discharging a modeling material from the nozzle 151 onto a specific region on the modeling surface 21 after the n-th layer (n is a natural number) of the three-dimensional object is stacked, but before the n+1-th layer of the three-dimensional object is stacked. The specific region is located in the second region 26. The columnar object is formed by discharging the modeling material from the nozzle 151 onto the specific region when switching between discharging the modeling material from the first discharging unit 13a and the second discharging unit 13b. In this specification, the pillar-shaped object is also referred to as a prime pillar.

[0049] In step S40, the modeling data generation unit 414 generates slice data. The slice data refers to data representing the shape of the three-dimensional object sliced ​​into multiple layers. More specifically, the modeling data generation unit 414 generates the slice data by slicing the shape of the three-dimensional object represented in the shape data into multiple layers along the XY plane.

[0050] In step S50, the modeling data generation unit 414 generates modeling data based on the slice data and modeling conditions. The modeling data includes path data and discharge amount information associated with the path data. The path data is data that represents a movement path, which is a path along which the nozzle 151 moves while discharging the modeling material, using multiple partial paths. The partial paths are linear paths and are represented, for example, using the start point and end point of the partial path. The discharge amount information is information that represents the discharge amount of the modeling material on each partial path. The modeling data is represented, for example, by G-code. Step S50 is also referred to as the third step.

[0051] In step S60, the control unit 70 of the three-dimensional modeling device 200 acquires modeling data from the information processing device 400.

[0052] In step S70, the control unit 70 controls the first discharge unit 13a, the second discharge unit 13b, and the position changing unit 30 in accordance with the modeling data acquired from the information processing device 400 to discharge the modeling material from the nozzle 151, thereby forming a plurality of three-dimensional objects on the modeling surface 21 of the stage 20. Step S70 is also referred to as a fourth step. The modeling process is executed as described above.

[0053] According to the first embodiment described above, the shape data arrangement unit 413 preferentially arranges the plurality of shape data in the virtual first region 25, and the 3D printing device 200 prints the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the printing data generated based on the plurality of shape data arranged on the virtual printing surface 21. The temperature of the space between the first region 25 and the discharge unit 13 is higher than the temperature of the space between the second region 26 and the discharge unit 13. Therefore, by printing many 3D objects in the first region 25, it is possible to reduce the variation in strength of the plurality of 3D objects in the stacking direction compared to printing the plurality of 3D objects dispersedly between the first region 25 and the second region 26. Furthermore, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges the plurality of shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 so that the spacing between the plurality of shape data is within a predetermined spacing, and the 3D printing device 200 prints the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the printing data generated based on the plurality of shape data arranged on the virtual printing surface 21. By arranging the shape data as described above, multiple three-dimensional objects are formed within a specific area on the printing surface 21. Therefore, compared to when multiple three-dimensional objects are distributed across the entire printing surface 21, there is less variation in temperature in the space between the stage 20 and the discharge unit 13 within the area where the three-dimensional objects are formed, which reduces variation in strength in the stacking direction of the multiple three-dimensional objects formed. Furthermore, by forming many three-dimensional objects in the first region 25 where the temperature of the space between the stage 20 and the discharge unit 13 is high, the strength of the three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction can be improved.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape data arrangement unit 413 preferentially arranges shape data with high priority in the virtual first region 25. This can improve the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional object corresponding to the shape data with high priority.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape data placement unit 413 places the shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 so that the shape data with the highest priority is located in the center of the plurality of shape data. Therefore, the shape data with the lowest priority is placed closer to the second region 26 than the shape data with the highest priority. This improves the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional object corresponding to the shape data with the highest priority.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second region 26 is closer to the outer periphery of the stage 20 than the first region 25 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the printing surface 21. Therefore, by printing multiple three-dimensional objects in the central region of the stage 20, it is possible to reduce the variation in strength of the multiple three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape data placement unit 413 places the columnar object data in the virtual second region 26. Therefore, more three-dimensional objects can be printed in the first region 25 than when columnar objects are printed in the first region 25.

[0058] B. Second embodiment: In the second embodiment, the area of ​​the printing surface 21 is different from that in the first embodiment. The configuration of each part of the three-dimensional printing system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0059] 11 is a diagram illustrating the regions of the printing surface 21b in the second embodiment. The printing surface 21b has a first region 25b, a second region 26b, and a third region 27. The third region 27 is a region that surrounds the second region 26b when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the printing surface 21b. The temperature of the space between the third region 27 and the discharge unit 13 is lower than the temperature of the space between the second region 26b and the discharge unit 13.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges multiple shape data items on the printing surface 21b with priority in the first virtual region 25b, the second virtual region 26b, and the third virtual region 27. That is, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges the shape data items on the printing surface 21b so that most of the shape data items are arranged in the first virtual region 25b. For example, if it is possible to print three-dimensional objects corresponding to all of the shape data items even if all of the shape data items are arranged in the first virtual region 25b, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges all of the shape data items in the first virtual region 25b. If it is impossible to print a three-dimensional object corresponding to at least one of the shape data items if all of the shape data items are arranged in the first virtual region 25b, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges as many shape data items as can be printed in the first virtual region 25b, and arranges the remaining shape data items in the second virtual region 26b. Furthermore, if it is impossible to form a three-dimensional object corresponding to at least one of the shape data when all of the shape data is placed in the virtual first region 25b or the second region 26b, the shape data placement unit 413 places the shape data in the virtual first region 25b and the virtual second region 26b in the number of shape data that can be formed in the first region 25b and the second region 26b, and places the remaining shape data in the virtual third region 27.

[0061] According to the second embodiment described above, the temperature of the space between the first region 25b and the discharge unit 13 is higher than the temperature of the space between the second region 26b and the discharge unit 13, and the temperature of the space between the second region 26b and the discharge unit 13 is higher than the temperature of the space between the third region 27 and the discharge unit 13. Therefore, by forming many three-dimensional objects in the first region 25b and the second region 26b, it is possible to reduce the variation in strength of the multiple three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction compared to when the multiple three-dimensional objects are formed in a dispersed manner among the first region 25b, the second region 26b, and the third region 27. Furthermore, by forming many three-dimensional objects in the first region 25b, it is possible to reduce the variation in strength of the multiple three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction compared to when the multiple three-dimensional objects are formed in a dispersed manner among the first region 25b and the second region 26b.

[0062] C. Third embodiment: 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a 3D printing system 100c according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the 3D printing system 100c includes a housing 500. All components of the 3D printing device 200 except for the control unit 70 are housed within the housing 500. An openable and closable door 510 is provided on the side of the housing 500. A 3D object is printed within the housing 500 and is removed from the door 510 after printing is complete.

[0063] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the regions of the printing surface 21c in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the first region 25c is a region located farther from the door 510 than the second region 26c. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the door 510 is located on the +X direction side of the printing surface 21c. The first region 25c is a region on the −X direction side of the printing surface 21c, and the second region 26c is a region on the +X direction side of the first region 25c. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 13, the shapes of the first region 25c and the second region 26c are rectangular, but the shapes of the first region 25c and the second region 26c are not limited to rectangular and may be elliptical or polygonal.

[0064] According to the third embodiment described above, many three-dimensional objects are formed in the first region 25c, which is farther from the door 510 than the second region 26c. Because the second region 26c is closer to the door 510 than the first region 25c, the temperature of the space between the stage 20 and the discharge unit 13 is likely to decrease when the door 510 is opened or closed, or when outside air flows into the housing 500 through gaps in the door 510. Therefore, by forming many three-dimensional objects in the first region 25c, it is possible to reduce the variation in strength of the multiple three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction compared to when multiple three-dimensional objects are distributed between the first region 25c and the second region 26c. Furthermore, by forming many three-dimensional objects in the first region 25c, it is possible to improve the strength of the three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction.

[0065] D. Fourth embodiment: In the fourth embodiment, the area of ​​the printing surface 21d is different from that in the first embodiment. The configuration of each part of the three-dimensional printing system 100 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0066] 14 is a diagram illustrating regions of the printing surface 21d in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the second region 26d is a region closer to the columnar object, and the first region 25d is a region farther from the columnar object than the second region 26d. In the fourth embodiment, the shape data placement unit 413 places the columnar object data D2 on the virtual printing surface 21d in step S30 of the printing process shown in FIG. 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the columnar object data D2 is placed on the +X direction side and the −Y direction side of the printing surface 21d, the second region 26d is a region on the +X direction side and the −Y direction side of the printing surface 21d, and the first region 25d is a region of the printing surface 21d excluding the second region 26d.

[0067] The temperature of the space between the second heating region 46 and the stage 20 is higher than the temperature of the space between the first heating region 45 and the stage 20. While the columnar object is being formed, the discharging unit 13 is located on the +Z direction side of the second region 26d where the columnar object is to be formed, and therefore the first heating region 45 is located on the +Z direction side of the second region 26d. At this time, the second heating region 46 is located on the +Z direction side of the first region 25d. Therefore, the temperature of the space between the first region 25d and the discharging unit 13 is higher than the temperature of the space between the second region 26d and the discharging unit 13.

[0068] According to the fourth embodiment described above, many three-dimensional objects are formed in the first region 25d, which is a region far from the columnar object. For the reasons described above, the temperature of the space between the first region 25d and the discharge unit 13 is higher than the temperature of the space between the second region 26d and the discharge unit 13. In other words, the temperature of the space between the stage 20 and the discharge unit 13 in the first region 25d is higher than the temperature of the space between the stage 20 and the discharge unit 13 in the second region 26d. Therefore, by forming many three-dimensional objects in the first region 25d, the strength of the three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction can be improved. Furthermore, the variation in strength of the multiple three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction can be reduced compared to when multiple three-dimensional objects are formed in a dispersed manner in the first region 25d and the second region 26d.

[0069] E. Other Embodiments: (E-1) In the above-described embodiments, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 includes the heating unit 40. In contrast, in the first, second, and third embodiments, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 does not necessarily include the heating unit 40.

[0070] (E-2) In the first, second, and third embodiments, the shape data placement unit 413 places the columnar object data in the virtual second region 26. In contrast, the shape data placement unit 413 does not have to place the columnar object data in the virtual second region 26. In other words, the shape data placement unit 413 may place the columnar object data in the virtual first region 25, or may not place the columnar object data on the virtual printing surface 21.

[0071] (E-3) In the above embodiment, in step S31 of the formation processing, the shape data arrangement unit 413 preferentially arranges data with high priority in the virtual first region 25. In contrast, the shape data arrangement unit 413 does not have to preferentially arrange data with high priority in the virtual first region 25.

[0072] (E-4) In the above embodiment, in step S32 of the printing process, the shape data arrangement unit 413 arranges the shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 so that the shape data with the highest priority is located in the center of the multiple pieces of shape data. In contrast, the shape data arrangement unit 413 does not have to arrange the shape data on the virtual printing surface 21 so that the shape data with the highest priority is located in the center of the multiple pieces of shape data.

[0073] (E-5) In the above embodiment, the information processing device 400 includes the priority receiving unit 412. In contrast, the information processing device 400 does not have to include the priority receiving unit 412. That is, step S20 of the formation processing shown in FIG. 9 does not have to be executed.

[0074] (E-6) The printing surface 21 may have a first region 25 and a second region 26, and the positions of the first region 25 and the second region 26 on the printing surface 21 may be different from those described in the above embodiment.

[0075] F. Other Forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0076] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object. This method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit to build layers on a modeling surface of a stage, the stage having a stage heater for heating the stage, the modeling surface having a first region and a second region, the temperature of the space between the first region and the discharging unit being higher than the temperature of the space between the second region and the discharging unit, and the method includes a first step of acquiring shape data representing the shapes of the three-dimensional objects, a second step of arranging the shape data on a virtual modeling surface based on predetermined conditions, a third step of generating modeling data for building the three-dimensional objects based on the arranged shape data, and a fourth step of building the three-dimensional objects based on the modeling data, the second step including at least one of a step of preferentially arranging the shape data in the virtual first region and a step of arranging the shape data on the virtual modeling surface so that the spacing between the shape data is within a predetermined spacing. According to this embodiment, when a plurality of three-dimensional objects are simultaneously manufactured, it is possible to reduce variations in strength of the plurality of three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction.

[0077] (2) In the above aspect, the second region may be closer to the outer periphery of the stage than the first region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface. According to this aspect, by forming a plurality of three-dimensional objects in the first region at the center of the stage, it is possible to reduce variations in strength of the plurality of three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction.

[0078] (3) In the above embodiment, the printing surface has a third region, the temperature of the space between the third region and the ejection section is lower than the temperature of the space between the second region and the ejection section, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the printing surface, the first region is a central region of the printing surface, the second region is a region surrounding the first region, and the third region is a region surrounding the second region, and in the second step, the multiple shape data may be preferentially arranged in the order of virtual first region, virtual second region, and virtual third region. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the variation in strength of the plurality of three-dimensional objects in the stacking direction, compared to when the plurality of three-dimensional objects are formed by distributing them among the first region, the second region, and the third region.

[0079] (4) In the above aspect, the first area may be located farther from a door provided in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including the discharge unit and the stage than the second area. According to this embodiment, the temperature of the space between the first region and the discharge section is less likely to drop than the temperature of the space between the second region and the discharge section, and therefore, by forming the three-dimensional object preferentially in the first region, the strength of the three-dimensional object in the stacking direction can be improved.

[0080] (5) In the above aspect, in the second step, data of a columnar object that represents the shape of a columnar object to be formed simultaneously with the three-dimensional object may be placed in the virtual second area. According to this embodiment, more three-dimensional objects can be formed in the first area than when a columnar object is formed in the first area.

[0081] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the three-dimensional printing device including the discharge unit and the stage may include a plate-shaped heating unit that is disposed on the discharge unit side of the stage and moves in conjunction with the discharge unit, the heating unit having a first heating region that is a central region of the heating unit when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the printing surface and that has an opening, and a second heating region that is a region surrounding the first heating region, the temperature of the space between the second heating region and the stage being higher than the temperature of the space between the first heating region and the stage, the discharge unit having a nozzle that is located inside the opening at least during printing of the three-dimensional object, and in the second step, columnar object data representing the shape of a columnar object to be printed simultaneously with the three-dimensional object may be placed on the virtual printing surface, and the first region may be a region farther from the columnar object than the second region. According to this aspect, while the columnar object is being formed, the first heating region is located on the discharge unit side of the second region, and the second heating region is located on the discharge unit side of the first region, so the temperature of the space between the stage and the discharge unit is higher in the first region than in the second region. Therefore, by forming the three-dimensional object preferentially in the first region, it is possible to improve the strength of the three-dimensional object in the stacking direction.

[0082] (7) In the above aspect, a fifth step of accepting priorities of the plurality of shape data may be provided, and in the second step, the shape data with the highest priority may be preferentially arranged in the virtual first area. According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional object corresponding to the shape data with high priority.

[0083] (8) In the above embodiment, a fifth step may be provided in which priorities of the plurality of shape data are accepted, and in the second step, the shape data may be arranged on the virtual printing surface so that the shape data with the highest priority is positioned in the center of the plurality of shape data. According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the strength in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional object corresponding to the shape data with high priority. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10...Modeling section, 10a...First modeling section, 10b...Second modeling section, 11...Material supply section, 11a...First material supply section, 11b...Second material supply section, 12...Plasticization section, 12a...First plasticization section, 12b...Second plasticization section, 13...Discharge section, 13a...First discharge section, 13b...Second discharge section, 15...Communicating passage, 20...Stage, 21, 21b, 21c, 21d...Modeling surface, 22...Stage heater, 25, 25b, 25c, 25d...First region, 26, 26b, 26c, 26d...second region, 27...third region, 30...position change unit, 31...first electric actuator, 32...second electric actuator, 33...third electric actuator, 40...heating unit, 41...movable unit, 42...opening, 45...first heating region, 46...second heating region, 50...nozzle movement unit, 60...temperature measurement unit, 70...control unit, 100, 100c...three-dimensional modeling system, 110...screw, 111...groove formation surface, 112...center portion, 113...groove, 114...material inlet, 115...ridge portion, 120...screw case, 130...drive motor, 140...barrel, 141...opposing surface, 142...communicating hole, 143...guide groove, 144...plasticizing heater, 151...nozzle, 151a...first nozzle, 151b...second nozzle, 152...nozzle opening, 153...flow path, 154...discharge adjustment portion, 155...suction portion, 200...three-dimensional modeling device, 400...information processing device placement, 410...CPU, 411...shape data acquisition unit, 412...priority reception unit, 413...shape data placement unit, 414...printing data generation unit, 420...memory, 430...storage device, 440...communication interface, 450...input / output interface, 460...bus, 470...input device, 480...display device, 500...casing, 510...door, D1...shape data, D2...columnar object data, ML...layer, MM...printing material, RX...rotation axis

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising: discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit and stacking layers on a modeling surface of a stage to form a plurality of three-dimensional objects; the stage has a stage heater that heats the stage, the modeling surface has a first region and a second region; a temperature of a space between the first region and the ejection portion is higher than a temperature of a space between the second region and the ejection portion; a first step of acquiring shape data representing the shapes of a plurality of the three-dimensional objects; a second step of arranging the plurality of shape data on the virtual printing surface based on predetermined conditions; a third step of generating modeling data for forming the plurality of three-dimensional objects based on the plurality of arranged shape data; and a fourth step of forming a plurality of the three-dimensional objects based on the forming data, The second step includes at least one of a step of preferentially arranging the plurality of shape data in the virtual first area, and a step of arranging the plurality of shape data on the virtual printing surface so that intervals between the plurality of shape data are within a predetermined interval. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

2. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface, the second region is closer to the outer periphery of the stage than the first region. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

3. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, the building surface has a third region; a temperature of a space between the third region and the discharge portion is lower than a temperature of a space between the second region and the discharge portion; When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the build surface, the first region is a central region of the building surface, the second region is a region surrounding the first region, the third region is a region surrounding the second region, In the second step, the plurality of shape data are preferentially arranged in the order of the virtual first region, the virtual second region, and the virtual third region. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

4. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, the first region is located farther from a door provided in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including the discharge unit and the stage than the second region. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

5. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, in the second step, data of a columnar object, which represents the shape of a columnar object to be formed simultaneously with the three-dimensional object, is placed in the virtual second area. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

6. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus including the discharge unit and the stage includes a plate-shaped heating unit that is disposed on the discharge unit side with respect to the stage and moves in conjunction with the discharge unit; The heating unit is When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the build surface, a first heating region that is a central region of the heating unit and has an opening; a second heating region surrounding the first heating region; a temperature of a space between the second heating region and the stage is higher than a temperature of a space between the first heating region and the stage; the discharge unit has a nozzle, and the nozzle is located inside the opening at least during the formation of the three-dimensional object; In the second step, data of a columnar object, which represents the shape of a columnar object to be formed simultaneously with the three-dimensional object, is placed on the virtual printing surface; the first region is a region farther from the columnar structure than the second region; A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

7. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, a fifth step of accepting priorities of the plurality of shape data; In the second step, the shape data having a high priority is preferentially arranged in the virtual first area. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

8. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, a fifth step of accepting priorities of the plurality of shape data; In the second step, the shape data is arranged on the virtual printing surface so that the shape data with the high priority is located at the center of the plurality of shape data. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

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