Three-dimensional molding apparatus and method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects

Abstract

The present invention provides a three-dimensional molding apparatus and a method for manufacturing three-dimensional molded objects that can suppress power consumption based on the operating path of the extruder. [Solution] The three-dimensional molding apparatus includes a work stage for layering molding material to create a three-dimensional object. The work stage includes a sub-stage 20 having a stage surface 20a on which the molding material is layered, and a heating device 30 attached to the stage for heating the stage surface. The three-dimensional molding apparatus includes an extruder for extruding the molding material, and a control device for controlling the extruder and the heating device 30. The heating device 30 has a plurality of heating units arranged at different positions on the stage surface 20a. The control device moves the extruder along a third operating path R3 and drives the heating unit determined based on the third operating path R3 to a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface 20a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, and more particularly, to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus provided with a work stage for laminating a modeling material to form a three-dimensional model, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model using a work stage for laminating a modeling material.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, 3D printer technology is known in which a three-dimensional model is formed by laminating a three-dimensional modeling material on a three-dimensional plane using 3D-CAD (Computer Aided Design) data created on a computer as a design drawing. For example, 3D printer technology based on a fused deposition modeling (FDM) method is widely known, in which a thermoplastic resin used as a three-dimensional modeling material is heat-melted and extruded from a nozzle portion of an extruder, and is formed while being laminated on a work stage.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional modeling apparatus provided with a work stage for laminating a modeling material of a three-dimensional model. The work stage has a stage heating unit provided below the stage. By adjusting the temperature of the stage by the stage heating unit, the thermal shrinkage rate of the three-dimensional model is controlled to further improve the adhesiveness and the modeling accuracy. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a three-dimensional modeling apparatus having a heating unit for heating a stage on which a modeling material is deposited. This three-dimensional modeling apparatus controls the heating unit so that the temperature of a region closer to the outer periphery is higher than the temperature of the central region of the stage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] In a three-dimensional molding apparatus like the one described in Patent Document 1, the stage heating unit is positioned to heat the entire stage surface. However, heating the entire stage surface may increase power consumption. In particular, when the three-dimensional object being molded is large, the area of ​​the stage surface also increases, which may further increase power consumption. Furthermore, while three-dimensional molding apparatuses like the one described in Patent Document 2 heat the outer peripheral region of the stage surface to a higher temperature, they do not determine the heating region based on the extruder's operating path. Therefore, they were unable to suppress power consumption in regions that did not correspond to the extruder's operating path.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional molding apparatus and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional molded object that can suppress power consumption based on the operating path of the extruder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problems are solved by the three-dimensional molding apparatus of the present invention, which includes a work stage for stacking molding materials and molding a three-dimensional object, wherein the work stage has a stage having a stage surface for stacking the molding materials, and a heating device attached to the stage for heating the stage surface, the three-dimensional molding apparatus includes an extruder for extruding the molding material, and a control device for controlling the extruder and the heating device, the heating device has a plurality of heating units arranged at different positions on the stage surface, and the control device moves the extruder along a predetermined operating path and drives one of the plurality of heating units, determined based on the operating path, to a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface.

[0008] With the above configuration, the heating unit to be driven is determined based on the operating path of the extruder, thus reducing the power consumption of heating units located in positions that do not correspond to the operating path. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced based on the operating path of the extruder, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0009] In this case, the control device may heat a portion of the stage surface corresponding to the operation path by driving a first heating unit located at a position corresponding to the operation path at a predetermined temperature, and not driving a second heating unit located at a position not corresponding to the operation path. With the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether to drive the first heating unit located in a position corresponding to the operating path, and not to drive the second heating unit located in a position not corresponding to the operating path. Therefore, the power consumption of the heating units can be further reduced based on the operating path of the extruder.

[0010] In this case, the stage has an anchor groove provided on the stage surface for fixing the three-dimensional object by allowing the molding material to enter, and the anchor groove may have a first groove extending horizontally in an elongated manner and a second groove extending horizontally in an elongated manner in a direction different from that of the first groove. With the above configuration, multiple grooves facing different directions are arranged on the stage, which enhances the anchoring effect of the three-dimensional object.

[0011] In this case, the stage comprises a base portion which forms the main body of the stage, a first laminated portion which is detachably attached to the base portion and in which the first groove is formed, and a second laminated portion which is detachably attached to the base portion at a position different from that of the first laminated portion and in which the second groove is formed, and the first laminated portion and the second laminated portion are each attached to the base portion and are arranged such that the direction of the anchor groove portion on the stage surface is different. With the above configuration, by detachably arranging each laminated section to the base section, the direction in which multiple grooves extend can be changed on a grid basis according to the operating path, thereby further enhancing the anchoring effect.

[0012] In this case, the anchor groove portion extends horizontally over a long length, and at least a portion of the anchor groove portion is preferably arranged to be perpendicular to the operating path. With the above configuration, the grooves in the stage are positioned perpendicular to the operating path of the extruder, thereby further enhancing the anchoring effect.

[0013] Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object using a work stage for layering a molding material, comprising: a setting step of setting the operating path of an extruder that extrudes the molding material; a molding step of moving the extruder along the operating path set in the setting step to form a three-dimensional object; and a heating step of heating the stage surface of the work stage with a heating device, wherein in the setting step, the heating unit to be driven from among a plurality of heating units of the heating device is determined based on the operating path, and in the heating step, the heating unit determined in the setting step is driven at a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface. By using the method described above, the heating unit to be driven is determined based on the operating path of the extruder, thus reducing the power consumption of heating units located in positions that do not correspond to the operating path. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced based on the operating path of the extruder, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0014] In this case, the heating step comprises a first heating step of heating the stage surface during the molding step and a second heating step of heating the stage surface when removing the three-dimensional molded object from the stage surface, and in the first heating step and the second heating step, the heating unit determined in the setting step is driven at the predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface. By the above method, power consumption can be suppressed both during the shaping of the three-dimensional object and when removing the three-dimensional object. Therefore, further energy savings can be achieved.

[0015] At this time, in the second heating step, it is preferable to heat the stage surface at a temperature higher than the heating temperature in the first heating step. By the above method, the heating temperature can be adjusted according to the purpose, so further energy savings can be achieved.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the three-dimensional shaping apparatus and the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object of the present invention, power consumption can be suppressed based on the operation path of the extruder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view of the three-dimensional shaping apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the work stage. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a state where the sub-stage is attached to the main stage. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the sub-stage, showing a state as viewed from above. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the sub-stage, showing a state where the lamination part and the heating part are viewed from below. [Figure 6A] It is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the anchor groove part and the first operation path. [Figure 6B] It is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the anchor groove part and the second operation path. [Figure 7] It is a view for explaining a state of removing the three-dimensional object from the sub-stage. [Figure 8A] It is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the heating part and the third operation path. [Figure 8B] It is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the heating part and the fourth operation path. [Figure 8C] It is a view for explaining the positional relationship between the heating part and the fifth operation path. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the main stage with two sub-stages attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, a three-dimensional molding apparatus 1 of one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on Figures 1 to 9. This embodiment relates to a "three-dimensional molding apparatus and method for manufacturing a three-dimensional molded object" that can suppress power consumption based on the operating path of the extruder.

[0019] <Three-dimensional printing equipment> The three-dimensional molding apparatus 1 is a device that extrudes a molding material Ma to create a three-dimensional object M. Specifically, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 1 is a 3D printer that creates three-dimensional objects by stacking two-dimensional layers sliced ​​based on 3D-CAD data. As shown in Figure 1, the three-dimensional molding apparatus 1 comprises a work stage 2 used for the molding process, an extruder 3 that stacks the molding material Ma onto the work stage 2, a supply device 4 that supplies the molding material Ma to the extruder 3, a manipulator 5 that moves the extruder 3, and a control device 6 that controls the work stage 2, the extruder 3, the supply device 4, and the manipulator 5.

[0020] The work stage 2 is a stage for creating a three-dimensional object M, and is used in the process of creating the three-dimensional object M by the extruder 3. As shown in Figure 1, the work stage 2 has a long rectangular shape and is positioned adjacent to the extruder 3, the supply device 4, and the manipulator 5.

[0021] The extruder 3 is a device that builds a three-dimensional object M by layering the molding material Ma onto the work stage 2. Examples of the molding material Ma include thermoplastic resin pellets. The pellets are heated and melted inside the extruder 3 and then extruded from the extruder 3. The heated and melted pellets are then deposited on the work stage 2, where they are cooled and hardened.

[0022] The supply device 4 is a device that supplies the molding material Ma to the extruder 3. The supply device 4 stores pellets and supplies the required amount to the extruder 3 via the control device 6.

[0023] The manipulator 5 is a robotic arm used to move the extruder 3. The extruder 3 is attached to the tip of the manipulator 5. By using the manipulator 5, work efficiency can be improved even when creating large three-dimensional objects M. When the extruder 3 is attached to the tip of the manipulator 5, the manipulator 5 moves the extruder 3 onto the work stage 2 to perform the molding operation. The parameters related to the operation of the extruder 3 are adjusted by controlling the drive motor of the manipulator 5.

[0024] The control device 6 is a computer that controls the work stage 2, the extruder 3, the feed device 4, and the manipulator 5. The control device 6 acquires molding information for creating the three-dimensional object M and heating information for heating the three-dimensional object M, and controls the work stage 2, the extruder 3, the feed device 4, and the manipulator 5. Specifically, the control device 6 controls the extruder 3 and the manipulator 5 based on a predetermined operation pattern (for example, coordinate information such as G-code, velocity information, and molding information such as discharge volume information). In other words, the control device 6 moves the extruder 3 along a predetermined operation path based on the G-code. Furthermore, the control device 6 controls the supply device 4 based on a predetermined material pattern acquired (for example, material information such as supply quantity information and color information entered by the operator). In addition, the control device 6 controls the heating device 30 of the work stage 2, which will be described later, based on the acquired heating information (heating position information, heating time information, temperature information, etc.).

[0025] <Work Stage> As shown in Figure 1, the work stage 2 is a workbench for layering the molding material Ma to create a three-dimensional object M. The work stage 2 comprises a main stage 10, which is the main body of the work stage 2, and a sub-stage 20 that is detachably attached to the main stage 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the work stage 2 has a heating device 30 attached to the sub-stage 20 that heats the stage surface 20a of the sub-stage 20.

[0026] Figure 1 shows the process of fabricating a relatively small three-dimensional object M. As shown in Figure 1, when fabricating a small three-dimensional object M, the extruder 3 deposits the fabrication material Ma onto the stage surface 20a of the substage 20. Furthermore, when creating relatively large three-dimensional objects, the extruder 3 is used to deposit the molding material Ma onto the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10.

[0027] <<Main Stage>> The main stage 10 is the main body of the stage for creating a three-dimensional object M, and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. An anchor recess 11 is formed on the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10, into which the creation material Ma enters to fix the three-dimensional object M. When creating relatively large three-dimensional objects, the sub-stage 20 is removed from the main stage 10, and the printing material Ma is directly deposited onto the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10. In other words, the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10 becomes the deposition surface for depositing the printing material Ma. When the printing material Ma is deposited onto the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10, the three-dimensional object M is adhered to the upper surface 10a to a degree that allows it to be peeled off.

[0028] The anchor recess 11 is a groove that extends horizontally in a long manner. The anchor recess 11 is formed on the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10 so as to extend linearly in the short direction of the work stage 2. The anchor recess 11 is formed to extend in the short direction, but it may also be formed to extend in the long direction. Furthermore, the anchor recess 11 may be formed in a curved shape, or in a grid shape intersecting in the short and long directions. In addition, the anchor recess 11 is not limited to a long groove, but may consist of multiple holes.

[0029] The molding material Ma, extruded from the nozzle of the extruder 3 during molding on the main stage 10, enters the anchor recess 11. In other words, the groove of the anchor recess 11 is formed to a size sufficient to accommodate the molding material Ma. When molding on the main stage 10, the main stage 10 fixes the three-dimensional object M by allowing a portion of the object to enter the groove of the anchor recess 11. In this way, the anchor recess 11, which is formed so that the molding material Ma can be inserted, firmly fixes and stabilizes the three-dimensional molded object M during the molding process.

[0030] Here, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the anchor recess 11 is also used as a mounting part for attaching the substage 20. In other words, the mounting part for attaching the substage 20 is the anchor recess 11 formed on the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10, into which the fabrication material Ma enters, thereby fixing the three-dimensional fabricated object M. The worker can attach the substage 20 to the main stage 10 in a detachable manner by inserting the mounting portion 22 of the substage 20 into the anchor recess 11.

[0031] <<Sub-stage>> The sub-stage 20 is a stage for creating a three-dimensional object M, and has a roughly square shape when viewed from above. The sub-stage 20 is formed to be smaller than the main stage 10. The sizes of the main stage 10 and the sub-stage 20 can be changed as appropriate. As shown in Figure 1, when fabricating a relatively small three-dimensional object M, a sub-stage 20 is attached to the main stage 10, and the fabrication material Ma is deposited onto the stage surface 20a of the sub-stage 20. In other words, the stage surface 20a of the sub-stage 20 becomes the deposition surface for depositing the fabrication material Ma. When the fabrication material Ma is deposited onto the stage surface 20a of the sub-stage 20, the three-dimensional object M is adhered to the stage surface 20a to a degree that allows it to be peeled off.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the substage 20 includes a base portion 21 positioned above the main stage 10, a mounting portion 22 that is detachably attached to a mounting portion provided on the main stage 10, a laminated portion 23 that is attached to the base portion 21, and an anchor groove portion 24 into which the molding material Ma enters to fix the three-dimensional molded object M. In other words, the lamination section 23 of the substage 20 has a stage surface 20a into which the molding material Ma is laminated. An anchor groove 24 is formed on the stage surface 20a of the substage 20, into which the molding material Ma fills to fix the three-dimensional object M. In addition, on the back surface 20b of the substage 20 opposite to the stage surface 20a, there is a mounting section 22 which can be detachably attached to the mounting section (specifically, the anchor recess 11) of the main stage 10.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the base portion 21 is a plate member having a substantially square shape when viewed from above. As shown in Figure 2, mounting recesses 21a for attaching the laminated portions 23 are formed on the upper surface of the base portion 21. By fitting multiple laminated portions 23 into the mounting recesses 21a, the stage surface 20a of the substage 20 is formed. In this embodiment, nine laminated portions 23 are detachably attached to the base portion 21.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the mounting portion 22 is a rod-shaped member extending downward from the back surface 20b of the substage 20 (i.e., the lower surface of the base portion 21) opposite to the stage surface 20a. Multiple mounting portions 22 are provided on the back surface 20b and are detachably attached to the anchor recess 11. The mounting portion 22 is a height adjustment screw that allows the height of the base portion 21 to be adjusted. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the mounting portion 22 has an insertion portion 22a that is inserted into the anchor recess 11, a threaded portion 22b provided at the upper end of the insertion portion 22a, and an adjustment portion 22c that is screwed into the threaded portion 22b and is used to adjust the height.

[0035] By rotating the adjustment part 22c relative to the screw part 22b, the mounting part 22 can be adjusted in the vertical direction. By changing the vertical length of the mounting part 22, the inclination of the stage surface 20a is adjusted. In this way, even if the stage surface 20a is not horizontal when the sub-stage 20 is attached to the main stage 10, the tilt of the stage surface 20a can be easily adjusted to make the stage surface 20a horizontal.

[0036] The mounting portion 22 is mounted so as to be horizontally movable relative to the anchor recess 11. Specifically, the insertion portion 22a is inserted into the inside of the anchor recess 11 from the side of the work stage 2, and the base portion 21 attached to the upper end of the adjustment portion 22c slides along the anchor recess 11 in the short direction of the work stage 2. Thus, when the anchor recess 11 is used as the attachment point for the substage 20, even a heavy three-dimensional object M can be easily slid along the anchor recess 11. Therefore, the substage 20 can be easily removed from the main stage 10.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the laminated portion 23 is a plate member having a substantially square shape when viewed from above, and is formed to be smaller than the base portion 21. In this embodiment, nine laminated portions 23 are attached to one base portion 21. However, the number and position of the laminated portions 23 are not limited to this, and there may be a single laminated portion 23 having substantially the same size as the base portion 21. Multiple anchor grooves 24 are formed on the surface of the laminated section 23 (i.e., the stage surface 20a). Also, as shown in Figure 5, a heating section 31 of the heating device 30 is provided on the back surface of the laminated section 23.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the anchor groove 24 is a groove that extends horizontally in a long manner. The anchor groove 24 is formed to extend linearly in the short or long direction of the work stage 2. The anchor groove 24 may be formed in a curved shape, or in a grid pattern intersecting in the short and long directions. Furthermore, the anchor groove 24 is not limited to a long groove, but may consist of multiple holes.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the molding material Ma extruded from the nozzle of the extruder 3 during the molding process enters the anchor groove 24. In other words, the groove of the anchor groove 24 is formed to a size sufficient to accommodate the molding material Ma. The substage 20 fixes the three-dimensional molded object M by allowing a portion of the object M to enter the groove of the anchor groove 24. In this way, the anchor groove 24, which is formed so that the molding material Ma can be inserted, firmly fixes and stabilizes the three-dimensional molded object M during the molding process.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6A, the anchor grooves 24 are formed on the surface of each of the multiple laminated sections 23. Specifically, the anchor grooves 24 have, as first grooves, a first groove 24a, a third groove 24c, a fourth groove 24d, a sixth groove 24f, a seventh groove 24g, and a ninth groove 24i. The anchor grooves 24 also have, as second grooves, a second groove 24b, a fifth groove 24e, and an eighth groove 24h. Furthermore, the laminated portion 23 includes a first laminated portion 23a where a first groove 24a is formed, a second laminated portion 23b where a second groove 24b is formed, a third laminated portion 23c where a third groove 24c is formed, a fourth laminated portion 23d where a fourth groove 24d is formed, a fifth laminated portion 23e where a fifth groove 24e is formed, a sixth laminated portion 23f where a sixth groove 24f is formed, a seventh laminated portion 23g where a seventh groove 24g is formed, an eighth laminated portion 23h where an eighth groove 24h is formed, and a ninth laminated portion 23i where a ninth groove 24i is formed.

[0041] Multiple laminated sections 23 are detachably attached to the base section 21. In other words, by changing the orientation in which the laminated sections 23 are attached to the base section 21 according to the operating path of the extruder 3, the direction in which the anchor groove section 24 extends can be changed. In other words, the substage 20 has a first laminated section and a second laminated section that is detachably attached to the base section 21 at a different position from the first laminated section. The first and second laminated sections are each attached to the base section 21 and are arranged so that the directions of the anchor grooves 24 on the stage surface 20a are different. That is, the anchor grooves 24 have a first groove that extends horizontally in an elongated manner and a second groove that extends horizontally in an elongated manner in a direction different from that of the first groove. In this way, by detachably arranging each laminated section 23 to the base section 21, the direction in which each anchor groove section 24 extends can be changed on a grid basis according to the operating path. Therefore, the anchoring effect can be further enhanced. In particular, since each laminated section 23 has a square shape, the orientation of the anchor groove section 24 can be freely changed.

[0042] As a specific example, we will explain the case where multiple stacked sections 23 are attached to the base section 21 so that it is in the state shown in Figure 6A. Figure 6A shows the case when the extruder 3 moves along the first operating path R1. The substage 20 has a first laminated section 23a, a third laminated section 23c, a fourth laminated section 23d, a sixth laminated section 23f, a seventh laminated section 23g, and a ninth laminated section 23i. The substage 20 also has a second laminated section 23b, a fifth laminated section 23e, and an eighth laminated section 23h. In this case, the anchor groove 24 has a first groove 24a, a third groove 24c, a fourth groove 24d, a sixth groove 24f, a seventh groove 24g, and a ninth groove 24i extending in direction A in Figure 6A. The anchor groove 24 also has a second groove 24b, a fifth groove 24e, and an eighth groove 24h extending in direction B in Figure 6A.

[0043] At least a portion of the anchor groove 24 is positioned perpendicular to the operating path. Specifically, when the operating path of the extruder 3 is the first operating path R1 shown in Figure 6A, the direction A in which the first groove 24a extends is perpendicular to the direction B in which the extruder 3 moves along the first operating path R1. Also, the direction B in which the second groove 24b extends is perpendicular to the direction A in which the extruder 3 moves along the first operating path R1. Furthermore, for example, when the operating path of the extruder 3 is the second operating path R2 shown in Figure 6B, the direction A in which the first groove 24a extends is perpendicular to the direction B in which the extruder 3 moves along the first operating path R1. Also, the direction A in which the second groove 24b extends is perpendicular to the direction B in which the extruder 3 moves along the first operating path R1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6B, a portion of the anchor groove 24 may be arranged perpendicular to the operating path, as in the first groove 24a, or the entire anchor groove 24 may be arranged perpendicular to the operating path, as in the fourth groove 24d.

[0045] In this way, the anchor groove 24 of the substage 20 is positioned so that the direction in which the extruder 3 moves along the operating path is perpendicular to the orientation of the anchor groove 24, thereby further enhancing the anchoring effect. In particular, since the laminated portion 23 in which the anchor groove portion 24 is formed is detachably attached to the base portion 21, when the operating path of the extruder 3 is changed, the direction in which the anchor groove portion 24 extends can be freely changed according to the operating path of the extruder 3.

[0046] <<Heating device>> As shown in Figure 2, the heating device 30 is a device for heating the stage surface 20a of the substage 20. By heating the stage surface 20a of the substage 20, the three-dimensional object M can be easily removed from the substage 20. The heating device 30 has a plurality of heating units 31 arranged at different positions on the stage surface 20a. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, nine heating units 31 are attached to one base unit 21. The nine heating units 31 are provided on nine stacked units 23, one for each. However, the number and position of the heating units 31 are not limited to this. For example, there may be a single heating unit 31 that is approximately the same size as the base unit 21.

[0047] The heating section 31 is a heater panel that is approximately square in shape when viewed from above, and is formed to be smaller than the laminated section 23. The heating section 31 is positioned in the recessed section 23j on the back surface of the laminated section 23. The heating device 30 may also be provided in the base section 21. The heating unit 31 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown) and is controlled to be turned ON / OFF by the control device 6. The temperature of the heating unit 31 is also controlled by the control device 6.

[0048] Figure 7 shows how the three-dimensional object M is removed from the substage 20. When the printing process is complete, the printing material Ma has entered the anchor groove 24, and the lower end of the three-dimensional object M has hardened. When removing the three-dimensional object M, the heating unit 31 is driven by the control device 6, and the stage surface 20a of the substage 20 is heated. When the stage surface 20a is heated, the printing material Ma that has entered the anchor groove 24 and hardened melts within the anchor groove 24. In this way, the lower end of the three-dimensional object M, which was acting as an anchor, is melted, and the three-dimensional object M can be easily removed from the substage 20.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8A, the heating section 31 includes a first heating section 31a attached to the first stacked section 23a, a second heating section 31b attached to the second stacked section 23b, a third heating section 31c attached to the third stacked section 23c, a fourth heating section 31d attached to the fourth stacked section 23d, a fifth heating section 31e attached to the fifth stacked section 23e, a sixth heating section 31f attached to the sixth stacked section 23f, a seventh heating section 31g attached to the seventh stacked section 23g, an eighth heating section 31h attached to the eighth stacked section 23h, and a ninth heating section 31i attached to the ninth stacked section 23i.

[0050] As a specific example, we will describe the case where nine stacked sections 23, each having a heating section 31, are attached to the base section 21, as shown in Figure 8A. Figure 8A shows the case where the extruder 3 moves along the third operating path R3. The heating device 30 has a first heating section 31a, a second heating section 31b, a third heating section 31c, a fourth heating section 31d, a sixth heating section 31f, a seventh heating section 31g, an eighth heating section 31h, and a ninth heating section 31i, which are located in positions corresponding to the operating path. The heating device 30 also has a fifth heating section 31e, which is located in a second stacking section not corresponding to the operating path.

[0051] Here, the control of the heating device 30 by the control device 6 will be explained using Figure 8A. The control device 6 sets the operating path of the extruder 3 based on the G code. When the operating path of the extruder 3 is set to the third operating path R3, the control device 6 decides to drive the first heating unit, which is located at a position corresponding to the third operating path R3, at a predetermined temperature. It also decides not to drive the second heating unit, which is located at a position not corresponding to the third operating path R3. The control device 6 then moves the extruder 3 along the third operation path R3. In other words, when the molding process is complete, a three-dimensional object M corresponding to the third operation path R3 is formed on the stage surface 20a.

[0052] When the molding process is complete and the three-dimensional object M is removed from the substage 20, the control device 6 drives the first heating unit, which is determined based on the third operating path R3, to a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface 20a. More specifically, the control device 6 heats a portion of the stage surface 20a corresponding to the third operation path R3 by driving the first heating unit located in a position corresponding to the third operation path R3 at a predetermined temperature (i.e., turning on the power to the first heating unit) and not driving the second heating unit located in a position not corresponding to the third operation path R3 (i.e., turning off the power to the second heating unit).

[0053] Specifically, the control device 6 drives the first heating section 31a, second heating section 31b, third heating section 31c, fourth heating section 31d, sixth heating section 31f, seventh heating section 31g, eighth heating section 31h, and ninth heating section 31i, which are located in positions corresponding to the third operating path R3, to a predetermined temperature. More specifically, the control device 6 turns on the power to the heating section 31 and raises its temperature to a set temperature (for example, 230°C). Then, it heats the respective stage surfaces 20a of the first stacking section 23a, second stacking section 23b, third stacking section 23c, fourth stacking section 23d, sixth stacking section 23f, seventh stacking section 23g, eighth stacking section 23h, and ninth stacking section 23i, which correspond to each heating section 31. At this time, the temperature of the fifth heating unit 31e, which is located in a position not corresponding to the third operating path R3, is lowered to be lower than the temperature of the first heating unit. More specifically, the control device 6 turns off the power to the fifth heating unit 31e.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control device 6 can further reduce the power consumption of the heating units 31 by driving only the heating unit 31 determined based on the operating path at a predetermined temperature to heat a portion of the stage surface 20a. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the control device 6 may drive the first heating unit corresponding to the operating path at a predetermined temperature, and drive the second heating unit not corresponding to the operating path so that its temperature is lower than that of the first heating unit, thereby heating the entire stage surface 20a. In either case, since the heating unit 31 to be driven is determined based on the operating path of the extruder 3, the power consumption of the heating unit 31 located in a position not corresponding to the operating path can be reduced.

[0055] Next, we will describe the case where the nine stacked sections 23 are attached to the base section 21 so that it is in the state shown in Figure 8B. Figure 8B shows the case when the extruder 3 moves along the fourth operating path R4. The control device 6 turns on the power to the first heating unit 31a, fourth heating unit 31d, fifth heating unit 31e, sixth heating unit 31f, seventh heating unit 31g, eighth heating unit 31h, and ninth heating unit 31i, which are located in positions corresponding to the fourth operating path R4, and drives them at a predetermined temperature. At this time, the power to the second heating unit 31b and third heating unit 31c, which are located in positions not corresponding to the fourth operating path R4, is turned off.

[0056] Next, we will describe the case where the nine stacked sections 23 are attached to the base section 21 so that it is in the state shown in Figure 8C. Figure 8C shows the case when the extruder 3 moves along the fifth operating path R5. The control device 6 turns on the power to the first heating unit 31a, second heating unit 31b, third heating unit 31c, fourth heating unit 31d, sixth heating unit 31f, seventh heating unit 31g, and eighth heating unit 31h, which are located in positions corresponding to the fifth operating path R5, and drives them at a predetermined temperature. At this time, the power to the fifth heating unit 31e and ninth heating unit 31i, which are located in positions not corresponding to the fifth operating path R5, is turned off.

[0057] In this way, since the heating unit 31 to be driven is determined based on the operating path of the extruder 3, the power consumption of the heating unit 31 located in a position that does not correspond to the operating path can be reduced. Therefore, energy can be saved when removing the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20.

[0058] In particular, when the extruder 3 moves along multiple operating paths, the control device 6 can drive different heating units 31 according to the set operating path of the extruder 3. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8A, when the extruder 3 moves along the third operating path R3, the power to the second heating unit 31b is turned ON. Also, as shown in Figure 8B, when the extruder 3 moves along the fourth operating path R4, the power to the second heating unit 31b is turned OFF. Thus, the control device 6 can switch the heating state of the heating unit 31 depending on whether the heating unit 31 corresponds to the operating path or not. In other words, the control device 6 can switch the power ON / OFF (or set different temperatures) of the heating unit 31 according to the operating path. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed based on the operating path of the extruder, and energy savings can be achieved.

[0059] In the above explanation, we described a case where the heating device 30 is controlled based on the operating path of the extruder 3 when removing the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20. However, the heating device 30 may also be controlled based on the operating path of the extruder 3 during the molding process by the extruder 3. More specifically, during molding by the extruder 3, the control device 6 drives one of the multiple heating units 31, determined based on the operating path, to a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface 20a. Therefore, when creating a three-dimensional object M on the substage 20, power consumption can be suppressed based on the operating path of the extruder, thereby saving energy.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable to change the set temperatures of the heating section 31 when creating the three-dimensional object M on the substage 20 and when removing the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20. More specifically, when removing the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20, it is heated at a high temperature (e.g., 230°C) in order to melt the hardened molding material Ma in the anchor groove 24. On the other hand, when creating the three-dimensional object M on the substage 20, it is heated at a lower temperature than when melting in order to slow down the hardening process. In this way, the control device 6 can change the set temperature of the heating device 30 according to the purpose. Therefore, energy savings can be further achieved.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case in which one sub-stage 20 is attached to one main stage 10 has been described. However, the number and position of the sub-stages 20 attached to the main stage 10 are not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 9, two sub-stages 20 may be attached to a single main stage 10. This allows the printing area of ​​the sub-stages 20 to be expanded to match the size of the three-dimensional object M to be fabricated.

[0062] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the heating device 30 is provided on the sub-stage 20. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the heating device 30 may also be provided on the main stage 10, and the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10 may be heated. In this case, multiple heating units 31 are arranged on the main stage 10 at different positions on its upper surface 10a. The control device 6 then drives one of the multiple heating units 31, determined based on the operating path, to a predetermined temperature to heat the upper surface 10a of the main stage 10.

[0063] In this way, even when the heating device 30 is applied to the main stage 10, energy savings can be achieved when removing the three-dimensional object M from the main stage 10. Furthermore, energy savings can be achieved when creating the three-dimensional object M on the main stage 10.

[0064] <Method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects> Here, we will describe a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object using a work stage 2 for layering the molding material Ma. In this embodiment, we will describe an example in which a three-dimensional object M is fabricated on a sub-stage 20. The manufacturing method for a three-dimensional object includes a "setting step" to set the operating path of the extruder 3 that extrudes the molding material Ma, an "attachment step" to attach the sub-stage 20 to the main stage 10, a "molding step" to mold the three-dimensional object M on the stage surface 20a, a "heating step" to heat the stage surface 20a of the work stage 2, and a "removal step" to remove the sub-stage 20 from the main stage 10. Note that explanations of steps other than those described above for the manufacturing method of a three-dimensional object are omitted.

[0065] In the "setting process," the operator sets the operating path of the extruder 3 that extrudes the molding material Ma using the control device 6. Then, in the setting process, the operator determines which of the multiple heating units 31 of the heating device 30 to drive based on the operating path. Specifically, the control device 6 reads the 3D data of the three-dimensional object M to be fabricated. Then, it converts the data into data for three-dimensional fabrication using slicer software and outputs an operation pattern. For example, the slicer software divides the target shape of the three-dimensional object M into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates G-code for each layer. Then, the control device 6 sets the operation path of the extruder 3 based on the G-code.

[0066] Furthermore, the control device 6 sets heating position information, heating time information, and temperature information for each heating section 31 of the heating device 30 based on the operating path. Specifically, as heating position information, the control device 6 decides to turn on the power to the first heating unit located at a position corresponding to the operating path, and to turn off the power to the second heating unit located at a position not corresponding to the operating path. Then, as heating time information, the control device 6 determines the heating time for the first heating unit. Furthermore, the control device 6 determines the heating temperature of the first heating unit as temperature information. More specifically, the temperature of the heating unit 31 is set in accordance with the elapsed time since the start of molding. For example, a low temperature is set when molding starts, and a high temperature is set when molding is finished.

[0067] When the second heating unit is activated, the control device 6 determines the heating time of the second heating unit as heating time information. The control device 6 also determines the heating temperature of the second heating unit as temperature information. When the second heating element is activated, the heating time for the second heating element should be shorter than that of the first heating element. Furthermore, the heating temperature of the second heating element should be lower than that of the first heating element.

[0068] In the "mounting process," a sub-stage 20 having a stage surface 20a on which the molding material Ma is deposited is attached to the main stage 10, which is the main body of the work stage 2. In the mounting process, a mounting part 22 provided on the back surface 20b of the sub-stage 20 is attached to the anchor recess 11 of the main stage 10. Specifically, the operator first checks the operating path of the extruder 3 set in the setup process, and then positions the stacked section 23 on the base section 21 so that the anchor groove section 24 is perpendicular to the operating path. After positioning the stacked section 23 on the base section 21, the mounting section 22 of the substage 20 is attached to the anchor recess 11 of the main stage 10. Alternatively, the mounting section 22 of the substage 20 may be attached to the anchor recess 11 of the main stage 10, and then the stacked section 23 may be attached to the base section 21. Furthermore, if the stage surface 20a is not horizontal, the operator rotates the adjustment part 22c relative to the screw part 22b to change the length of the mounting part 22 and make the stage surface 20a horizontal.

[0069] In the "forming process," the extruder 3 is moved along the operating path set in the setup process to form a three-dimensional object M on the stage surface 20a of the substage 20. In the forming process, the three-dimensional object M is formed so that the forming material Ma fits into the anchor groove 24. Specifically, the operator moves the extruder 3 attached to the manipulator 5 using the control device 6 to deposit the molding material Ma onto the stage surface 20a and create the object. At this time, the molding material Ma extruded from the extruder 3 enters the anchor groove 24 formed on the stage surface 20a and hardens.

[0070] In the "heating process," the stage surface 20a of the substage 20 is heated by the heating device 30. In the heating process, the heating unit 31 determined in the setting process is driven to a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface 20a. More specifically, in the heating process, the first heating unit located in a position corresponding to the operating path is driven, while the second heating unit located in a position not corresponding to the operating path is not driven, thereby heating a portion of the stage surface 20a.

[0071] The heating process includes a "first heating process" in which the stage surface 20a is heated during the molding process, and a "second heating process" in which the stage surface 20a is heated when the three-dimensional object M is removed from the stage surface 20a. In other words, the "molding process" and the "first heating process" are performed simultaneously. Let's take Figure 8A as an example and explain in detail below.

[0072] In the "first heating process," the first heating unit located at a position corresponding to the third operation path R3 determined in the setting process is driven during the molding process. Specifically, the power to the first heating unit 31a, second heating unit 31b, third heating unit 31c, fourth heating unit 31d, sixth heating unit 31f, seventh heating unit 31g, eighth heating unit 31h, and ninth heating unit 31i is turned ON, and they are heated to the temperature and time set in the setting process. Then, each heating unit 31 heats the corresponding stage surface 20a of the first layer 23a, second layer 23b, third layer 23c, fourth layer 23d, sixth layer 23f, seventh layer 23g, eighth layer 23h, and ninth layer 23i. At this time, the power to the fifth heating unit 31e, which is located at a position not corresponding to the third operation path R3, is kept OFF.

[0073] In the "second heating process," after the molding is complete, the first heating unit located at a position corresponding to the third operation path R3 determined in the setting process is activated. Specifically, the power to the first heating unit 31a, second heating unit 31b, third heating unit 31c, fourth heating unit 31d, sixth heating unit 31f, seventh heating unit 31g, eighth heating unit 31h, and ninth heating unit 31i is turned ON, and they are heated to the temperature and time set in the setting process. Then, each heating unit 31 heats the corresponding stage surfaces 20a of the first layer 23a, second layer 23b, third layer 23c, fourth layer 23d, sixth layer 23f, seventh layer 23g, eighth layer 23h, and ninth layer 23i. At this time, the power to the fifth heating unit 31e, which is located at a position not corresponding to the third operation path R3, is kept OFF. Then, after melting the molding material Ma in the anchor groove 24, the operator lifts the three-dimensional object M upwards and removes the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20.

[0074] In the "removal process," the sub-stage 20 is removed from the main stage 10. Specifically, the worker grasps the base portion 21 and slides the mounting portion 22 against the anchor recess 11 to remove the sub-stage 20 from the main stage 10. The "removal process" may be performed before or after the "second heating process." In other words, the substage 20 may be removed from the main stage 10 while the three-dimensional object M is still placed on the substage 20. Alternatively, the substage 20 may be removed from the main stage 10 after heating with the heating device 30 and removing the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20.

[0075] If the "removal process" is performed before the "second heating process," a new sub-stage 20 can be attached to the work stage 2, allowing the next molding operation to begin immediately. In other words, the removal of the three-dimensional object M from the sub-stage 20 and the next molding operation can be performed in parallel, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, if the "removal process" is performed after the "second heating process," the relatively heavy three-dimensional object M is removed from the sub-stage 20 first, allowing the sub-stage 20 to be easily removed from the main stage 10. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved.

[0076] In this way, the anchor groove 24 of the substage 20 can increase the fixing force of the three-dimensional object M to the work stage 2. Furthermore, by attaching the substage 20 to the main stage 10 in a detachable manner, the substage 20 can be removed while the three-dimensional object M remains fixed to the stage surface 20a, and another substage 20 can be attached to immediately create the next three-dimensional object M. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency while enhancing the anchoring effect of three-dimensional objects.

[0077] Furthermore, since the heating unit 31 to be driven is determined based on the operating path of the extruder 3, the power consumption of the heating unit 31 located in a position not corresponding to the operating path can be reduced. Therefore, energy can be saved when removing the three-dimensional object M from the substage 20.

[0078] In the above embodiments, the work stage, three-dimensional molding apparatus, and method for manufacturing three-dimensional molded objects according to the present invention were mainly described. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included. In particular, the embodiments described above are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1 3D printing equipment 2 Work Stages 3. Extruder 4 Feeding device 5 Manipulators 6. Control device 10 Main Stage 10a Top 11 Anchor recess 20 Sub-stages (Stages) 20a Stage surface 20b back side 21 Base section 21a Mounting recess 22 Mounting part 22a Insertion section 22b Screw part 22c Adjustment part 23 Laminated section 23a First laminated section 23b Second layer 23c Third layer 23d Fourth layer 23e Fifth layer (second layer) 23f 6th Stack 23g, 7th layer 23h 8th layer 23i 9th Stack 23j recessed area 24 Anchor groove section 24a First groove 24b 2nd groove 24c 3rd groove 24d 4th groove 24e Fifth groove (second groove) 24f 6th groove 24g 7th groove 24h 8th groove 24i 9th groove 30 Heating device 31 Heating section 31a First heating section (first heating section) 31b 2nd heating section 31c 3rd heating section 31d 4th heating section 31e Fifth heating section (second heating section) 31f 6th heating section 31g 7th heating section 31h 8th heating section 31i 9th heating section M Three-dimensional object Ma modeling material R1 First operating path (operating path) R2 Second operating path R3 Third Action Path R4 Fourth operating path R5 Fifth Action Path

Claims

1. A three-dimensional molding apparatus equipped with a work stage for layering molding materials to create a three-dimensional object, The aforementioned work stage is, A stage having a stage surface on which the molding material is layered, The device includes a heating device attached to the stage for heating the surface of the stage, The aforementioned three-dimensional modeling apparatus is An extruder for extruding the aforementioned molding material, The system includes a control device for controlling the extruder and the heating device, The heating device has a plurality of heating units arranged at different positions on the stage surface, The control device is The extruder is moved along a predetermined operating path, A three-dimensional molding apparatus characterized by driving one of the multiple heating units, determined based on the operation path, at a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface.

2. The control device is characterized in that it heats a portion of the stage surface corresponding to the operation path by driving a first heating unit located at a position corresponding to the operation path at a predetermined temperature, and not driving a second heating unit located at a position not corresponding to the operation path.

3. The stage has anchor grooves provided on the stage surface, into which the molding material enters to fix the three-dimensional molded object. The aforementioned anchor groove portion is A first groove extending horizontally in a long manner, The three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by having a second groove that extends in a long length in a direction different from that of the first groove in the horizontal direction.

4. The aforementioned stage is The base portion which forms the main body of the aforementioned stage, A first laminated portion is detachably attached to the base portion and has the first groove formed therein, The base portion has a second laminated portion which is detachably attached to a position different from the first laminated portion and in which the second groove is formed, The three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the first laminated portion and the second laminated portion are each attached to the base portion and arranged such that the direction of the anchor groove portion on the stage surface is different.

5. The aforementioned anchor groove extends horizontally in a long manner. The three-dimensional molding apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that at least a portion of the anchor groove is arranged to be perpendicular to the operating path.

6. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object using a work stage for layering molding materials, A setting step to set the operating path of the extruder that extrudes the aforementioned molding material, A molding process in which the extruder is moved along the operating path set in the setting step to create a three-dimensional object, The process includes a heating step of heating the stage surface of the work stage with a heating device, In the setting step, the heating unit to be driven from among the multiple heating units of the heating device is determined based on the operating path. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, characterized in that the heating step involves driving the heating unit determined in the setting step at a predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface.

7. The heating process comprises a first heating process for heating the stage surface during the molding process, and a second heating process for heating the stage surface when removing the three-dimensional object from the stage surface. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 6, characterized in that in the first heating step and the second heating step, the heating unit determined in the setting step is driven at the predetermined temperature to heat the stage surface.

8. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to claim 7, characterized in that the second heating step heats the stage surface at a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature of the first heating step.

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