Method for manufacturing three-dimensional object and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of molding a three-dimensional molded article having desired characteristics with a simple method.SOLUTION: A production method of a three-dimensional molded article includes: a first step of receiving a selection of a molding mode of a three-dimensional molded article; a second step of generating molding data for molding the three-dimensional molded article based on the received molding data; and a third step of molding the three-dimensional molded article based on the molding data. The third step includes a step of controlling a discharge adjustment section that adjusts a discharge amount of a molding material from a nozzle. The number of times of control of the discharge adjustment section in the third step varies according to the molding mode received in the first step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding a method for producing a three-dimensional object, Patent Document 1 discloses that a flow rate adjustment mechanism including a butterfly valve is controlled to start and stop the discharge of molten material and to control the amount of the material discharged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-81263 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, in order to form an object having desired characteristics such as strength and precision, the user must adjust the control data that controls each part of the 3D printing device, such as the flow rate adjustment mechanism, and repeat the process of prototyping. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technology that can form a 3D object having desired characteristics in a simple manner. [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, the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes a first step of receiving a selection of a modeling mode for the three-dimensional object, a second step of generating modeling data for forming the three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode, and a third step of forming the three-dimensional object based on the modeling data, the third step includes a step of controlling a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of modeling material discharged from a nozzle, and the number of times that the discharge adjustment unit is controlled in the third step varies depending on the modeling mode received in the first step.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing device, the information processing device including: a reception unit that receives a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object; a modeling data generation unit that generates modeling data for modeling the three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode; and a transmission unit that transmits the modeling data to a three-dimensional printing device, the three-dimensional printing device including a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts a discharge amount of a modeling material from a nozzle and controls the discharge adjustment unit based on the modeling data, and the modeling data generation unit generates the modeling data such that the number of times the discharge adjustment unit in the three-dimensional printing device is controlled varies depending on the modeling mode received by the reception unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a flat screw. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a screw facing portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of forming a three-dimensional object. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a modeling data generating process. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modeling mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of layer data. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the number of times of discharge control. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a three-dimensional modeling process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection angle of two partial paths. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system 10 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are shown. The X and Y directions are parallel to a horizontal plane, and the Z direction is a direction along a vertical upward direction. The arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are also shown in other figures as appropriate so that the illustrated directions correspond to those in FIG. 1. In the following description, when specifying the direction, the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure is indicated as "+" and the opposite direction is indicated as "-", and positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction. In the following, the +Z direction is also referred to as "up" and the -Z direction is also referred to as "down".

[0009] The three-dimensional printing system 10 includes a three-dimensional printing device 100 and a control unit 101 that controls the three-dimensional printing device 100. The three-dimensional printing device 100 includes a printing unit 110 that generates and dispenses a printing material, a printing stage 210 that serves as a base for a three-dimensional object, and a movement mechanism 230 that controls the dispensing position of the printing material. The three-dimensional printing device 100 may be housed in a chamber not shown.

[0010] Under the control of the control unit 101, the modeling unit 110 discharges a modeling material, which is a pasty modeling material obtained by melting a solid material, onto the stage 210. The modeling unit 110 includes a material supply unit 20 that is a supply source of the material before it is converted into the modeling material, a modeling material generation unit 30 that converts the material into the modeling material, and a discharge unit 60 that discharges the modeling material.

[0011] The material supply unit 20 supplies the raw material MR to the modeling material generation unit 30 to generate the modeling material. The material supply unit 20 is, for example, configured by a hopper that stores the raw material MR. The material supply unit 20 has a discharge outlet at the bottom. The discharge outlet is connected to the modeling material generation unit 30 via a communication passage 22. The raw material MR is input into the material supply unit 20 in the form of pellets, powder, or the like. In this embodiment, a pellet-shaped ABS resin material is used.

[0012] The modeling material generating unit 30 melts the raw material MR supplied from the material supply unit 20 to generate a paste-like modeling material that exhibits fluidity, and guides the modeling material to the discharge unit 60. The modeling material generating unit 30 has a screw case 31, a drive motor 32, a flat screw 40, and a screw facing portion 50. The flat screw 40 is also called a rotor or scroll, and the screw facing portion 50 is also called a barrel.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the lower surface 48 side of the flat screw 40. In order to facilitate understanding of the technology, the flat screw 40 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in a state in which the positional relationship between the upper surface 47 and the lower surface 48 shown in FIG. 1 is reversed in the vertical direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the upper surface 52 side of the screw facing portion 50. The flat screw 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape whose height in the axial direction, which is the direction along its central axis, is smaller than its diameter. The flat screw 40 is arranged so that the rotation axis RX, which is the center of rotation, is parallel to the Z direction.

[0014] The flat screw 40 is housed in the screw case 31. An upper surface 47 side of the flat screw 40 is connected to the drive motor 32, and the flat screw 40 rotates in the screw case 31 by the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 is driven under the control of the control unit 101. Note that the flat screw 40 may be driven by the drive motor 32 via a reducer.

[0015] A spiral groove 42 is formed on the lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40, which is a surface intersecting with the rotation axis RX. The communication passage 22 of the material supply unit 20 described above communicates with the groove 42 from the side surface of the flat screw 40. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, three grooves 42 are formed, separated by a convex rib portion 43. The number of grooves 42 is not limited to three, and may be one, or two or more. The groove 42 is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be a spiral shape or an involute curve shape, or may be a shape extending in an arc from the center to the outer periphery.

[0016] The lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40 faces the upper surface 52 of the screw facing portion 50, and a space is formed between the groove portion 42 of the lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40 and the upper surface 52 of the screw facing portion 50. In the molding section 110, raw material MR is supplied from the material supply section 20 to the material inlet 44 shown in FIG. 2 into this space between the flat screw 40 and the screw facing portion 50.

[0017] A heater 58 is embedded in the screw facing portion 50 for heating the raw material MR supplied into the groove portion 42 of the rotating flat screw 40. A plurality of guide grooves 54 are formed in the screw facing portion 50, which are connected to the communication hole 56 and extend in a spiral shape from the communication hole 56 toward the outer periphery. One end of the guide groove 54 does not have to be connected to the communication hole 56. Also, the guide groove 54 can be omitted.

[0018] The raw material MR supplied into the groove 42 of the flat screw 40 flows along the groove 42 as the flat screw 40 rotates while being melted in the groove 42, and is guided to the center 46 of the flat screw 40 as a modeling material. The pasty modeling material that has flowed into the center 46 and has fluidity is supplied to the discharge section 60 through the communication hole 56 provided at the center of the screw facing section 50 shown in FIG. 3. It is not necessary for all types of substances constituting the modeling material to be melted. It is sufficient that the modeling material is converted into a state having fluidity as a whole by melting at least some types of substances constituting the modeling material.

[0019] The discharge unit 60 has a nozzle 61 that discharges the modeling material, a flow path 65 of the modeling material provided between the flat screw 40 and a nozzle opening 62, a discharge adjustment unit 70 that opens and closes the flow path 65, and a suction unit 75 that sucks in the modeling material and temporarily stores it. The nozzle 61 is connected to the communication hole 56 of the screw facing unit 50 through the flow path 65. The nozzle 61 discharges the modeling material generated in the modeling material generation unit 30 from the nozzle opening 62 at the tip toward the stage 210. A heater may be arranged around the nozzle 61 to suppress a decrease in temperature of the modeling material discharged onto the stage 210.

[0020] The discharge adjustment unit 70 is provided in the flow passage 65 communicating with the nozzle opening 62, and changes the opening degree of the flow passage 65 by rotating in the flow passage 65. In this embodiment, the discharge adjustment unit 70 is configured by a butterfly valve. The discharge adjustment unit 70 is driven by a first drive unit 74 under the control of the control unit 101. The first drive unit 74 is configured by, for example, a stepping motor. The control unit 101 can adjust the flow rate of the modeling material flowing from the modeling material generation unit 30 to the nozzle 61, that is, the discharge amount of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 61, by controlling the rotation angle of the butterfly valve using the first drive unit 74. The discharge adjustment unit 70 adjusts the discharge amount of the modeling material and controls the on / off of the outflow of the modeling material.

[0021] The suction unit 75 is connected between the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the nozzle opening 62 in the flow path 65. When the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 61 stops, the suction unit 75 temporarily sucks the modeling material in the flow path 65, thereby suppressing the tailing phenomenon in which the modeling material hangs like a string from the nozzle opening 62. In this embodiment, the suction unit 75 is configured with a plunger. The suction unit 75 is driven by a second drive unit 76 under the control of the control unit 101. The second drive unit 76 is configured with, for example, a stepping motor or a rack-and-pinion mechanism that converts the rotational force of the stepping motor into the translational motion of the plunger.

[0022] The stage 210 is disposed at a position facing the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61. In the first embodiment, the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210 facing the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61 is disposed so as to be parallel to the X and Y directions, i.e., the horizontal direction. In a three-dimensional modeling process described below, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 forms a three-dimensional object by discharging a modeling material from the discharging unit 60 toward the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210 to stack layers. The stage 210 may be provided with a heater to prevent the modeling material discharged onto the stage 210 from cooling rapidly.

[0023] The movement mechanism 230 changes the relative position between the stage 210 and the nozzle 61. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle 61 is fixed, and the movement mechanism 230 moves the stage 210. The movement mechanism 230 is configured by a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 210 in three axial directions, the X, Y, and Z directions, by the driving forces of three motors. The movement mechanism 230 changes the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 61 and the stage 210 under the control of the control unit 101. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the movement of the nozzle 61 means moving the nozzle 61 and the discharge unit 60 relative to the stage 210.

[0024] In other embodiments, instead of a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210, a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 while the position of the stage 210 is fixed may be employed. Also, a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the Z direction and moves the nozzle 61 in the X and Y directions, or a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the X and Y directions and moves the nozzle 61 in the Z direction may be employed. Even with these configurations, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 61 and the stage 210 can be changed.

[0025] The control unit 101 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. The control unit 101 is configured by a computer having one or more processors, a storage device, and an input / output interface that inputs and outputs signals from and to the outside. A display unit 105 configured by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like is connected to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 fulfills the functions of a reception unit 102, a modeling data generation unit 103, and a modeling processing unit 104 by the processor executing a program or command loaded onto the storage device. Instead of being configured by a computer, the control unit 101 may be realized by a configuration combining a plurality of circuits for realizing at least a part of each function. The control unit 101 is also called an information processing device.

[0026] The reception unit 102 receives a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object from a user through an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard (not shown). The modeling mode includes at least one of a mode related to the strength of the three-dimensional object and a mode related to the modeling time of the three-dimensional object. The modeling modes will be described in detail later.

[0027] The modeling data generation unit 103 generates modeling data for modeling a three-dimensional object, based on the modeling mode accepted by the acceptance unit 102. The modeling data includes path information indicating the movement path of the discharge unit 60, discharge amount information indicating the amount of modeling material discharged on each movement path, and control information for controlling the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the suction unit 75. The movement path of the discharge unit 60 is a path along which the nozzle 61 moves along the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210 while discharging the modeling material.

[0028] The path information is composed of a plurality of partial paths. Each partial path is a linear path represented by a start point and an end point. The discharge amount information is individually associated with each partial path. In this embodiment, the discharge amount represented by the discharge amount information is the amount of modeling material discharged per unit time in that partial path. Note that in other embodiments, the total amount of modeling material discharged in the entire partial path may be associated with each partial path as the discharge amount information.

[0029] The modeling processing unit 104 controls the modeling unit 110, which includes the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the discharge unit 60, and the movement mechanism 230, based on the modeling data generated by the modeling data generation unit 103, to model a three-dimensional object on the stage 210. When modeling a three-dimensional object, the modeling processing unit 104 discharges the modeling material while moving the discharge unit 60 based on path information and discharge amount information included in the modeling data, and controls the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the suction unit 75 based on control information.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of how a three-dimensional object is formed in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100. As described above, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, the raw material MR in a solid state supplied to the groove portion 42 of the rotating flat screw 40 is melted in the printing material generating unit 30 to generate the printing material MM. The control unit 101 discharges the printing material MM from the nozzle 61 while changing the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 in a direction along the printing surface 211 of the stage 210 while maintaining the distance between the printing surface 211 of the stage 210 and the nozzle 61. The printing material MM discharged from the nozzle 61 is continuously deposited in the moving direction of the nozzle 61. By such scanning by the nozzle 61, a linear portion LP, which is a printing portion that extends linearly along the scanning path of the nozzle 61, is formed.

[0031] The control unit 101 forms layers ML by repeating the above-mentioned scanning by the nozzle 61. After forming one layer ML, the control unit 101 moves the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 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 101 may temporarily suspend the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 61, for example, when the nozzle 61 moves in the Z direction after completing one layer ML or when there are multiple independent modeling regions in each layer. In this case, the discharge adjustment unit 70 closes the flow path 65 to stop the discharge of the modeling material MM from the nozzle opening 62, and the suction unit 75 temporarily sucks the modeling material in the nozzle 61. After changing the position of the nozzle 61, the control unit 101 opens the flow path 65 with the discharge adjustment unit 70 while discharging the modeling material in the suction unit 75, thereby resuming the deposition of the modeling material MM from the changed position of the nozzle 61.

[0033] 5 is a flowchart of the modeling data generation process executed by the control unit 101. The modeling data generation process is a process for generating modeling data to be used in modeling a three-dimensional object prior to modeling the three-dimensional object.

[0034] 5, in step S100, the control unit 101 acquires three-dimensional data representing the shape of a three-dimensional object. The control unit 101 acquires three-dimensional data, such as three-dimensional CAD data, from an external source, for example, via a network or a recording medium.

[0035] In step S110, the reception unit 102 receives a selection of a modeling mode from the user. For example, the control unit 101 displays the names of the modeling modes on the display unit 105, and the user selects a desired modeling mode from among the names using an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. Step S110 is also referred to as a first step in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a modeling mode. In this embodiment, (1) a high-definition mode, (2) a strength-priority mode, (3) a standard mode, (4) a weight-reduction mode, and (5) a speed-priority mode are prepared as modes related to the strength of a three-dimensional object or modes related to the modeling time of a three-dimensional object. These modes differ in the strength of the three-dimensional object to be modeled and the modeling time until the three-dimensional object is completed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the high-definition mode, the strength is stronger than in the standard mode, and the modeling time is longer than in the standard mode. In the strength-priority mode, the strength is stronger than in the standard mode, and the modeling time is shorter than in the standard mode. In the weight-reduction mode, the strength is weaker than in the standard mode, and the modeling time is longer than in the standard mode. In the speed-priority mode, the strength is weaker than in the standard mode, and the modeling time is shorter than in the standard mode. A mode including either a mode for modeling a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for modeling a three-dimensional object for a long time is called a non-standard mode.

[0037] In step S120 of FIG. 5, the modeling data generating unit 103 determines modeling data generating conditions according to the modeling mode accepted in step S110. As shown in FIG. 6, various modeling data generating conditions are determined and stored in the storage device of the control unit 101 in order to realize the strength and modeling time according to each modeling mode. The modeling data generating unit 103 determines modeling data generating conditions according to the modeling mode by referring to the storage device of the control unit 101. The modeling data generating conditions include the line width, the layer pitch, the internal filling rate, the filling pattern, the moving speed of the discharge unit 60, and the number of discharge controls. For example, in the high-definition mode, the following modeling data generating conditions are set in comparison with the standard mode: (1) a thinner line width, (2) a narrower layer pitch, (3) a higher filling rate, (4) a more complex filling pattern, and (5) a slower moving speed of the discharge unit 60. By generating the modeling data according to these modeling data generation conditions, modeling characteristics such as strength, modeling time, modeling accuracy, dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and material usage are realized. In Fig. 6, the modeling data generation conditions are shown in comparison with the standard mode for ease of understanding, but designated values ​​are specified for each condition such as line width and layer pitch. Note that the modeling data generation conditions and modeling characteristics shown in Fig. 6 are merely examples, and other conditions and characteristics may be determined, and some of the conditions and characteristics shown in Fig. 6 may be omitted.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 5 for the explanation, in step S130, the modeling data generation unit 103 analyzes the three-dimensional data acquired in step S100, and generates layer data by slicing the three-dimensional object into a plurality of layers along the XY plane. The slicing interval is set according to the layer pitch of the modeling data generation conditions determined in step S120. The layer data is data that represents the outer shell of the three-dimensional object in the XY plane. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the layer data LD. In FIG. 7, the part that corresponds to the outer shell represented by the layer data LD is indicated by a thick line.

[0039] In step S140 of FIG. 5, the modeling data generation unit 103 generates shell modeling data in accordance with the modeling data generation conditions determined in step S120. The shell modeling data is data for forming an outer shell region that contacts the inside of the outer shell represented by the layer data LD. The outer shell region is a region that affects the appearance of the three-dimensional object. The shell modeling data includes a path for forming the outermost periphery along the outer shell of the three-dimensional object. The shell modeling data may include not only path information for forming the outermost periphery of the three-dimensional object, but also path information including one revolution around the inner side of the outermost periphery. The number of revolutions of the path information for forming the outer shell region may be arbitrarily settable.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the outer shell forming data ZD1 is composed of the outermost path information and the path information for one revolution inside the outer shell. The path information includes a plurality of partial paths PP1 for forming the outer shell region. As described above, each partial path PP1 is a linear path. Each partial path PP1 is associated with a discharge amount information indicating the amount of the forming material deposited on the stage 210 that will result in the line width Ss specified in the forming data generation conditions. The line width is determined according to the opening degree of the butterfly valve provided in the discharge adjustment unit 70. Therefore, for example, in the high-definition mode in which the strength of the three-dimensional object to be formed is high and the forming time is long, the line width is set to be thin, and therefore, when the three-dimensional object is formed, the maximum opening degree of the butterfly valve is smaller than when the standard mode is selected.

[0041] 5, the modeling data generation unit 103 generates internal modeling data in accordance with the modeling data generation conditions determined in step S120. The internal modeling data is data for modeling an internal region, which is an area inside the outer shell represented by the layer data LD and is an area of ​​the three-dimensional object other than the outer shell area. The internal region has a greater influence on the strength of the three-dimensional object than on the appearance of the three-dimensional object.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the internal molding data ZD2 is represented inside the outer shell molding data ZD1. In FIG. 7, the path information filling the internal area represented by the internal molding data ZD2 is formed in a meandering manner by a plurality of partial paths PP2. As described above, each partial path PP2 is a straight path. The path information representing the internal molding data ZD2 is determined by the internal filling rate and filling pattern specified in the molding data generation conditions. The lower the internal filling rate, the wider the interval between adjacent paths, resulting in a path with many gaps. In addition, the more complex the filling pattern, the more corners there are in the movement path, that is, the more partial paths there are. Examples of filling patterns include grids, triangles, concentric circles, and honeycombs, and a pattern that satisfies the complexity in the molding data generation conditions is specified for each molding data generation condition. Each partial path PP2 included in the internal molding data ZD is associated with a discharge amount that results in a line width specified in the molding data generation conditions as discharge amount information.

[0043] Hereinafter, the outer shell shaping data generated in step S140 and the internal shaping data generated in step S150 are collectively referred to as “shaping data.” The shaping data includes path data that represents a path along which the discharging unit 60 moves while discharging the shaping material by using a plurality of partial paths, and discharge amount data that includes discharge amount information that represents the amount of the shaping material discharged on each partial path.

[0044] In this embodiment, the modeling data further includes discharge control information for controlling the moving speed of the discharge unit 60 and the discharge of the modeling material by the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the suction unit 75. The moving speed is specified by the modeling data generation conditions determined in step S120. The discharge control information is information for controlling the on / off of the modeling material at the start point and end point of the partial path. The number of times the discharge of the modeling material is turned on or off is hereinafter referred to as the "discharge control number of times" or simply the "control number of times". The degree of the discharge control number of times is regulated by the modeling data generation conditions. For example, in a high-definition mode in which the strength of the three-dimensional object to be formed is high and the modeling time is long, the discharge control information is set so that the discharge control number of times is greater than in the standard mode.

[0045] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the number of discharge controls. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the number of discharge controls is large in the movement path constituting the outer shell modeling data ZD1 and is small in the movement path constituting the inner shell modeling data ZD2. As shown in FIG. 8, in the mode in which the number of discharge controls is small, the modeling data generating unit 103 generates a movement path so that the movement path is continuously modeled in one stroke while the discharge is on. In contrast, in the mode in which the number of discharge controls is large, the modeling data generating unit 103 sets the discharge control information so that the discharge of the modeling material is temporarily stopped every time the discharge unit 60 is positioned at a corner of the movement path and the discharge of the modeling material is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that, in the modeling mode in which the number of discharge controls is large, the number of discharge controls may be large only in the outer shell modeling data ZD1, or may be large in both the outer shell modeling data ZD1 and the inner shell modeling data ZD2.

[0046] The modeling data generating unit 103 realizes temporary suspension of the discharge by writing control commands for the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the suction unit 75 so that the following control is performed for the modeling data. This control is a series of controls that first temporarily stops the movement of the discharge unit 60, sets the amount of modeling material discharged by the discharge adjustment unit 70 to zero, causes the suction unit 75 to suction the modeling material from the nozzle opening 62, and after a predetermined period of time has passed, increases the opening of the discharge adjustment unit 70 while discharging the modeling material from the suction unit 75, starts discharging the modeling material, and resumes the movement of the discharge unit 60.

[0047] 5, the shaping data generation unit 103 determines whether the above processes have been completed for all layer data. If the processes have not been completed for all layer data, the shaping data generation unit 103 repeats the processes of steps S140 and S150 for the next layer data. If the generation of shaping data for all layer data has been completed, the shaping data generation unit 103 ends the shaping data generation process. Note that steps S130 to S160 are also referred to as a second step in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

[0048] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the three-dimensional printing process executed by the control unit 101. The three-dimensional printing process is a process executed by the control unit 101 using the printing data generated in the printing data generation process shown in Fig. 5. The printing data generation process shown in Fig. 5 and the three-dimensional printing process shown in Fig. 9 are executed to realize a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by the three-dimensional printing device 100. The three-dimensional printing process is also referred to as a third step in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

[0049] In step S200, the control unit 101 acquires the shaping data generated by the shaping data generation process described above. Then, in step S210, the control unit 101 reads shaping data for one layer of the multiple layers constituting the three-dimensional object from the shaping data. In this embodiment, the control unit 101 first reads shaping data for the layer located at the bottom of the multiple layers constituting the three-dimensional object.

[0050] In step S220, the control unit 101 executes a first formation process. In the first formation process, the control unit 101 controls the movement mechanism 230, the discharge adjustment unit 70, and the suction unit 75 in accordance with the partial path, the discharge amount information, and the discharge control information included in the outer shell formation data to form an outer shell region for the current layer.

[0051] In step S230, the control unit 101 executes a second modeling process. In the second modeling process, the control unit 101 controls the movement mechanism 230, the discharge adjustment unit 70, and the suction unit 75 in accordance with the partial paths, the discharge amount information, and the discharge control information included in the internal modeling data to form an internal region for the current layer.

[0052] In step S240, the control unit 101 determines whether or not modeling has been completed for all layers. If modeling has not been completed for all layers, the control unit 101 returns the process to step S210 and executes the processes of steps S210 to S230 for the next layer, i.e., the layer adjacent to the upper side of the current layer. In this case, in step S220, prior to the discharge of the modeling material from the discharge unit 60, the control unit 101 controls the moving mechanism 230 to raise the position of the nozzle 61 by one layer.

[0053] When it is determined in step S240 that modeling has been completed for all layers, the control unit 101 completes the three-dimensional modeling process. The three-dimensional object thus manufactured is modeled according to modeling data generation conditions corresponding to the modeling mode designated by the user when generating the modeling data. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling process realizes the strength, modeling time, and number of discharge control times corresponding to the modeling mode, and further realizes modeling characteristics such as modeling accuracy, dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and amount of material used shown in FIG. 6. For example, when a model is modeled based on modeling data generated in the high-definition mode, at least some of the following are performed by the three-dimensional modeling process, compared to when the model is modeled in the standard mode: (1) narrowing the line width; (2) narrowing the layer pitch; (3) increasing the filling rate; (4) making the filling pattern more complex, i.e., increasing the number of partial paths included in the movement path; (5) slowing down the movement speed of the discharge unit 60; and (6) increasing the amount of material used.

[0054] According to the first embodiment described above, the number of control times of the discharge adjustment unit 70 can be varied depending on the modeling mode selected when generating the modeling data. Therefore, the user does not need to finely adjust the control data and repeat prototyping by himself, but can form a three-dimensional object having characteristics according to the modeling mode by simply selecting the modeling mode. For example, in a modeling mode with a large number of discharge control times, a model can be formed with high strength, and in a mode with a small number of discharge control times, a model can be formed in a short time.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the modeling mode includes at least one of a mode related to the strength of the three-dimensional object and a mode related to the modeling time of the three-dimensional object, so that the user can easily select the desired modeling mode from the modes prepared according to the strength and modeling time.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, when a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time, such as the high-definition mode, is selected, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit 70 is controlled is increased compared to when the standard mode is selected. Therefore, when these modes are selected, the modeling accuracy can be improved. In particular, by increasing the number of times the discharge adjustment unit 70 is controlled in the outer shell region, the modeling accuracy in the outer shell region can be improved.

[0057] In this embodiment, the discharge adjustment unit 70 is configured with a butterfly valve, and when a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object over a long period of time is selected, the maximum opening degree of the butterfly valve is smaller than when the standard mode is selected. Therefore, in a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object over a long period of time, such as the high-definition mode, the flow rate of the modeling material discharged from the discharge unit 60 decreases, so that modeling can be performed with a smaller line width or a narrower layer pitch.

[0058] In this embodiment, when a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object over a long period of time, such as the high-definition mode, is selected, the number of operations of the suction unit 75 is increased compared to when the standard mode is selected. This prevents the modeling material from dripping from the nozzle 61, improving the modeling accuracy.

[0059] B. Other embodiments: (B1) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection angle CA of two partial paths indicated by arrows. In the above embodiment, when the standard mode is selected, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 may control the discharge adjustment unit 70 to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material when the angle at which two consecutive partial paths included in the movement path of the discharge unit 60 are connected is equal to or greater than a first angle. In other words, when the standard mode is selected, the modeling data generation unit 103 may generate discharge control information to control the discharge adjustment unit 70 at the connection portion to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material when the angle CA at which two consecutive partial paths included in the movement path of the discharge unit 60 are connected is equal to or greater than a first angle. By doing so, the modeling accuracy can be improved by temporarily suspending the discharge according to the connection angle CA between the partial paths during three-dimensional modeling. Note that the angle at which two partial paths are connected is set to 0 degrees, which is the minimum angle at which two partial paths are connected in series, and 180 degrees, which is the maximum angle at which they are connected in a folded-back manner.

[0060] In this case, when a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time is selected, such as the high-definition mode, the three-dimensional printing device 100 may control the discharge adjustment unit 70 to temporarily stop the discharge of the printing material when the angle CA is equal to or greater than a second angle smaller than the first angle. In other words, when a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time is selected, such as the high-definition mode, the printing data generation unit 103 may generate discharge control information such that the discharge of the printing material is temporarily stopped at a smaller angle at which the two partial paths are connected, compared to when the standard mode is selected. By doing so, the discharge of the printing material is temporarily stopped at a smaller angle at which the two partial paths are connected during three-dimensional printing, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0061] (B2) The dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and filling rate of a three-dimensional object are greatly related to the modeling time of the three-dimensional object. For example, increasing the dimensional accuracy requires a longer modeling time, and decreasing the surface roughness also requires a longer modeling time. In addition, increasing the filling rate also requires a longer modeling time. Therefore, the mode related to the modeling time of the three-dimensional object may be a mode related to at least one of the dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and filling rate. In other words, the control unit 101 may be configured to accept a mode related to the dimensional accuracy, a mode related to the surface roughness, and a mode related to the filling rate as the mode related to the modeling time.

[0062] (B3) In the above embodiment, the discharge of the modeling material is temporarily stopped by driving both the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the suction unit 75. In contrast to this, for example, only the discharge adjustment unit 70 or only the suction unit 75 may be operated to temporarily stop the discharge.

[0063] (B4) In the above embodiment, the modeling unit 110 plasticizes the material by the flat screw 40. In contrast, the modeling unit 110 may plasticize the material by, for example, rotating an in-line screw. Also, a head used in fused deposition modeling may be adopted as the modeling unit 110.

[0064] (B5) In the above embodiment, the flow rate of the modeling material is adjusted using the discharge adjustment unit 70 configured with a butterfly valve. However, the flow rate of the modeling material may be adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of the flat screw 40.

[0065] (B6) In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes the suction unit 75. However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 does not necessarily have to include the suction unit 75.

[0066] (B7) In the above embodiment, the control unit 101 executes both the modeling data generation process and the three-dimensional modeling process. In contrast, the modeling data generation process and the three-dimensional modeling process may be executed by different control units. In this case, for example, the control unit that executes the modeling data generation process is configured as an information processing device, and the control unit that executes the three-dimensional modeling process is provided in the three-dimensional modeling device. The information processing device then includes a transmission unit that transmits the modeling data to the three-dimensional modeling device.

[0067] (B8) In the above embodiment, pellet-shaped ABS resin material is used as the raw material supplied to the material supply unit 20. In contrast, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 can model a three-dimensional object using various materials as main materials, such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, ceramic materials, etc. Here, the "main material" refers to a material that is the core material forming the shape of the three-dimensional object, and a material that occupies 50% by weight or more in the three-dimensional object. The modeling materials mentioned above include those main materials that are melted alone, and those in which some components contained together with the main material are melted and turned into a paste.

[0068] When a material having thermoplastic properties is used as the main material, the modeling material is generated by plasticizing the material in the modeling material generation unit 30. "Plasticization" means that heat is applied to the material having thermoplastic properties to melt it.

[0069] As the material having thermoplasticity, for example, the following thermoplastic resin materials can be used. <Examples of thermoplastic resin materials> General-purpose engineering plastics such as polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), polyacetal resin (POM), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polyamide resin (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), polylactic acid resin (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate, as well as engineering plastics such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, and polyether ether ketone.

[0070] The thermoplastic material may contain additives such as pigments, metals, ceramics, wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and thermal stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state in the modeling material generating unit 30 by the rotation of the flat screw 40 and the heat of the heater 58. The modeling material generated by melting the thermoplastic material is discharged from the nozzle 61 and then hardens due to a decrease in temperature.

[0071] It is desirable that the thermoplastic material be heated to or above its glass transition point and in a completely molten state before being injected from the nozzle 61. For example, ABS resin has a glass transition point of about 120°C, and it is desirable that the temperature of the ABS resin be about 200°C when it is injected from the nozzle 61.

[0072] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, for example, the following metal materials may be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned thermoplastic materials. In this case, it is preferable that the powder material made by powdering the following metal materials is mixed with a component that melts when the modeling material is generated, and then the mixture is input to the modeling material generation unit 30 as a raw material. <Examples of metal materials> A single metal, or an alloy containing one or more of the following metals: magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), or nickel (Ni). <Examples of the alloy> Maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt chrome molybdenum, titanium alloy, nickel alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt alloy, cobalt chrome alloy.

[0073] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, a ceramic material can be used as the main material instead of the above-mentioned metal materials. As the ceramic material, for example, oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride can be used. When the above-mentioned metal materials or ceramic materials are used as the main material, the modeling material placed on the stage 210 may be hardened by sintering using laser irradiation, hot air, or the like.

[0074] The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material fed to the material supply unit 20 as a raw material may be a mixed material in which a single metal powder, an alloy powder, or a ceramic material powder is mixed. The powder material of the metallic material or the ceramic material may be coated with, for example, the thermoplastic resin exemplified above or a thermoplastic resin other than the above. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the modeling material generation unit 30 to exhibit fluidity.

[0075] For example, the following solvents can be added to the powdered metal or ceramic material fed as raw material to the material supply unit 20. The solvent can be one or a combination of two or more selected from the following: <Examples of solvents> water; (poly)alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; acetate esters such as ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and iso-butyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, and acetylacetone; alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol; tetraalkylammonium acetates; sulfoxide-based solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and diethyl sulfoxide; pyridine-based solvents such as pyridine, γ-picoline, and 2,6-lutidine; tetraalkylammonium acetates (for example, tetrabutylammonium acetate, etc.); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0076] In addition, the powdered metal or ceramic material fed to the material supply unit 20 as a raw material may also contain binders such as those described below. <Example of binder> Acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose resin or other synthetic resin, or PLA (polylactic acid), PA (polyamide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEEK (polyether ether ketone) or other thermoplastic resin.

[0077] C. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0078] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes a first step of receiving a selection of a modeling mode for the three-dimensional object, a second step of generating modeling data for modeling the three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode, and a third step of modeling the three-dimensional object based on the modeling data, the third step includes a step of controlling a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of modeling material discharged from a nozzle, and the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled in the third step varies depending on the modeling mode received in the first step. According to this embodiment, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled can be varied depending on the modeling mode selected when generating the modeling data. Therefore, by simply selecting a modeling mode, a three-dimensional object having characteristics corresponding to that modeling mode can be formed.

[0079] (2) In the above embodiment, the modeling mode may include at least one of a mode related to a strength of the three-dimensional object and a mode related to a modeling time of the three-dimensional object. With this embodiment, it is possible to select a modeling mode according to the strength or the modeling time.

[0080] (3) In the above aspect, the mode related to the modeling time of the three-dimensional object may be a mode related to at least one of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and filling rate.

[0081] (4) In the above embodiment, when a non-standard mode, which includes either a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time, is selected as the modeling mode, the number of times that the discharge adjustment unit is controlled in the third step may be different from the case where the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode.

[0082] (5) In the above embodiment, when the non-standard mode is selected, the number of times that the discharge adjustment unit is controlled may be greater in the third step than when the standard mode is selected. According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve modeling accuracy in a mode in which a three-dimensional object is formed with high strength or in a mode in which a three-dimensional object is formed in a long time.

[0083] (6) In the above embodiment, when the non-standard mode is selected, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled during modeling of the outer shell region of the three-dimensional object in the third step may be greater than when the standard mode is selected. According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve modeling accuracy in the outer shell region of the three-dimensional object.

[0084] (7) In the above embodiment, when the non-standard mode is selected, compared to when the standard mode is selected, at least one of the following may be performed in forming the three-dimensional object in the third step: (1) narrowing the line width; (2) narrowing the layer pitch; (3) increasing the filling rate; (4) increasing the number of partial paths included in the nozzle movement path; (5) slowing down the nozzle movement speed; or (6) increasing the amount of material used.

[0085] (8) In the above embodiment, the discharge adjustment unit may be a butterfly valve provided in a flow path communicating with the nozzle opening of the nozzle, and when the non-standard mode is selected, the maximum opening degree of the butterfly valve may be smaller than when the standard mode is selected. According to this embodiment, in the high-strength modeling mode or the long-time modeling mode, the flow rate of the modeling material discharged from the discharge unit decreases, so that modeling can be performed with a smaller line width or layer pitch.

[0086] (9) In the above embodiment, when the non-standard mode is selected, the number of operations of the suction unit that is disposed between the discharge adjustment unit and the nozzle opening of the nozzle and sucks the modeling material may be increased compared to when the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode. According to this embodiment, in a mode that realizes high-strength or long-lasting modeling, sagging of the modeling material from the nozzle can be suppressed, thereby improving modeling accuracy.

[0087] (10) In the above embodiment, when the standard mode is selected, in the third step, the discharge adjustment unit may be controlled to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material when an angle at which two consecutive partial paths included in the movement path of the nozzle are connected is equal to or greater than a first angle, and when the non-standard mode is selected, the discharge adjustment unit may be controlled to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material when the angle is equal to or greater than a second angle smaller than the first angle. According to this embodiment, when a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object for a long time is selected, the number of times that the discharge of the modeling material is temporarily stopped at corners increases, thereby realizing modeling with high strength or for a long time.

[0088] (11) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing device, the information processing device including: a reception unit that receives a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object; a modeling data generation unit that generates modeling data for modeling the three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode; and a transmission unit that transmits the modeling data to a three-dimensional printing device, the three-dimensional printing device including a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts a discharge amount of a modeling material from a nozzle and controls the discharge adjustment unit based on the modeling data, and the modeling data generation unit generates the modeling data such that the number of times the discharge adjustment unit in the three-dimensional printing device is controlled varies depending on the modeling mode received by the reception unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10...three-dimensional printing system, 20...material supply section, 22...connecting passage, 30...printing material generation section, 31...screw case, 32...driving motor, 40...flat screw, 42...groove section, 43...ridge section, 44...material inlet, 46...center section, 47...upper surface, 48...lower surface, 50...screw facing section, 52...upper surface, 54...guide groove, 56...connecting hole, 58...heater, 60...discharge section, 61...nozzle, 62...nozzle opening, 65...flow path, 70...discharge adjustment section, 74...first drive section, 75...suction section, 76...second drive section, 100...three-dimensional printing device, 101...control section, 102...reception section, 103...printing data generation section, 104...printing processing section, 105...display section, 110...printing section, 210...stage, 211...printing surface, 230...movement mechanism

Claims

1. A first step of accepting a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object; a second step of generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode; and a third step of forming the three-dimensional object based on the forming data, The third step includes a step of controlling a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts a discharge amount of the modeling material from a nozzle, The number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled in the third process varies depending on the modeling mode accepted in the first process, When a non-standard mode, which includes either a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time, is selected as the modeling mode, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled is different in the third step compared to when the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode, When the standard mode is selected, in the third step, when an angle at which two consecutive partial paths included in the movement path of the nozzle are connected is equal to or greater than a first angle, the discharge adjustment unit is controlled to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material, When the non-standard mode is selected, when the angle is equal to or greater than a second angle smaller than the first angle, the discharge adjustment unit is controlled to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

2. The method for producing a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, The manufacturing method of a three-dimensional object, wherein the modeling mode includes at least one of a mode related to a strength of the three-dimensional object and a mode related to a modeling time of the three-dimensional object.

3. The method for producing a three-dimensional object according to claim 2, A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, wherein the mode relating to the modeling time of the three-dimensional object is a mode relating to at least one of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and filling rate.

4. A method for producing a three-dimensional object according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the steps of: When the non-standard mode is selected, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled is increased in the third step, compared to when the standard mode is selected.

5. The method for producing a three-dimensional object according to claim 4, A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, wherein when the non-standard mode is selected, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled during formation of the outer shell region of the three-dimensional object in the third step is greater than when the standard mode is selected.

6. A method for producing a three-dimensional object according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the steps of: When the non-standard mode is selected, compared to when the standard mode is selected, in the formation of the three-dimensional object in the third step, at least one of the following is performed: (1) narrowing the line width; (2) narrowing the layer pitch; (3) increasing the filling rate; (4) increasing the number of partial paths included in the nozzle movement path; (5) slowing down the nozzle movement speed; and (6) increasing the amount of material used.

7. A first step of accepting a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object; a second step of generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode; and a third step of forming the three-dimensional object based on the forming data, The third step includes a step of controlling a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts a discharge amount of the modeling material from a nozzle, The number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled in the third process varies depending on the modeling mode accepted in the first process, When a non-standard mode, which includes either a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time, is selected as the modeling mode, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled is different in the third step compared to when the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode, the discharge adjustment unit is a butterfly valve provided in a flow path communicating with a nozzle opening of the nozzle, When the non-standard mode is selected, a maximum opening degree of the butterfly valve is smaller than when the standard mode is selected.

8. A first step of accepting a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object; a second step of generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode; and a third step of forming the three-dimensional object based on the forming data, The third step includes a step of controlling a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts a discharge amount of the modeling material from a nozzle, The number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled in the third process varies depending on the modeling mode accepted in the first process, When a non-standard mode, which includes either a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time, is selected as the modeling mode, the number of times the discharge adjustment unit is controlled is different in the third step compared to when the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode, A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, wherein when the non-standard mode is selected, the number of operations of a suction unit, which is disposed between the discharge adjustment unit and the nozzle opening of the nozzle and sucks up the modeling material, is increased compared to when the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode.

9. A reception unit that receives a selection of a modeling mode for a three-dimensional object; a modeling data generation unit that generates modeling data for modeling the three-dimensional object based on the received modeling mode; a transmission unit that transmits the modeling data to a three-dimensional modeling device, The three-dimensional modeling apparatus has a discharge adjustment unit that adjusts a discharge amount of modeling material from a nozzle, and controls the discharge adjustment unit based on the modeling data. the modeling data generation unit generates the modeling data such that a number of times of control of the discharge adjustment unit in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is changed according to the modeling mode accepted by the acceptance unit, The modeling data generation unit includes: When a non-standard mode, which includes either a mode for forming a three-dimensional object with high strength or a mode for forming a three-dimensional object in a long time, is selected as the modeling mode, the modeling data is generated so that the number of times of control of the discharge adjustment unit is different compared to when the standard mode is selected as the modeling mode; When the standard mode is selected, the modeling data is generated so as to control the discharge adjustment unit to temporarily stop the discharge of the modeling material when an angle at which two consecutive partial paths included in the movement path of the nozzle are connected is equal to or greater than a first angle, When the non-standard mode is selected, if the angle is equal to or greater than a second angle smaller than the first angle, the discharge adjustment unit is controlled to generate the modeling data so that the discharge of the modeling material is temporarily stopped. Information processing device.

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