Method for adjusting a molding device, molding system, and method for manufacturing a confirmation molded object

Abstract

To properly adjust a molding apparatus using a method appropriate to a configuration of the molding apparatus.SOLUTION: An adjustment method for adjusting a molding apparatus 12 includes: a molding stage of molding a confirmatory molding object used to confirm an operation of the molding apparatus 12; a confirmation stage of checking a condition of the confirmatory molding object; and an adjustment stage of adjusting the molding apparatus 12 based on the condition of the confirmatory molding object confirmed in the confirmation stage. The molding apparatus 12 comprises an inkjet head 202 which is a discharge head, and a flattening roller 206. In the molding stage, the molding apparatus 12 is made to mold the confirmatory molding object having a portion for confirming a flattening operation, which is a portion for confirming an operation of a flattening of a layer by the flattening roller 206.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a modeling apparatus, a modeling system, and a method for manufacturing a confirmation model. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a modeling apparatus (3D printer) that uses an inkjet head to form a model (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a modeling apparatus, for example, an object is formed by layering ink layers formed by the inkjet head, using a layered modeling method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-071282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using a modeling device to model an object, any imperfections in the device's operation can make it difficult to achieve high-quality modeling. In this regard, for example, in the case of inkjet printers that print two-dimensional images, a method of adjusting the inkjet head by printing a predetermined test pattern is widely used. Therefore, it is conceivable to perform adjustments to the ejection head, such as an inkjet head, in a modeling device in a manner similar to that of an inkjet printer. In this case, it is also conceivable to confirm the ejection characteristics of the ejection head by ejecting a modeling material from the ejection head of the modeling device onto a sheet-like member. However, when using a modeling device to model an object, it may be difficult to achieve high-precision modeling simply by performing adjustments similar to those of an inkjet printer. Therefore, a more appropriate method for adjusting the modeling device is desirable. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for adjusting a modeling device, a modeling system, and a method for manufacturing a confirmation object that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of the present application conducted extensive research into adjusting a modeling apparatus and came up with the idea of ​​forming a confirmation object, which is an object used to confirm the operation of the modeling apparatus. In this case, by checking the condition of the confirmation object and adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the checking results, the modeling apparatus can be appropriately adjusted to meet the quality requirements of the model. Furthermore, a modeling apparatus may, for example, form a model by stacking layers formed with a modeling material. In this case, the modeling apparatus may flatten the layers formed with the modeling material using, for example, a flattening roller. Furthermore, if the flattening roller is misaligned or tilted, the layers may not be properly flattened, which has a significant impact on the quality of the model. Therefore, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea of ​​adjusting the modeling apparatus by having the modeling apparatus form a confirmation object having a portion for checking the operation of flattening the layers using the flattening roller. With this configuration, the modeling apparatus can be appropriately adjusted, for example, using a method suited to the configuration of the modeling apparatus.

[0006]

[0013] Furthermore, through further intensive research, the inventors of the present application discovered features necessary for achieving such effects, and arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, the method comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm the operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; and an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling device based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step, the modeling device comprising a discharge head that discharges the modeling material and a flattening roller that flattenes the layer formed of the material discharged from the discharge head, and the modeling step of causing the modeling device to form the confirmation object having a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling device.

[0007] With this configuration, for example, the flattening operation by the flattening roller can be confirmed by checking the state of the flattening operation checking portion of the confirmation object. In this case, regarding the flattening operation by the flattening roller, for example, it is conceivable to check whether flattening is being performed properly. Furthermore, if flattening is not being performed properly, it is conceivable to check, for example, the deviation or tilt of the flattening roller based on the state of the flattening operation checking portion. Furthermore, in this case, it is possible to appropriately adjust the modeling device by adjusting the modeling device based on the confirmed state of the confirmation object in the adjustment stage. More specifically, in this case, it is conceivable to adjust the flattening roller based on the results of checking the flattening operation checking portion. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately adjust the modeling device using a method suitable for the configuration of the modeling device.

[0008] Furthermore, when a model is formed by stacking layers as in this configuration, it is conceivable that steps will be formed in the curved surface portion depending on the modeling resolution. The appearance of such steps may change depending on, for example, how the flattening is performed by the flattening roller. More specifically, for example, if the flattening roller is not properly adjusted, the appearance of such steps may differ significantly from when the flattening roller is properly adjusted. Therefore, in this configuration, it is conceivable to use, for example, a portion including a curved surface portion represented by steps that occur depending on the modeling resolution of the modeling device as the flattening operation confirmation portion. With this configuration, it is possible, for example, to more appropriately confirm the flattening operation by the flattening roller. This also allows, for example, more appropriately adjusting the flattening roller.

[0009] In addition, in this configuration, the modeling device includes, for example, a colored material head, which is an ejection head that ejects a colored material. The colored material can be considered, for example, as a colored material used when modeling a colored object. In this case, it is conceivable that, in the modeling stage, at least a portion of the confirmation object is formed using, for example, the colored material ejected from the colored material head. With this configuration, by coloring at least a portion of the confirmation object, it is possible, for example, to more easily and appropriately check the state of the confirmation object. Furthermore, by coloring at least a portion of the confirmation object, it is also possible, for example, to check the state of the colored material head.

[0010] The confirmation object may be, for example, an object having a portion other than the curved portion. More specifically, in this configuration, the modeling device further includes, for example, a light-reflective material head, which is a discharge head that discharges a light-reflective material. In this case, during the modeling stage, the modeling device is caused to model the confirmation object having, on its upper surface, a solid colored portion, which is a portion in which at least a portion of a predetermined area is colored by filling it in with a colored material. In this case, the periphery of the solid colored portion on the upper surface is formed in a color different from that of the solid colored portion, for example, using a light-reflective material.

[0011] In this case, if the flattening roller is not properly adjusted, for example, the colored material ejected to form the solid colored portion may be dragged by the flattening roller, resulting in unintended coloring outside the solid colored portion. Therefore, this configuration allows for more appropriate confirmation of the flattening operation by the flattening roller. Furthermore, in this case, the solid colored portion can be considered to be part of the flattening operation confirmation portion of the confirmation object. Furthermore, the flattening operation confirmation portion can be considered to include the solid colored portion in addition to the curved portion. Furthermore, when forming such a solid colored portion, it is also possible to confirm other aspects besides the flattening operation by the flattening roller. In this case, for example, it is possible to confirm the filling operation by the colored material head based on the state of the solid colored portion. It is also possible to confirm the state of the colored material head and the light-reflective material head based on the state of the solid colored portion and its surroundings.

[0012] Furthermore, when forming a confirmation object having a solid colored portion, it is possible to, for example, make a portion of the solid colored portion white. With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately check the state of the modeling apparatus by, for example, checking whether the whited portion is properly formed. In this case, it is also possible to form a solid colored portion including whited characters. Whited characters can be considered to be, for example, characters expressed in the color of a light-reflective material within the solid colored portion. More specifically, in this case, it is also possible to form a portion in which characters of different sizes are expressed in the color of a light-reflective material, with the remaining portion being filled in with a colored material. With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately check, for example, the state of the modeling apparatus. Furthermore, by expressing whited characters of different sizes in the solid printing portion, it is possible to more appropriately check, for example, whether modeling is being performed with the desired quality. Furthermore, during the modeling stage, it is also possible to have the modeling apparatus form a confirmation object having a solid colored portion on the underside, for example. In this case, the confirmation object has, for example, a light-reflective area formed of a light-reflective material between the solid colored portion on the upper surface and the solid colored portion on the lower surface, which makes it possible to more appropriately check the state of the modeling apparatus, for example.

[0013] Furthermore, when forming a colored object, it is possible to, for example, draw letters on the surface of the object using a coloring material. In this case, if the drawn letters are distorted, it is likely to give the impression that the object is of low quality. Therefore, when adjusting the object-forming device, it is preferable to, for example, confirm that the letters can be drawn appropriately with the required accuracy. In this case, it is possible to, for example, have the object-forming device form a confirmation object during the object-forming stage, which further includes a character confirmation portion for confirming the characters drawn using a colored material. Furthermore, in this case, it is possible to form the character confirmation portion by using a colored material to represent letters of different sizes in an area where the surrounding area of ​​the letters is the color of a light-reflective material. This configuration, for example, allows appropriate confirmation of how the letters are drawn during object-forming. Furthermore, by representing letters of different sizes in the character confirmation portion, it is possible to, for example, more appropriately confirm whether the object is being formed with the desired quality.

[0014] In this configuration, the modeling apparatus includes, for example, multiple colored material heads, each of which ejects a different colored material. In this case, it is possible to use a confirmation object including a portion formed using multiple colored materials. It is also possible to form such a portion as a three-dimensional shape, such as a stepped portion. More specifically, in this case, during the modeling stage, the modeling apparatus is caused to form a confirmation object further including a stepped portion formed by overlapping multiple layers whose end positions are different from each other. In this case, at least the upper surface of the stepped portion is colored using multiple colored materials ejected from the multiple colored material heads. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately check, for example, how the three-dimensional portion is colored. Furthermore, by using multiple colored materials to form a three-dimensional portion colored in various colors, it is possible to more closely check, for example, the flattening operation by the flattening roller.

[0015] The confirmation object may further include a portion for checking various other conditions. For example, during the modeling stage, the modeling apparatus may be configured to model a confirmation object that further includes a line checking portion for checking lines expressed using a colored material. In this case, the line checking portion may include, for example, a portion that expresses multiple types of lines with different line widths. Furthermore, the lines of each line width may include, for example, multiple lines extending in multiple different directions. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately check, for example, whether the modeling apparatus is adjusted to a state where it can draw lines of various widths and directions that will serve as elements of an image to be drawn on the surface of the object. During the modeling stage, the modeling apparatus may be configured to model a confirmation object having a through-hole penetrating from the top surface to the bottom surface. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately check, for example, whether the modeling apparatus is adjusted to a state where it can model an object having a through-hole.

[0016] The present invention may also be configured to use a modeling system or a method for manufacturing a confirmation object having the same characteristics as those described above. Furthermore, when the modeling system is used to model an object, the modeling device may flatten the layers using a flattening roller that is adjusted based on the results of checking the state of the confirmation object. In these cases, the same effects as those described above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, for example, the modeling apparatus can be appropriately adjusted by a method suited to the configuration of the modeling apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a modeling system 10 that executes a method for adjusting a modeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the modeling system 10. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of a main part of a modeling device 12. FIG. 1C shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 102. [Figure 2]2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a model 50 formed by the modeling apparatus 12 of this example. Fig. 2A shows an example of the configuration of the model 50. Fig. 2B shows an example of an embodiment in which multiple layers 172 formed by additive manufacturing are stacked on top of each other. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a confirmation object 300 used in this example. Fig. 3A is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the confirmation object 300. Fig. 3B is a side view of the confirmation object 300. Fig. 3C is a bottom view of the confirmation object 300. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating in more detail the curved surface portion 304 and the step portion 306 of the confirmation object 300. Fig. 4A shows an example of the configuration of the curved surface portion 304. Fig. 4B shows an example of the configuration of the step portion 306. Fig. 4C shows an enlarged schematic view of the shape of the slope 342 of the step portion 306. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for adjusting the molding apparatus 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a modeling system 10 that executes a method for adjusting a modeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the modeling system 10. In this example, the modeling system 10 is a modeling system that models a three-dimensional object, and includes a modeling device 12 and a control PC 14. The object modeled by the modeling system 10 can be considered to be, for example, a three-dimensional structure.

[0020] The modeling device 12 is a device that executes modeling of a modeled object, and models the modeled object under the control of the control PC 14. In this example, the modeling device 12 is a full-color modeling device that can model a full-color object. The modeling device 12 receives modeled object data, which is data indicating the object to be modeled, from the control PC 14, and models the object based on the modeled object data. The control PC 14 is a computer (host PC) that controls the operation of the modeling device 12, and controls the modeling operation of the modeling device 12 by supplying the modeled object data to the modeling device 12. In this example, the control PC 14 supplies the modeling device 12 with modeled object data indicating a modeled object whose surface is colored so that the color can be seen from outside.

[0021] In this example, the modeling system 10 is configured by multiple devices, namely, the modeling device 12 and the control PC 14. In a modified example of the modeling system 10, the modeling system 10 may be configured by a single device. In this case, for example, the modeling system 10 may be configured by a single modeling device 12 that includes the functions of the control PC 14. Furthermore, the modeling system 10 may further include devices other than the modeling device 12 and the control PC 14.

[0022] Next, the specific configuration of the modeling apparatus 12 will be described. FIG. 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the modeling apparatus 12. In this example, the modeling apparatus 12 is a modeling apparatus (3D printer) that models a three-dimensional object 50 by additive manufacturing, and includes a head unit 102, a modeling table 104, a scan driver 106, and a controller 110. In this case, additive manufacturing can be considered, for example, as a method of modeling the object 50 by stacking layers formed of a modeling material. Furthermore, except as described below, the modeling apparatus 12 may have the same or similar configuration as a known modeling apparatus that models the object 50 by ejecting droplets of material from an inkjet head. Furthermore, the modeling apparatus 12 may further include various components necessary for, for example, modeling the object 50, in addition to the components shown in the figure.

[0023] The head unit 102 is configured to eject the material of the object 50. In this example, ink is used as the material of the object 50. The ink can be considered, for example, as a functional liquid. The ink can also be considered, for example, as a liquid ejected from an inkjet head. In this example, the head unit 102 ejects ink that hardens under predetermined conditions from multiple inkjet heads as the material of the object 50. The ink is then cured after impact to form the layers that make up the object 50, thereby manufacturing the object using an additive manufacturing method. In this example, ultraviolet-curable ink (UV ink) that hardens from a liquid state when irradiated with ultraviolet rays is used as such ink. The head unit 102 also ejects the material of the support layer 52 in addition to the material of the object 50. As a result, the head unit 102 forms the support layer 52 around the object 50 as needed. The support layer 52 can be considered, for example, as a laminated structure that supports at least a part of the object 50 during modeling. The support layer 52 is formed as needed during modeling of the object 50, and is removed after modeling is completed.

[0024] The modeling table 104 is a platform-like member that supports the object 50 being modeled. It is disposed in a position facing the inkjet head of the head unit 102, and the object 50 being modeled and the support layer 52 are placed on its upper surface. In this example, the modeling table 104 is configured to be movable in the stacking direction (Z direction in the figure), and is driven by the scan driver 106 to move in the stacking direction in accordance with the progress of modeling of the object 50. In this case, the stacking direction can be considered, for example, as the direction in which modeling materials are stacked in an additive manufacturing method. In this example, the stacking direction is a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) and sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) that are preset in the modeling device 12.

[0025] The scan driver 106 is a driver that causes the head unit 102 to perform a scanning operation in which the head unit 102 moves relatively to the object 50 being modeled. In this example, the movement relative to the object 50 being modeled can be considered to be, for example, movement relative to the modeling table 104. Also, causing the head unit 102 to perform a scanning operation can be considered to be, for example, causing an inkjet head included in the head unit 102 to perform a scanning operation. Also, in this example, the scan driver 106 causes the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation (Y scan), a sub-scanning operation (X scan), and a stacking direction scanning operation (Z scan) as scanning operations.

[0026] In this case, the main scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation of ejecting ink while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the object 50 being modeled. The sub-scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation of moving relative to the object 50 being modeled in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The sub-scanning operation can also be considered, for example, as an operation of moving in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined feed amount relative to the modeling table 104. In this example, the scan driver 106 causes the head unit 102 to perform the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation, thereby causing the head unit 102 to form an ink layer. The stacking direction scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation of moving in the stacking direction relative to the object 50 being modeled. The scan driver 106 adjusts the relative position of the inkjet head with respect to the object 50 being modeled in the stacking direction by causing the head unit 102 to perform the stacking direction scanning operation in accordance with the progress of the modeling operation.

[0027] The control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU of the modeling apparatus 12, and controls each unit of the modeling apparatus 12 to control the modeling operation of the object 50. In this example, the control unit 110 generates slice data, which is data representing a cross section of the object 50 to be modeled, based on the object data received from the control PC 14. Then, in the operation of forming each ink layer that constitutes the object 50, the control unit 110 controls the operation of each inkjet head in the head unit 102 based on the slice data, thereby causing each inkjet head to eject the ink used to model the object. According to this example, for example, the modeling of the object 50 can be performed appropriately.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the head unit 102 in the modeling apparatus 12 will be described in more detail. FIG. 1( c) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 102. In this example, the head unit 102 has multiple inkjet heads 202, multiple ultraviolet light sources 204, and a flattening roller 206. The multiple inkjet heads 202 are distinguished by the letters s to t in the figure, and include inkjet head 202s, inkjet head 202w, inkjet head 202y, inkjet head 202m, inkjet head 202c, inkjet head 202k, and inkjet head 202t. These multiple inkjet heads 202 are aligned in the main scanning direction with their positions aligned in the sub-scanning direction. Each inkjet head 202 has a nozzle row on the surface facing the modeling table 104, with multiple nozzles aligned in a predetermined nozzle row direction. In this example, the nozzle row direction is parallel to the sub-scanning direction.

[0029] Among these inkjet heads 202, inkjet head 202s is an inkjet head that ejects the material of support layer 52. For example, a known material for support layers can be suitably used as the material of support layer 52. The inkjet heads 202 other than inkjet head 202s are inkjet heads that eject the material of the model 50. In this example, the inkjet heads 202 other than inkjet head 202s can be considered as, for example, an ejection head that ejects the modeling material that constitutes the model 50. Among the inkjet heads 202 other than inkjet head 202s, inkjet head 202w is an inkjet head that ejects white (W) ink. In this example, inkjet head 202w is an example of a light-reflective material head that ejects a light-reflective material. White ink is an example of a light-reflective material, and is used, for example, to form a region (light-reflective region) that reflects light in the model 50. This light-reflecting region reflects light incident from outside the shaped object 50, for example, when coloring the surface of the shaped object 50 in full color. Full color expression can be considered, for example, as color expression achieved by a possible combination of process color inks using a subtractive color mixing method. Process colors can be considered, for example, as basic colors used in color expression.

[0030] Inkjet head 202y, inkjet head 202m, inkjet head 202c, and inkjet head 202k (hereinafter referred to as inkjet heads 202y-k) are inkjet heads for coloring used when forming a colored object 50. More specifically, inkjet head 202y ejects yellow (Y) ink. Inkjet head 202m ejects magenta (M) ink. Inkjet head 202c ejects cyan (C) ink. Inkjet head 202k ejects black (K) ink. In this example, inkjet heads 202y-k are an example of colored material heads that eject colored materials. In this case, the colored materials can be considered to be, for example, colored materials used when forming a colored object. Furthermore, the colors of YMCK are an example of process colors. The inks of the colors YMCK are an example of colored materials. The inks of each color of YMCK can be considered, for example, as coloring inks. The inkjet head 202t is an inkjet head that ejects clear ink. The clear ink can be considered, for example, as ink that is colorless and transparent (T) to visible light. The clear ink can also be considered, for example, as ink to which no coloring material has been intentionally added.

[0031] The multiple ultraviolet light sources 204 are light sources (UV light sources) for curing ink and generate ultraviolet light that cures ultraviolet-curable ink. In this example, the multiple ultraviolet light sources 204 are arranged at one end and the other end of the head unit 102 in the main scanning direction, sandwiching the row of inkjet heads 202 between them. For example, a UV LED (ultraviolet LED) or the like can be suitably used as the ultraviolet light source 204. It is also possible to use a metal halide lamp or a mercury lamp as the ultraviolet light source 204. The flattening roller 206 is a flattening unit for flattening the ink layer formed during the modeling of the object 50. The flattening roller 206 can also be considered as a component for flattening a layer formed of a material ejected from the ejection head, for example. In this example, the flattening roller 206 comes into contact with the surface of the ink layer during the main scanning operation and flattens the ink layer by removing a portion of the ink before curing. By using the head unit 102 configured as described above, it is possible to appropriately form, for example, the ink layer that constitutes the model 50. Furthermore, by forming a plurality of ink layers in layers, it is possible to appropriately form, for example, the model 50.

[0032] The specific configuration of the head unit 102 is not limited to the configuration described above and can be modified in various ways. For example, the head unit 102 may further include inkjet heads for colors other than those described above as inkjet heads for coloring. The arrangement of the multiple inkjet heads in the head unit 102 can also be modified in various ways. For example, some inkjet heads may be shifted in position in the sub-scanning direction from the other inkjet heads.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the object 50 formed by the modeling apparatus 12 of this example will be described in more detail. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the object 50 formed by the modeling apparatus 12 of this example. Fig. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the object 50, and shows an example of the configuration of an XY cross section, which is a cross section of the object 50 perpendicular to the stacking direction (Z direction). In this case, the YZ cross section and XZ cross section of the object 50 perpendicular to the X direction and Y direction also have similar configurations.

[0034] As described above, in this example, the modeling device 12 (see FIG. 1) uses the inkjet heads 202y-k (see FIG. 1) and the like to form a colored object 50. In this case, the modeling device 12 forms a model 50 having at least a colored surface. The coloring of the surface of the model 50 can be considered to mean, for example, that at least a portion of the area of ​​the model 50 whose color is visible from the outside is colored. In this case, the modeling device 12 forms a model 50 including a light reflecting region 152 and a colored region 154, as shown in the drawing. If necessary, a support layer 52 (see FIG. 1) is formed around the model 50.

[0035] The light-reflecting region 152 is a light-reflective region that reflects light that enters from outside the model 50 via the colored region 154 or the like. In this example, the modeling apparatus 12 forms the light-reflecting region 152 inside the model 50 using white ink ejected from the inkjet head 202w (see FIG. 1 ). In this case, the light-reflecting region 152 can be considered to be a region that also serves as the internal region, for example. The internal region can be considered to be a region that constitutes the interior of the model 50, for example. In a modified example of the configuration of the model 50, the internal region may be formed as a region separate from the light-reflecting region 152. In this case, the modeling apparatus 12 forms the internal region using, for example, any ink other than the material of the support layer 52. The light-reflecting region 152 is also formed around the internal region.

[0036] The colored region 154 is a region that is colored with coloring inks ejected from the inkjet heads 202y-k. In this example, the modeling device 12 forms the colored region 154 around (outside) the light reflecting region 152 using the coloring inks ejected from the inkjet heads 202y-k and the clear ink ejected from the inkjet head 202t (see FIG. 1). In this case, the modeling device 12 expresses various colors by, for example, adjusting the amount of coloring ink ejected at each position. Furthermore, clear ink is used to compensate for variations in the amount of coloring ink that occur due to differences in color. With this configuration, for example, each position of the colored region 154 can be appropriately colored with a desired color.

[0037] As described above, in this example, the modeling apparatus 12 forms the object 50 by additive manufacturing. In this case, the cross section of the object 50 taken along a plane parallel to the stacking direction can be considered to have a configuration in which multiple layers 172 overlap, as shown in FIG. 2(b), for example. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which multiple layers 172 formed by additive manufacturing overlap. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 2(b) enlarges a portion of the cross section of the object 50 taken along a plane parallel to the stacking direction, for a portion of the object 50 having a different shape from the object 50 shown in FIG. 2(a), to highlight the characteristics of each layer 172. More specifically, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2(b), each of the multiple layers 172 is an ink layer formed by the multiple inkjet heads 202 in the head unit 102 (see FIG. 1) during modeling of the object 50. The layers 172 are stacked in the stacking direction with the upper side in the drawing facing upward in the vertical direction.

[0038] In this example, each layer 172 has a white portion 182 and a colored portion 184. The white portion 182 is a portion that will become a part of the light reflective region 152 in the modeled object 50. The colored portion 184 is a portion that will become a part of the colored region 154 in the modeled object 50. When modeling the modeled object 50, the modeling device 12 forms the white portion 182 using white ink ejected from the inkjet head 202w. The modeling device 12 also forms the colored portion 184 around (outside) the white portion 182 using coloring ink ejected from the inkjet heads 202y to 202k and clear ink ejected from the inkjet head 202t. When forming each layer 172, the modeling device 12 flattens the layer 172 with a flattening roller 206, thereby forming the layer 172 to a predetermined thickness.

[0039] Furthermore, to form a high-quality object 50, it is necessary to form each of the layers 172 constituting the object 50 with high precision. In this case, it is important for the object-forming apparatus 12 to properly eject ink from each inkjet head 202 and properly flatten the object using the flattening roller 206. In particular, if a problem occurs in the flattening operation, the quality of the object will be significantly reduced. Therefore, in this example, a confirmation object, which is an object used to check the operation of the object-forming apparatus 12, is formed by the object-forming apparatus 12, and adjustments to the object-forming apparatus 12 are made based on the condition of the confirmation object. This configuration allows the object-forming apparatus 12 to be appropriately adjusted so that an object with the desired quality can be formed. In this case, it is possible to use, for example, an object having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 as the confirmation object.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the confirmation object 300 used in this example. FIG. 3(a) is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the confirmation object 300. The top view of the confirmation object 300 can be considered, for example, as a view showing the confirmation object 300 from above in the stacking direction. The top view can also be considered, for example, as a view showing the confirmation object 300 from the inkjet head 202 (see FIG. 1) side in the positional relationship during modeling in the modeling apparatus 12. FIG. 3(b) is a side view of the confirmation object 300. The side view of the confirmation object 300 can be considered, for example, as a view showing the confirmation object 300 from a side direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. FIG. 3(b) also illustrates the confirmation object 300 as a side view of the confirmation object 300 seen from a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. 3(c) is a bottom view of the confirmation object 300. The bottom view of the confirmation object 300 can be considered, for example, to be a view showing the confirmation object 300 from the side opposite to the top view.

[0041] In this example, the confirmation object 300 includes a plate-like portion 302, a curved portion 304, and a plurality of step portions 306. The plate-like portion 302 is a plate-like portion having a main surface perpendicular to the stacking direction. In this case, the main surface can be considered to be, for example, the surface with the largest area of ​​the plate-like member. More specifically, in the plate-like portion 302 of this example, the upper and lower surfaces shown in FIGS. 3( a) and 3(c) can be considered to be the main surfaces of the plate-like portion 302. In addition, in this example, the confirmation object 300 is an object whose surface is partially colored. More specifically, in the confirmation object 300, a portion of each of the upper and lower surfaces is colored using at least one of the YMCK color inks. In addition, in the confirmation object 300, the portions other than the portions colored using one of the YMCK color inks are colored white using white ink. In this example, the confirmation object 300 has, as at least partially colored regions, a solid colored portion 312, a character representation portion 314, a line representation portion 316, and a plurality of color patterns 318 on each of its upper and lower surfaces. Furthermore, only the upper surface has protruding characters 320. In addition to being partially colored, the confirmation object 300 also has a through-hole 322 as a feature thereof.

[0042] Among these components of the confirmation object 300, the solid-colored portion 312 is a portion in which at least a portion of a predetermined range is colored by filling it in with a coloring ink of any color. Moreover, on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the confirmation object 300 in this example, the periphery of the solid-colored portion 312 is formed in white with white ink, and is thus formed in a color different from the solid-colored portion 312. In this case, it can be considered that a light-reflective region is formed using, for example, white ink between the solid-colored portion 312 on the upper surface and the solid-colored portion 312 on the lower surface. When such a solid colored portion 312 is formed, for example, if the flattening roller 206 (see FIG. 1 ) of the modeling apparatus 12 is misaligned or tilted, when flattening the portion filled with coloring ink in the solid colored portion 312, the coloring ink ejected to form the solid colored portion 312 may be dragged by the flattening roller 206 beyond the intended range of the solid colored portion 312, resulting in unintended coloring outside the solid colored portion 312. Therefore, by forming such a solid colored portion 312, for example, it is possible to check the flattening operation of the ink layer by the flattening roller 206. This also makes it possible to check, for example, if there is a problem with the condition of the flattening roller 206. Furthermore, it is possible to estimate the condition of the flattening roller 206 based on the disturbance in the condition of the solid colored portion 312 and make necessary adjustments, for example.

[0043] More specifically, the solid colored portion 312 in this example is formed using black ink as the coloring ink, with some portions left blank. In this case, the blank portions can be considered, for example, as portions filled in with coloring ink and filled in with white ink. In this example, the solid colored portion 312 includes blank characters of multiple different sizes as the blank portions. In this case, the blank characters can be considered, for example, as characters rendered in white ink within the solid colored portion 312. Such solid colored portion 312 can also be considered, for example, as a portion in which characters of multiple different sizes are rendered in white ink, with the remaining portions being filled in with black ink.

[0044] With this configuration, by filling the solid colored portion 312 with black ink, it is possible to more easily and appropriately check for disturbances in the state of the solid colored portion 312, for example, when the flattening operation of the flattening roller 206 drags the coloring ink outside the original range of the solid colored portion 312. Furthermore, when forming the solid colored portion 312 with this configuration, if the modeling device 12 is not adjusted correctly, it is possible that, for example, the outline characters in the solid colored portion 312 will be distorted. In this case, for example, the flattening roller 206 may drag the black ink, causing portions of the outline characters to become distorted. Furthermore, in this case, by checking the maximum size of the outline characters that can be distinguished among the multiple sizes of outline characters included in the solid colored portion 312, it is possible to check the state of the modeling device 12 and the flattening roller 206 in more detail. Furthermore, by forming such a solid colored portion 312, it is also possible to check, for example, the painting operation by inkjet head 202k (see FIG. 1) based on the state of solid colored portion 312. It is also possible to check, for example, the state of inkjet head 202k and inkjet head 202w based on the state of solid colored portion 312 and its surroundings.

[0045] The character representation unit 314 is an example of a character confirmation portion for confirming characters represented using a colored material. In this example, the character representation unit 314 forms a portion in which characters of multiple different sizes are represented within an area where the characters are surrounded by white ink. Furthermore, each character size is represented using black ink. This configuration allows, for example, appropriate confirmation of how the characters are drawn during modeling. Furthermore, by representing characters of multiple sizes in the character representation unit 314, it is possible to more appropriately confirm, for example, whether modeling is being performed with the desired quality. Furthermore, in this case, by checking which character sizes can be distinguished among the multiple character sizes included in the character representation unit 314, it is possible to check the status of the modeling device 12, etc., in more detail.

[0046] When forming a colored object, characters may be drawn on the surface of the object using coloring ink. In this case, if the drawn characters are distorted, it is likely to give the impression that the object is of low quality. Therefore, when adjusting the object-forming device 12, it is preferable to confirm that the characters can be drawn with the required accuracy. In contrast, according to this example, by using the confirmation object 300 including the character representation unit 314, it is possible to appropriately confirm, for example, whether the characters can be drawn with the required accuracy, as described above. This also makes it possible to appropriately adjust the object-forming device 12 so that the object can be formed with the desired quality.

[0047] The line representation unit 316 is an example of a line confirmation unit for confirming lines represented using a colored material. In this example, the line representation unit 316 forms a portion representing multiple types of lines with different line widths. In this case, each line is formed in black ink within a region surrounded by white ink. Furthermore, multiple lines extending in multiple different directions are represented as lines of each width. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately confirm, for example, whether the modeling device 12 is adjusted to a state in which it can draw lines of various widths and directions that will serve as elements of an image or the like to be drawn on the surface of a modeled object. Furthermore, in the illustrated configuration of the confirmation model 300, the line representation unit 316 draws lines of various widths: 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.3 mm. By checking the state of lines with these line widths, for example, the modeling device 12 can be more appropriately adjusted to a state in which it can produce high-quality models.

[0048] The multiple color patterns 318 are portions that express a predetermined pattern using various colors. In this example, each of the multiple color patterns 318 expresses a pattern in which multiple rectangles of different sizes are nested. Furthermore, each rectangle is expressed by drawing the sides with lines of a predetermined thickness. In this case, the nesting of rectangles can be thought of, for example, as a smaller rectangle being placed inside a larger rectangle. In this case, the portions of the rectangles in the color pattern 318 other than the sides are white. Furthermore, in this example, the multiple rectangles in one color pattern 318 are drawn in the same color. However, the rectangles in different color patterns 318 are drawn in different colors. Furthermore, in this example, each color pattern 318 expresses a pattern drawn in different secondary colors. In this case, the secondary colors can be thought of, for example, as colors expressed using multiple coloring inks. More specifically, when YMCK inks are used as coloring inks as in this example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) can be expressed using two coloring inks selected from colors other than black. In this case, it is conceivable to draw, for example, patterns of the RGB colors as each of the multiple color patterns 318. With this configuration, by forming the multiple color patterns 318 using inks of colors other than black that are used to form the solid coloring portion 312 and the character representation portion 314, it is possible to properly check, for example, the results of modeling using coloring inks other than black. Furthermore, in this case, by forming each color pattern 318 using each of the RGB colors that are basic colors in the RGB color system, it is possible to more properly check, for example, how the modeled object is colored.

[0049] The protruding letters 320 are portions on which letters are formed three-dimensionally so as to protrude from the surface of the plate-shaped portion 302. In this example, the protruding letters 320 are formed with a thickness equivalent to the thickness of multiple ink layers formed by additive manufacturing, with their upper surfaces colored. The protruding height of the protruding letters 320 may be, for example, approximately 200 μm (e.g., approximately 150 to 250 μm). The upper surfaces of the protruding letters 320 may be colored with, for example, any secondary color (e.g., red). Forming such protruding letters 320 allows, for example, the state of the modeling device 12 to be checked from a variety of perspectives. This also allows, for example, the modeling device 12 to be more appropriately adjusted to a state where high-quality modeling is possible.

[0050] The through-hole 322 is a hole that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the plate-like portion 302. The through-hole 322 may have a diameter of, for example, about 1 mm (e.g., about 0.5 to 1.5 mm). When forming the confirmation object 300, for example, a support layer is formed in the through-hole 322, and then the modeling operation is performed using the modeling apparatus 12, and the support layer is then removed to form the through-hole 322. By forming such a small through-hole 322 and checking its state, for example, the state of the modeling apparatus 12 can be checked from various perspectives. This also makes it possible to more appropriately adjust the modeling apparatus 12 to a state where it can model high-quality objects. In this case, it is also possible to appropriately check, for example, whether the modeling apparatus 12 is adjusted to a state where it can model an object having a through-hole.

[0051] By forming the confirmation object 300 including such a plate-like portion 302, the state of the modeling apparatus 12 can be confirmed from various perspectives, as described above. Furthermore, in this case, by forming the solid colored portion 312, the character representation portion 314, the line representation portion 316, and the color pattern 318 on both the upper and lower surfaces, the state of the modeling apparatus 12 can be more appropriately confirmed. Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the confirmation object 300 further includes a curved surface portion 304 and a plurality of step portions 306 in addition to the plate-like portion 302. In this case, the curved surface portion 304 and the plurality of step portions 306 are formed so as to connect to, for example, the side surfaces of the confirmation object 300. More specifically, in this example, the confirmation object 300 is formed such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the main scanning direction during modeling by the modeling apparatus 12. The curved surface portion 304 and the multiple step portions 306 are connected to a side surface of the plate-shaped portion 302 on one side in the main scanning direction. In this case, the curved surface portion 304 and the multiple step portions 306 are located downstream of the plate-shaped portion 302 in the direction of movement of the flattening roller 206 during the main scanning operation for flattening with the flattening roller 206. The positional relationship between the curved surface portion 304 and the multiple step portions 306 and the plate-shaped portion 302 can also be considered as, for example, a positional relationship in which, during the main scanning operation for flattening with the flattening roller 206 during modeling, the portion corresponding to the plate-shaped portion 302 is flattened first, and the portions corresponding to the curved surface portion 304 and the multiple step portions 306 are flattened later.

[0052] Furthermore, in this example, the curved surface portion 304 and the plurality of step portions 306 are portions formed with a more complex three-dimensional shape than the plate-like portion 302. More specifically, in this example, the curved surface portion 304 is a portion that includes a curved surface portion expressed by steps that occur depending on the modeling resolution of the modeling device 12. Each of the plurality of step portions 306 is a staircase-like portion formed using multiple colors of coloring ink. By forming a confirmation object 300 that includes such a curved surface portion 304 and the plurality of step portions 306, it is possible to check, for example, the state of the modeling device 12 in more detail. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the curved surface portion 304 and each step portion 306 are formed with three-dimensional shapes such as those shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating in more detail the curved surface portion 304 and the step portion 306 in the confirmation object 300 (see FIG. 3). FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the curved surface portion 304, showing a simplified example of the configuration of the curved surface portion 304 together with a part of the plate-like portion 302. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the step portion 306, showing a simplified example of the configuration of the step portion 306 together with a part of the plate-like portion 302. FIG. 4C is an enlarged schematic view showing the shape of the slope 342 in the step portion 306.

[0054] In this example, the curved surface portion 304 is a dome-shaped portion with a colored surface, and is formed with a colored surface by forming a colored region 154 around the light reflecting region 152 inside. In this case, the dome-shaped shape can be considered, for example, to have an upper surface with a shape that gradually decreases in height from the highest point toward the periphery. The upper surface of the curved surface portion 304 can be considered, for example, to have a curved surface 332 with a predetermined shape. In this example, the colored region 154 of the curved surface portion 304 is colored black using black ink.

[0055] As described above, in this example, the modeling apparatus 12 (see FIG. 1 ) forms a model using an additive manufacturing method. In this case, various shapes of the model are approximated with a precision corresponding to the modeling resolution. As a result, in a curved surface portion, such as the curved surface 332 on the upper surface of the curved portion 304, steps corresponding to the modeling resolution are formed. In this case, the steps corresponding to the modeling resolution can be considered to be steps whose height corresponds to the thickness of the ink layers formed by the additive manufacturing method. Therefore, so-called layering stripes are usually formed in a model formed by the additive manufacturing method. The appearance of such layering stripes can be considered to reflect, for example, the state of the modeling apparatus 12. More specifically, when each component of the modeling apparatus 12 is properly adjusted to a predetermined correct state, the appearance of the layering stripes resulting from the steps can be considered to have a predetermined standard appearance. On the other hand, if any part of the modeling apparatus 12 is not properly adjusted and this affects the modeling operation, the appearance of the layering stripes may differ from the standard appearance. Therefore, by observing the layering stripes that appear on the curved surface 332 of the curved surface portion 304, it is possible to confirm, for example, the state of the modeling apparatus 12. Furthermore, it is possible that the appearance of the curved surface 332 of the curved surface portion 304 changes depending on the flattening method performed by the flattening roller 206 (see FIG. 1 ) of the modeling apparatus 12. More specifically, for example, if the flattening roller 206 is not properly adjusted, the appearance of the layering stripes on the curved surface 332 may differ significantly from when the flattening roller 206 is properly adjusted. Therefore, by forming a confirmation object 300 including the curved surface portion 304 configured as described above, it is possible to more appropriately confirm, for example, the flattening operation performed by the flattening roller 206. This also allows, for example, the flattening roller 206 to be more appropriately adjusted.

[0056] In this example, the curved surface portion 304 is an example of a flattening operation confirmation portion of the confirmation object 300. In this case, the flattening operation confirmation portion can be considered, for example, as a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the ink layer by the flattening roller 206 in the modeling apparatus 12. As described above, the flattening operation of the ink layer by the flattening roller 206 also affects portions other than the curved surface portion 304, such as the solid color portion 312 of the plate-like portion 302 of the confirmation object 300. Therefore, when checking the state of the confirmation object 300, it is possible to check the flattening operation of the ink layer by the flattening roller 206 based on the state of the portions other than the curved surface portion 304. In this case, the curved surface portion 304 can be considered, for example, as a component corresponding to a part of the flattening operation confirmation portion. In addition, the flattening operation confirmation portion can be considered to include, for example, the curved surface portion 304 and the solid color portion 312.

[0057] In this example, the step portion 306 is a stepped portion with a colored surface. The colored region 154 is formed around the light-reflecting region 152 within the step portion 306, resulting in a colored surface. In this case, the stepped portion can be considered, for example, as a portion including multiple steps formed by overlapping multiple ink layers with different edge positions. These steps can be considered, for example, as steps whose height is an integer multiple of the thickness of the ink layer formed by additive manufacturing. The stepped portion of the step portion 306 can also be considered, for example, as a series of steps extending in a predetermined direction, forming a slope 342. In this case, the slope 342 can be considered, for example, as an oblique surface approximately represented by a series of steps that occur depending on the modeling resolution. The oblique surface can be considered, for example, as a surface that is non-parallel and non-orthogonal to the layering direction. For ease of illustration, in FIG. 4(b), the slope 342, which is the stepped portion of the step portion 306, is simplified by a dashed line. When the surface portion of the inclined surface 342 in FIG. 4(b) is shown enlarged, the inclined surface 342 can be considered to have a stepped shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(c).

[0058] In addition, at least the upper surface of the slope 342, which is a staircase-like portion of the step portion 306, can be considered to be colored using, for example, multiple colors of coloring inks ejected from multiple inkjet heads 202 out of the inkjet heads 202y to 202k (see FIG. 1). In this case, the upper surface of the slope 342 can be considered, for example, as a surface that is visible from above the slope 342. The upper surface of the slope 342 can also be considered, for example, as a portion that is exposed on the upper side of each ink layer stacked in the slope 342 portion of the step portion 306. As described above, in this example, the confirmation object 300 has multiple step portions 306. In this case, for example, it is considered that each step portion 306 is colored with a different secondary color. More specifically, in this example, each step portion 306 is colored with red (R), green (G), and blue (B). In this case, the entire colored region 154 in each step portion 306 is colored with one of the RGB colors. This configuration allows for more appropriate confirmation of, for example, the coloring of a three-dimensionally shaped portion. Furthermore, in the step portion 306, for example, the shape of each step on the slope 342 can be considered to be affected by the ink layer flattening operation performed by the flattening roller 206. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the ink layer flattening operation performed by the flattening roller 206 based on the state of the step portion 306. In this case, by using inks of multiple colors to form a three-dimensionally shaped step portion 306 colored in various colors, for example, it is possible to confirm the flattening operation performed by the flattening roller 206 in more detail. In this case, for example, the step portion 306 can also be considered to be part of the flattening operation confirmation portion.

[0059] Next, the operation of the adjustment method for adjusting the modeling apparatus 12 (see FIG. 1) in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation for adjusting the modeling apparatus 12. As described above, in this example, the modeling apparatus 12 is adjusted using the confirmation object 300. In this case, for example, object data representing the confirmation object 300 is supplied from the control PC 14 (see FIG. 1) to the modeling apparatus 12, and the modeling apparatus 12 then models the confirmation object 300 (S102). In this case, the operation of step S102 is an example of the operation in the modeling stage. Also, in step S102, for example, a control value that specifies the operation of the modeling apparatus 12 is set to a predetermined value. With this configuration, for example, the modeling conditions when modeling the confirmation object 300 can be appropriately adjusted to certain conditions. As can be understood from the configuration of the confirmation object 300 described above, in step S102 of this example, the modeling device 12 forms at least a portion of the confirmation object 300 using coloring inks ejected from at least one of the coloring inkjet heads 202y-k. In this way, the modeling device 12 models the confirmation object 300, at least a portion of which is colored. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to more easily and appropriately check the state of the confirmation object 300 in a later process. Furthermore, coloring at least a portion of the confirmation object 300 also makes it possible, for example, to check the state of the coloring inkjet heads 202y-k.

[0060] Following the operation in step S102, the state of the confirmation object 300 formed in step S102 is checked to confirm the modeling results (S104), and it is determined whether the confirmation object 300 passes a predetermined standard (S106). In this case, the operations in steps S104 and S106 are an example of the operation in the confirmation stage. In this example, in steps S104 and S106, the state of the confirmation object 300 formed by the modeling apparatus 12 to be adjusted is compared with a sample prepared in advance to confirm the state and determine whether the confirmation object 300 passes or fails. This sample is a comparative object prepared in advance by a reference modeling apparatus that has been appropriately adjusted. In this case, the reference modeling apparatus forms this sample, for example, based on object data indicating the confirmation object 300. This sample can also be considered, for example, as a limit sample that indicates the limit of the modeling quality of the modeling apparatus.

[0061] The criteria for determining whether the condition of the confirmation object 300 passes or fails in step S106 may include, for example, a criterion for making a judgment by comparison with a sample and a criterion for making a judgment based on the state of the confirmation object 300 alone. In this case, the criteria for making a judgment by comparison with a sample may include, for example, criteria related to the reproducibility of thin lines, the appearance of layered stripes, and color unevenness. Regarding the reproducibility of thin lines, for example, a criterion for comparing lines of various line widths represented by the line representation portion 316 (see FIG. 3) of the confirmation object 300 with the sample may be used. In this case, for example, a criterion for comparing the line widths with those of the sample may be used. Regarding the appearance of layered stripes, for example, a criterion for comparing the appearance of layered stripes on the curved surface portion 304 (see FIG. 3) of the confirmation object 300 and the state of the steps in the stepped portion 306 (see FIG. 3) with those of the sample may be used. In this case, for example, a criterion for making a judgment by comparing the appearance of layered stripes and steps with those of the sample may be used.

[0062] Regarding color unevenness, for example, a criterion may be used in which the portion of the confirmation object 300 that is colored with coloring ink is compared with a sample. In this case, for example, if the state of color unevenness is at the same level as the sample, the product may be deemed to have passed. Regarding color unevenness, it is preferable to check the state of color unevenness for both planar portions and three-dimensional portions. In this case, for planar portions, for example, color unevenness occurring in the solid color portion 312 (see FIG. 3) of the confirmation object 300 may be checked. For planar portions, for example, color unevenness occurring in the color pattern 318 (see FIG. 3) of the confirmation object 300 may be checked. For three-dimensional portions, for example, color unevenness occurring on the curved surface 332 of the curved surface portion 304 of the confirmation object 300 (see FIG. 4) may be checked. Furthermore, for the three-dimensional shape, it is also possible to check color unevenness that occurs, for example, on the slope 342 of the step portion 306 in the confirmation object 300 (see FIG. 4). Regarding color unevenness, it is also preferable to check color differences between passes. Color differences between passes can be considered, for example, as differences in hue that occur between regions of the confirmation object 300 formed by different main scanning operations. In this case, it is also possible to consider that portions of the curved surface 332 of the curved portion 304 with different heights are formed by different main scanning operations. Therefore, color unevenness that occurs on the curved surface 332 of the curved portion 304 can be considered, for example, as color unevenness that corresponds to color differences between passes. Regarding color differences between passes, it is also possible to check color unevenness that occurs, for example, on the slope 342 of the step portion 306.

[0063] Furthermore, possible criteria for making a judgment based on the state of the confirmation object 300 alone include, for example, checking the readability of the characters written on the plate-like portion 302 of the confirmation object 300 and the state of the through-holes 322 (see FIG. 3 ). In this case, for example, a criterion for passing the test may be that, among characters of various sizes represented in the character representation portion 314 (see FIG. 3 ) of the confirmation object 300, characters of a predetermined size (e.g., approximately 3 pt) are legible. Regarding the readability of characters, a judgment may also be made on the readability of outline characters written in the solid color portion 312. Regarding the state of the through-holes 322, a criterion for passing the test may be, for example, that the through-holes 322 are properly formed with a predetermined diameter (e.g., approximately 1 mm). In steps S104 and S106, other items may be checked, and the pass / fail judgment may be made based on the results of the check. In this case, for example, it is possible to check whether unintended streaks have occurred, and the shape and color appearance at each position on the confirmation object 300, and then make a pass / fail judgment based on the results.

[0064] As explained above, in this example, the solid colored portion 312 and the curved surface portion 304 of the confirmation object 300 can be considered to correspond to a part of the flattening operation confirmation portion. In this case, it is possible to confirm, for example, whether flattening is being performed appropriately by the flattening roller 206, based on the state of these portions. Furthermore, if flattening is not being performed appropriately, it is possible to confirm, for example, the deviation or tilt of the flattening roller 206, based on the state of these portions. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately confirm, for example, the flattening operation by the flattening roller 206.

[0065] Furthermore, if all the criteria are met in step S106 (Yes in S106), it can be determined that the modeling apparatus 12 has been appropriately adjusted. In this case, a model can be formed using the modeling apparatus 12 without any further adjustments. On the other hand, if any of the criteria are met in step S106 (No in S106), adjustments are made to the modeling apparatus 12 based on the state of the confirmation object 300 confirmed in step S104 and the results of the determination in step S106 (S108). In this case, the operation in step S108 is an example of an operation in the adjustment stage.

[0066] Furthermore, in step S108, for example, based on the state of the confirmation object 300 confirmed in step S104, the location of the problem in the modeling apparatus 12 is estimated, and appropriate adjustments are made to that location so that the state of the confirmation object 300 approaches the state of the sample. More specifically, for example, if it is determined based on the state of the confirmation object 300 that there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred in the flattening operation by the flattening roller 206, adjustments may be made to the height or tilt of the flattening roller 206. In this case, for example, the appropriateness of the height of the flattening roller 206 may be determined based on the state of the layering stripes on the curved surface portion 304 of the confirmation object 300 or the state of the steps on the stepped portion 306. Furthermore, the direction and magnitude of the tilt of the flattening roller 206 may be determined based on, for example, the state of the curved surface portion 304 of the confirmation object 300 or the dragging of coloring ink near the solid colored portion 312. In this case, it is also possible to adjust the height and inclination of the flattening roller 206 based on the results of these determinations. With this configuration, for example, the object-forming apparatus 12 can be appropriately adjusted using a method suitable for the configuration of the object-forming apparatus 12.

[0067] After the adjustment of the modeling apparatus 12 is made in step S108, the process returns to step S102 and the subsequent operations are repeated. This causes a new confirmation object 300 to be formed by the adjusted modeling apparatus 12, and the state of the modeling apparatus 12 is confirmed again. According to this example, it is possible to appropriately confirm, for example, whether the confirmation object 300 is being formed with the desired quality. Furthermore, by adjusting the modeling apparatus 12 based on the confirmation results of the state of the confirmation object 300, the adjustment of the modeling apparatus 12 can be made appropriately. Furthermore, by repeatedly checking and adjusting the state of the modeling apparatus 12 as necessary, it is possible to more appropriately adjust the modeling apparatus 12, for example.

[0068] Next, supplementary explanations will be given regarding the matters explained above. As explained above, in this example, adjustments to the modeling apparatus 12 are made by having the modeling apparatus 12 form the confirmation object 300. However, among the matters that should be adjusted for the modeling apparatus 12, there are some that can be adjusted without forming the confirmation object 300. Therefore, it is preferable to make adjustments in advance for matters that can be adjusted without forming the confirmation object 300 with the modeling apparatus 12 before having the modeling apparatus 12 form the confirmation object 300.

[0069] More specifically, when modeling is performed using multiple inkjet heads 202, as in the modeling apparatus 12 of this example, it is usually necessary to adjust the ejection characteristics of ink ejected from each nozzle of each inkjet head 202, the relative positional relationship of each inkjet head 202, and the like, according to predetermined standards. Such adjustments can be appropriately performed without modeling the confirmation object 300, in the same or similar manner as when adjusting the ejection characteristics and positional relationship of inkjet heads in, for example, an inkjet printer that prints two-dimensional images. In this case, for example, in the modeling apparatus 12, it is conceivable to adjust the ejection characteristics and positional relationship of the inkjet heads 202 by ejecting ink from each nozzle of each inkjet head 202 onto a sheet-like member (medium) such as film and checking the positions and states of the ink dots formed on the medium. The operation of making such adjustments can be considered, for example, as an operation in a pre-adjustment stage performed before the modeling apparatus 12 models the confirmation object 300. Furthermore, the operation in the pre-adjustment stage may include, for example, an operation of adjusting in advance the ejection characteristics and positional relationships of the multiple inkjets. With this configuration, for example, the adjustment of the modeling device 12 using the confirmation object 300 can be performed appropriately with higher accuracy. Furthermore, when adjusting the modeling device 12 using the confirmation object 300 after performing such pre-adjustment, it is possible to check and adjust items that are difficult to check without actually performing modeling with the modeling device 12, based on the state of the confirmation object 300. Furthermore, at least a part of the checking and adjustment of such items may include, for example, checking and adjusting the flattening operation by the flattening roller 206, as described above.

[0070] Furthermore, when the above-described advance adjustment is performed, it can be assumed that the ejection characteristics, etc., of the multiple inkjet heads 202 in the modeling device 12 are aligned according to the accuracy required for modeling when the modeling device 12 is made to model the confirmation object 300. In this case, for example, when checking the state of the confirmation object 300, by checking the coloring of a portion formed with the ink color ejected from one of the coloring inkjet heads 202y to 202k, it can be inferred that the same or similar state will be achieved even if the portion is formed with the ink color ejected from another inkjet head 202. More specifically, for example, in the confirmation object 300 of this example, the solid color portion 312, the character representation portion 314, the line representation portion 316, and the curved surface portion 304 are colored with only one color of ink (black ink). In this case, it can be assumed that the state of these regions will be the same or similar even if they are colored with, for example, another color of ink. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, the confirmation object 300 can be used to efficiently and appropriately check the states of the multiple inkjet heads 202. In this case, coloring these areas with black ink makes it possible to check the states more easily and appropriately. In addition, in the confirmation object 300 of this example, the color pattern 318 and the step portion 306 are colored with coloring inks of colors other than black. With this configuration, for example, the operation of the inkjet heads 202 for colors other than black can also be checked more appropriately.

[0071] As explained above, in the confirmation object 300 of this example, the solid colored portion 312 and the curved surface portion 304 can be considered to be part of the flattening operation confirmation portion. In this regard, for example, if the flattening roller 206 is not properly adjusted, the quality of the parts of the confirmation object 300 other than the solid colored portion 312 and the curved surface portion 304 may be affected. Therefore, the flattening operation confirmation portion may also be considered to include, for example, parts other than the solid colored portion 312 and the curved surface portion 304. More specifically, if the flattening roller 206 is not properly adjusted, for example, coloring ink may be dragged by the flattening roller 206 in areas other than the solid colored portion 312 and the curved surface portion 304. As a result, for example, the characters in the character representation portion 314 of the confirmation object 300 may become faint or distorted. In the line representation portion 316, for example, the state of the line may be distorted. In the color pattern 318, for example, the shape or color of the pattern may be distorted. In the protruding characters 320, for example, the shape of the protruding portion or the color of the characters may be distorted. In the through-holes 322, for example, the shape of the hole may be distorted or the hole may be filled in due to the surrounding ink being drawn to the position of the through-hole 322. Furthermore, in the stepped portion 306, for example, the shape or color of the step may be distorted. Therefore, it is preferable to check the flattening operation by the flattening roller 206 based on the state of each of these portions. In this case, at least a portion of these portions can be considered to be part of the flattening operation check portion. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a method for adjusting a molding apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10···Modeling system, 102···Head unit, 104···Modeling table, 106···Scanning drive unit, 110···Control unit, 12···Modeling device, 14···Control PC, 152···Light reflection area, 154···Coloring area, 172···Layer, 182···White area, 184···Coloring unit, 202···Inkjet head, 204···Ultraviolet light source, 206· Flattening roller, 300, confirmation model, 302, plate-like portion, 304, curved surface portion, 306, step portion, 312, solid colored portion, 314, character expression portion, 316, line expression portion, 318, color pattern, 320, protruding character, 322, through-hole, 332, curved surface, 342, inclined surface, 50, model, 52, support layer

Claims

1. 1. A method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm an operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step; Equipped with The molding device is a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; Equipped with In the modeling step, the modeling apparatus is caused to model the confirmation object having a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling apparatus; The method for adjusting a molding apparatus, wherein the flattening operation confirmation portion includes a curved surface portion expressed by steps that occur depending on the molding resolution of the molding apparatus.

2. the modeling device includes a colored material head that is the ejection head that ejects a colored material that is a colored material used when modeling the colored object, 2. The method for adjusting a modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the modeling step, at least a part of the confirmation model is formed using the colored material ejected from the colored material head.

3. A method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm an operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step; Equipped with The molding device is a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; Equipped with The ejection head includes: a color material head that is the ejection head that ejects a color material that is a colored material used when forming the colored object; a light-reflective material head, which is the ejection head that ejects the light-reflective material, which is the material that has light reflectivity; Equipped with a method for adjusting a modeling apparatus, characterized in that, in the modeling stage, at least a portion of the confirmation object is formed using the colored material ejected from the colored material head, the confirmation object has a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling apparatus, and further has a solid colored portion on its upper surface that is a portion of a predetermined range that is colored by filling it in with the colored material, and the periphery of the solid colored portion on the upper surface is formed in a color different from that of the solid colored portion using the light-reflective material.

4. The method for adjusting a molding device according to claim 3, characterized in that the solid colored portion is a portion in which characters of different sizes are represented in the color of the light-reflective material, and all but a few portions are colored by filling them in with the colored material.

5. 5. The method for adjusting a molding apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, in the molding step, the molding apparatus is caused to mold the confirmation object, which also has the solid colored portion on its lower surface, and which has a light-reflective area formed using the light-reflective material between the solid colored portion on the upper surface and the solid colored portion on the lower surface.

6. A method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm an operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step; Equipped with The molding device is a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; Equipped with The ejection head includes: a color material head that is the ejection head that ejects a color material that is a colored material used when forming the colored object; a light-reflective material head, which is the ejection head that ejects the light-reflective material, which is the material that has light reflectivity; Equipped with in the modeling step, forming at least a part of the confirmation object using the colored material ejected from the colored material head, and allowing the modeling device to model the confirmation object, which has a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling device, and a character confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the character expressed using the colored material; A method for adjusting a molding device, characterized in that the character confirmation portion is a portion in which characters of multiple different sizes are represented using the colored material within an area where the surrounding area of ​​the characters is the color of the light-reflective material.

7. A method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm an operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step; Equipped with The molding device is a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; the ejection head includes a colored material head that ejects a colored material that is a colored material used when forming the colored object, and the ejection head includes a plurality of colored material heads that eject the colored materials of different colors, in the modeling step, forming at least a part of the confirmation object using the colored material ejected from the colored material head, and causing the modeling device to model the confirmation object, which has a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling device, and a step-like portion formed by overlapping a plurality of the layers whose end positions are different from each other; a step of coloring at least an upper surface of the stepped portion using a plurality of colored materials ejected from a plurality of the colored material heads;

8. A method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm an operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step; Equipped with The molding device is a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; the ejection head is a colored material head that ejects a colored material used when forming the colored object, in the modeling step, forming at least a part of the confirmation object using the colored material ejected from the colored material head, and allowing the modeling device to model the confirmation object, which has a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling device, and a line confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the line expressed using the colored material; A method for adjusting a molding device, characterized in that the line confirmation portion is a portion that represents multiple types of lines with different line widths, and that each line width represents multiple lines extending in multiple different directions.

9. A method for adjusting a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, comprising: a modeling step of forming a confirmation object, which is the object used to confirm an operation of the modeling device; a confirmation step of confirming a state of the confirmation object formed in the modeling step; an adjustment step of adjusting the modeling apparatus based on the state of the confirmation object confirmed in the confirmation step; Equipped with The molding device is a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; Equipped with A method for adjusting a molding apparatus, characterized in that, in the molding stage, the molding apparatus is made to mold a confirmation object having a flattening operation confirmation portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the molding apparatus, and a through hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.

10. A modeling system that forms a model by stacking layers formed of a modeling material, a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; a molding apparatus having forming, by the modeling device, a confirmation object which is the object used to confirm the operation of the modeling device; the confirmation object has a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling apparatus, the flattening operation confirmation portion includes a curved surface portion expressed by steps that occur depending on the modeling resolution of the modeling device, A molding system characterized in that, during molding of the object, the molding device flattens the layer using the flattening roller, which has been adjusted based on the results of checking the state of the confirmation object.

11. 1. A method for manufacturing a confirmation object, which is an object used to confirm operation of a modeling device that forms a model by stacking layers formed of modeling materials, comprising: a discharge head that discharges the material for the modeling; a flattening roller that flattens the layer formed of the material ejected from the ejection head; Using a molding device having forming the confirmation object having a flattening operation confirmation portion that is a portion for confirming the flattening operation of the layer by the flattening roller in the modeling apparatus; a flattening operation confirmation portion including a curved surface portion expressed by steps that occur depending on the modeling resolution of the modeling device;

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