Three-dimensional modeling device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional molding device which can lower the whole molding layer to a target temperature.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device includes a stage, a heater which covers a molding region of the stage and faces the stage, a head for discharging a molding material toward the stage and forming a molding layer, a sensor for measuring a temperature of a measurement region of the molding layer, a moving mechanism for relatively moving the stage and the sensor, and relatively moving the stage and the head, and a control part for controlling the head and the moving mechanism, wherein the control part performs processing of setting the measurement region on the basis of information on the shape of the molding layer, processing of allowing the sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement region, and processing of controlling the head and the moving mechanism, and allowing the head to discharge a molding material toward the molding layer, when the measured temperature of the measurement region is a predetermined value or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Three-dimensional modeling apparatuses are known that eject molten material from a nozzle, deposit it, and harden it to form a three-dimensional object.

[0003] A three-dimensional object is composed of multiple layered models. When forming a second modeling layer on a first modeling layer, the shape of the first modeling layer may be distorted if the second modeling layer is not formed after the temperature of the first modeling layer has sufficiently decreased.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a three-dimensional modeling apparatus in which a measurement unit measures the temperature of a formed first modeling layer before forming a second modeling layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-41661 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the above-described three-dimensional modeling device, the temperature of the first modeling layer varies in the in-plane direction depending on the shape of the first modeling layer, and therefore, even if the temperature measured by the measuring unit reaches the target temperature, there may be areas in the first modeling layer where the temperature has not yet dropped to the target temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the present invention is to The stage and a heater that covers the modeling area of ​​the stage and faces the stage; a head that ejects a modeling material toward the stage to form a modeling layer; a sensor for measuring the temperature of the measurement area of ​​the modeling layer; a movement mechanism that moves the stage and the sensor relatively and moves the stage and the head relatively; a control unit that controls the head and the movement mechanism; Including, The control unit A process of setting the measurement area based on information about the shape of the modeling layer; causing the sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement area; a process of controlling the head and the moving mechanism to eject the modeling material from the head toward the modeling layer when the measured temperature of the measurement area is equal to or lower than a predetermined value; Do the following. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a flat screw of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a barrel of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a control unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views for explaining a three-dimensional object forming process of the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a control unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a modeling layer formed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a modeling layer formed by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a modeling layer formed by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a modeling layer formed by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a third modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0010] 1. Three-dimensional printing equipment 1.1. Overall structure First, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, schematically showing the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 1 and 2, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as three mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis and Y-axis directions are, for example, horizontal directions. The Z-axis direction is, for example, vertical directions.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes, for example, a head 10, a stage 20, a moving mechanism 30, a support member 40, a heating mechanism 50, a sensor 60, and a control unit 70.

[0012] The three-dimensional modeling device 100 drives the movement mechanism 30 to change the relative positions of the head 10 and the stage 20 while discharging the plasticized modeling material from the head 10 toward the stage 20. In this way, the three-dimensional modeling device 100 models a three-dimensional object of a desired shape on the stage 20.

[0013] 2, the head 10 includes, for example, a material supply unit 110, a plasticizing unit 120, and a nozzle 160. The head 10 ejects the modeling material toward the modeling region 22 of the stage 20.

[0014] Pellets or powdered materials are fed into the material supply unit 110. The material supply unit 110 supplies raw materials to the plasticization unit 120. The material supply unit 110 is configured by, for example, a hopper. The material supplied by the material supply unit 110 is, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin.

[0015] The material supply unit 110 and the plasticizing unit 120 are connected by a supply path 112 provided below the material supply unit 110. The material fed into the material supply unit 110 is supplied to the plasticizing unit 120 via the supply path 112.

[0016] 2, the plasticizing unit 120 includes, for example, a screw case 122, a drive motor 124, a flat screw 130, a barrel 140, and a heater 150. The plasticizing unit 120 plasticizes the solid material supplied from the material supply unit 110 to generate a fluid, paste-like modeling material, which is then supplied to the nozzle 160.

[0017] Plasticization is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0018] The screw case 122 is a housing that houses the flat screw 130. A barrel 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the screw case 122. The flat screw 130 is housed in the space surrounded by the screw case 122 and the barrel 140.

[0019] The drive motor 124 is provided on the upper surface of the screw case 122. The drive motor 124 is, for example, a servo motor. A shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 is connected to an upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130. The drive motor 124 is controlled by the control unit 70. Although not shown, the shaft 126 of the drive motor 124 and the upper surface 131 of the flat screw 130 may be connected via a reducer.

[0020] The flat screw 130 has a generally cylindrical shape whose size in the direction of the rotation axis R is smaller than its size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis R. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis R is parallel to the Z axis. The torque generated by the drive motor 124 causes the flat screw 130 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0021] The flat screw 130 has an upper surface 131, a groove-forming surface 132 opposite the upper surface 131, and a side surface 133 connecting the upper surface 131 and the groove-forming surface 132. A first groove 134 is formed in the groove-forming surface 132. The side surface 133 is, for example, perpendicular to the groove-forming surface 132. Here, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the flat screw 130. For convenience, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the up-down positional relationship is reversed from the state shown in FIG. 2.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , a first groove 134 is formed in the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. The first groove 134 has, for example, a central portion 135, a connecting portion 136, and a material introduction portion 137. The central portion 135 faces a communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. The central portion 135 communicates with the communication hole 146. The connecting portion 136 connects the central portion 135 and the material introduction portion 137. In the example shown, the connecting portion 136 is provided in a spiral shape from the central portion 135 toward the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. The material introduction portion 137 is provided on the outer periphery of the groove forming surface 132. That is, the material introduction portion 137 is provided on the side surface 133 of the flat screw 130. The material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is introduced into the first groove 134 from the material introduction unit 137, and is transported through the connection unit 136 and the central unit 135 to the communication hole 146 formed in the barrel 140. For example, two first grooves 134 are provided.

[0023] The number of first grooves 134 is not particularly limited. Although not shown, three or more first grooves 134 may be provided, or only one first groove 134 may be provided. Furthermore, although not shown, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may have an in-line screw instead of the flat screw 130.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the barrel 140 is provided below the flat screw 130. The barrel 140 has an opposing surface 142 that faces the groove forming surface 132 of the flat screw 130. A communication hole 146 that communicates with the first groove 134 is formed in the center of the opposing surface 142. Here, Fig. 4 is a plan view that schematically shows the barrel 140.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4 , second grooves 144 and communication holes 146 are formed in the opposing surface 142 of the barrel 140. A plurality of second grooves 144 are formed. In the illustrated example, six second grooves 144 are formed, but the number of second grooves 144 is not particularly limited. The plurality of second grooves 144 are formed around the communication holes 146 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. One end of each second groove 144 is connected to the communication holes 146, and the second grooves 144 extend in a spiral shape from the communication holes 146 toward the outer periphery 148 of the barrel 140. The second grooves 144 have the function of guiding the plasticized material to the communication holes 146.

[0026] The shape of second groove 144 is not particularly limited, and may be linear, for example. One end of second groove 144 does not have to be connected to communicating hole 146. Furthermore, second groove 144 does not have to be formed on opposing surface 142. However, in consideration of efficiently guiding the plasticized material to communicating hole 146, second groove 144 is preferably formed on opposing surface 142.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the heater 150 is provided in the barrel 140. The heater 150 heats the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140. The output of the heater 150 is controlled by the control unit 70. The plasticizing unit 120 heats the material while transporting it toward the communicating holes 146 using the flat screw 130, the barrel 140, and the heater 150, generating a plasticized modeling material, and causes the generated modeling material to flow out of the communicating holes 146. Although not shown, the heater 150 may have a ring-like shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0028] The nozzle 160 is provided below the barrel 140. The nozzle 160 discharges the material supplied from the plasticizing section 120 toward the stage 20. A nozzle flow path 162 is formed in the nozzle 160. The nozzle flow path 162 communicates with the communication hole 146. The nozzle flow path 162 has a nozzle opening 164. The nozzle opening 164 is located at the tip of the nozzle 160. The material supplied from the communication hole 146 passes through the nozzle flow path 162 and is discharged from the nozzle opening 164.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stage 20 is provided below the nozzle 160. In the illustrated example, the stage 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The stage 20 has a printing region 22. A printing material is ejected from the head 10 into the printing region 22. The printing region 22 is an area on the upper surface of the stage 20. The printing region 22 is determined by the position of the nozzle opening 164 of the head 10. For example, when the stage 20 is moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the movement mechanism 30, the end of the printing region 22 in the -X-axis direction is located below the nozzle opening 164 when the stage 20 has moved the furthest in the +X-axis direction. The end of the printing region 22 in the +X-axis direction is located below the nozzle opening 164 when the stage 20 has moved the furthest in the -X-axis direction.

[0030] The movement mechanism 30 supports the stage 20. The movement mechanism 30 moves the stage 20 and the head 10 relative to each other. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 30 moves the stage 20 and the heating mechanism 50 relative to each other. The heating mechanism 50 moves, for example, in conjunction with the movement of the head 10. In the illustrated example, the movement mechanism 30 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the relative positions of the stage 20, the head 10, and the heating mechanism 50 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 30 moves the head 10 and the heating mechanism 50 in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the relative positions of the stage 20, the head 10, and the heating mechanism 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The movement mechanism 30 has, for example, a first electric actuator 32, a second electric actuator 34, and a third electric actuator 36. The first electric actuator 32 moves the stage 20 in the X-axis direction. The second electric actuator 34 moves the stage 20 in the Y-axis direction. The third electric actuator 36 moves the head 10 and the heating mechanism 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0032] The support member 40 is connected to a third electric actuator 36. In the illustrated example, the support member 40 extends from the third electric actuator 36 in the -Y-axis direction. The support member 40 supports the head 10 and the heating mechanism 50. The movement mechanism 30 moves the support member 40 in the Z-axis direction using the third electric actuator 36, thereby moving the head 10 and the heating mechanism 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] The heating mechanism 50 is, for example, substantially plate-shaped. The heating mechanism 50 includes, for example, a support plate 52 and a heater 54. The heater 54 is supported by the support plate 52. The heater 54 covers the modeling region 22 of the stage 20. The heater 54 faces the stage 20. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the stage 20 is, for example, provided inside the outer edge of the heater 54. The heater 54 heats a modeling layer made of a modeling material deposited in the modeling region 22. The heater 54 is capable of heating the entire modeling region 22. The output of the heater 54 is controlled by the control unit 70.

[0034] 2, a through-hole 56 is formed in the heating mechanism 50. In the illustrated example, the through-hole 56 penetrates the heating mechanism 50 in the Z-axis direction. A nozzle 160 is located in the through-hole 56. In the illustrated example, the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 are located in the +Z-axis direction of the heating mechanism 50, and the nozzle opening 164 and the stage 20 are located in the −Z-axis direction of the heating mechanism 50.

[0035] The shape of the heating mechanism 50 is not particularly limited as long as the heater 54 can heat the modeling region 22. For example, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may have a chamber (not shown) that houses the head 10, the stage 20, and the movement mechanism 30, and the heating mechanism 50 may heat the entire chamber, thereby heating the modeling region 22.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor 60 is fixed to the heating mechanism 50. Therefore, the sensor 60 moves in accordance with the movement of the heating mechanism 50. That is, the movement mechanism 30 moves the stage 20 and the sensor 60 relative to each other. The sensor 60 is fixed, for example, to the outer peripheral edge of the support plate 52 of the heating mechanism 50. The sensor 60 protrudes from the support plate 52 in the −Z-axis direction. The sensor 60 measures the temperature of a measurement area of ​​a modeling layer formed on the stage 20. The temperature measured by the sensor 60 is transmitted to the control unit 70. The sensor 60 is, for example, a non-contact radiation thermometer that emits infrared rays or the like.

[0037] The control unit 70 is configured, for example, by a computer having a processor, a main memory device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals from and to the outside. The control unit 70 performs various functions, for example, by having the processor execute a program loaded into the main memory device. Specifically, the control unit 70 controls the head 10, the movement mechanism 30, and the heating mechanism 50. Note that the control unit 70 may be configured not as a computer, but as a combination of multiple circuits.

[0038] 1.2. Control section processing 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the control unit 70. For example, the user operates an operation unit (not shown) to output a processing start signal to the control unit 70 to start processing. The operation unit is composed of, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc. The control unit 70 starts processing when it receives the processing start signal. Each process will be explained below.

[0039] 1.2.1. Printing data acquisition process First, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 70 performs a modeling data acquisition process to acquire modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object (step S10).

[0040] The modeling data is created, for example, by loading shape data into slicer software installed on a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. The shape data is data representing the target shape of a three-dimensional object created using three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, three-dimensional CG (Computer Graphics) software, or the like. As the shape data, for example, data in STL (Standard Triangulated Language) format or AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format) is used. The slicer software divides the target shape of the three-dimensional object into layers of a predetermined thickness and creates modeling data for each layer. The modeling data is expressed in G-code or the like.

[0041] The modeling data includes information regarding, for example, the movement path of the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20, the amount of modeling material dispensed from the nozzle 160, and the shape and area of ​​each of the multiple modeling layers that make up the three-dimensional model. The "shape and area of ​​the modeling layer" refers to the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer as viewed from the direction of a perpendicular line P to the modeling region 22. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the perpendicular line P is parallel to the Z axis. The control unit 70 acquires the modeling data from a computer connected to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 or a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0042] 1.2.2. Three-dimensional object formation processing Next, the control unit 70 performs a three-dimensional object formation process to form a three-dimensional object on the stage 20, as shown in FIG. 5 (step S20).

[0043] Specifically, the control unit 70 plasticizes the material supplied between the flat screw 130 and the barrel 140 to generate the modeling material, and then discharges the modeling material from the nozzle 160. The control unit 70 continues to generate the modeling material, for example, until the three-dimensional object formation process is completed. Furthermore, the control unit 70 drives the heater 54. The control unit 70 continues to drive the heater 54, for example, until the three-dimensional object formation process is completed. Here, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the three-dimensional object formation process.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, based on the acquired modeling data, the control unit 70 controls the moving mechanism 30 to change the relative position between the nozzle 160 and the stage 20, while controlling the head 10 to eject modeling material from the nozzle 160 toward the stage 20.

[0045] Specifically, before the three-dimensional object formation process starts, i.e., before formation of the first formation layer, L1, starts, the nozzle 160 is positioned at an initial position in the -X axis direction, further away from the end of the stage 20 in the -X axis direction. When the three-dimensional object formation process starts, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 70 controls the movement mechanism 30 to, for example, move the nozzle 160 relative to the stage 20 in the +X axis direction. As the nozzle 160 passes over the stage 20, a formation material is ejected from the nozzle 160. This forms the formation layer L1. In FIG. 6, n is an arbitrary natural number, and up to the n-th formation layer Ln are illustrated.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the three-dimensional object formation process by the control unit 70 in more detail.

[0047] 7, in the three-dimensional object formation process, the control unit 70 performs a measurement area setting process to set a measurement area M for the (n-1)th modeling layer Ln-1 based on information about the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1 included in the modeling data (step S21). Specifically, the control unit 70 sets the position of the measurement area M for the modeling layer Ln-1 based on information about the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1 included in the modeling data. The measurement area M is an area measured by the sensor 60.

[0048] In addition, the control unit 70 may calculate and set the position of the measurement area M based on information regarding the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1 contained in the modeling data, or if the modeling data includes information regarding the position of the measurement area M calculated based on information regarding the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1, the control unit 70 may obtain information regarding the position of the measurement area M directly from the modeling data and set the position of the measurement area M.

[0049] Next, the control unit 70 performs a target temperature setting process to set a target temperature for the measurement region M based on information about the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1 (step S22). The target temperature is the temperature at which the modeling layer Ln-1 is cured.

[0050] In addition, the control unit 70 may calculate and set the target temperature based on information regarding the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1 contained in the modeling data, or if the modeling data contains information regarding the target temperature calculated based on information regarding the shape and area of ​​the modeling layer Ln-1, the control unit 70 may obtain information regarding the target temperature directly from the modeling data and set the target temperature.

[0051] Next, the control unit 70 controls the movement mechanism 30 to move the stage 20 and the sensor 60 relatively to perform an alignment process to align the position of the sensor 60 with the position of the measurement region M (step S23). Specifically, the control unit 70 controls the movement mechanism 30 to overlap the sensor 60 with the measurement region M when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The control unit 70 may move the stage 20 to align the position of the sensor 60 with the position of the measurement region M, or may move the sensor 60 to align the position of the sensor 60 with the position of the measurement region M.

[0052] Next, the control unit 70 performs a temperature measurement process (step S24) to cause the sensor 60 to measure the temperature of the measurement area M. Specifically, the control unit 70 drives the sensor 60 to cause the sensor 60 to measure the temperature of the measurement area M.

[0053] Next, the control unit 70 performs a determination process to determine whether the measured temperature of the measurement region M is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (step S25). The "predetermined value" is the target temperature set in step S22.

[0054] If it is determined that the measured temperature of the measurement area M is not below the target temperature ("NO" in step S25), the control unit 70 repeats the processing of step S25 until it determines that the temperature of the measurement area M measured in the processing of step S24 is below the target temperature.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured temperature of the measurement region M is equal to or lower than the target temperature ("YES" in step S25), the control unit 70 performs a modeling layer formation process (step S26) by controlling the head 10 and the moving mechanism 30 based on the modeling data to eject the modeling material from the head 10 and form the modeling layer Ln on the modeling layer Ln-1. Note that when forming the first modeling layer L1, the control unit 70 skips steps S21 to S25 and performs steps S26 and S27.

[0056] Next, the control unit 70 performs a determination process based on the modeling data to determine whether or not the formation of all modeling layers has been completed (step S27).

[0057] If the control unit 70 determines that the formation of all the modeling layers has not been completed ("NO" in step S27), the control unit 70 returns the process to step S21. On the other hand, if the control unit 70 determines that the formation of all the modeling layers has been completed ("YES" in step S27), the control unit 70 ends the process.

[0058] 1.3. Measurement area FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a modeling layer L formed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the modeling layer L has a shape, for example, of two connected rectangles, when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The shape of the measurement area M is, for example, a circle. The diameter of the measurement area M is, for example, about 0.6 mm. If the sensor 60 is a radiation thermometer that emits infrared rays, the measurement area M is the area irradiated with infrared rays from the radiation thermometer.

[0060] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the measurement area M does not include the outer edge E of the modeling layer L. The measurement area M is separated from the outer edge E. The measurement area M includes point Q. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, point Q is the point in the modeling layer L that is least likely to cool down. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, point Q is the point in the modeling layer L with the lowest heat dissipation rate. In the illustrated example, point Q is the point in the modeling layer L that is the shortest distance from the outer edge E when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0061] 1.4. Effects In the three-dimensional modeling device 100, the control unit 70 performs the following processes: setting a measurement area M based on information regarding the shape of the modeling layer L; having the sensor 60 measure the temperature of the measurement area M; and, if the measured temperature of the measurement area M is below a predetermined value, controlling the head 10 and the moving mechanism 30 to eject modeling material from the head 10.

[0062] Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 can set the area of ​​the modeling layer L including the point Q where the temperature is most difficult to decrease as the measurement area M based on information about the shape of the modeling layer L. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 can decrease the temperature of the entire modeling layer L to the target temperature. As a result, even if the modeling material is discharged onto the modeling layer L, the possibility of the shape of the modeling layer L being distorted can be reduced.

[0063] In the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, the measurement region M, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, does not include the outer edge E of the printing layer L. The outer edge E has higher heat dissipation properties than the inner part of the outer edge E of the printing layer L. Therefore, it is possible to measure the temperature of the measurement region M, which is difficult to lower in temperature.

[0064] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the measurement region M includes point Q, which is the point with the shortest distance from the outer edge E of the modeling layer L when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Point Q, which is the point with the longest distance from the outer edge E of the modeling layer L, is the point on the modeling layer L where the temperature is most difficult to decrease. Therefore, it is possible to measure the temperature of measurement region M, where the temperature is most difficult to decrease.

[0065] 2. Variations 2.1. First variant Next, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a printing layer L formed by the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first modified example of this embodiment.

[0066] Hereinafter, in the 3D printing device according to the first modified example of this embodiment, differences from the example of the 3D printing device 100 according to this embodiment described above will be described, and a description of similarities will be omitted. This also applies to the 3D printing devices according to the second to fourth modified examples of this embodiment described later.

[0067] 9, the modeling layer L formed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first modified example of this embodiment differs from the modeling layer L formed by the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that it is supported by a support layer T. The thermal conductivity of the material forming the support layer T in the first modified example is equal to or lower than the thermal conductivity of the material forming the modeling layer L in the first modified example.

[0068] The head 10 ejects a support material toward the stage 20 to form a support layer T. The support material constituting the support layer T is, for example, a different type of material from the modeling material constituting the modeling layer L. The support layer T is separated from the modeling layer L to obtain a three-dimensional object of a desired shape. In the illustrated example, two support layers T are formed for one modeling layer L.

[0069] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer edge E of the modeling layer L has a first edge B1 that contacts the support layer T and a second edge B2 that does not contact the support layer T. In the illustrated example, the outer edge E has two first edges B1 and two second edges B2. The shortest distance D1 between the measurement area M and the first edge B1 is smaller than the shortest distance D2 between the measurement area M and the second edge B2.

[0070] In the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the first modification of this embodiment, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer edge E of the printing layer L has a first edge B1 that contacts the support layer T and a second edge B2 that does not contact the support layer T, and the shortest distance D1 between the measurement area M and the first edge B1 is smaller than the shortest distance D2 between the measurement area M and the second edge B2. Because the first edge B1 contacts the support layer T, the heat dissipation at the first edge B1 is lower than the heat dissipation at the second edge B2. Therefore, it is possible to measure the temperature of the measurement area M, which is difficult to decrease in temperature.

[0071] If the thermal conductivity of the material forming the support layer T is greater than that of the material forming the modeling layer L in the first modified example, the heat dissipation at the first edge B1 is greater than that at the second edge B2. Therefore, the shortest distance D1 between the measurement area M and the first edge B1 is longer than in the first modified example, and the shortest distance D2 between the measurement area M and the second edge B2 is shorter than in the first modified example.

[0072] 2.2. Second Variant Next, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a printing layer L formed by the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the second modified example of this embodiment.

[0073] The modeling layer L formed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second modified example of this embodiment differs from the modeling layer L formed by the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that the inside of the modeling layer L is hollow, as shown in FIG.

[0074] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the modeling layer L has a linear portion F and a corner portion C, which is a connection portion between the two linear portions F. The measurement region M is provided at the corner portion C of the modeling layer L. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the relative movement speed between the stage 20 and the head 10 in the measurement region M is smaller than the average relative movement speed between the stage 20 and the head 10 while forming the modeling layer L. For example, when the modeling layer L is formed by moving the stage 20 while the head 10 is fixed, the movement speed of the stage 20 when forming the corner portion C is smaller than the movement speed of the stage 20 when forming the linear portion F. This allows the corner portion C to be formed with high precision.

[0075] In the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the second modification of this embodiment, the relative movement speed between the stage 20 and the head 10 in the measurement region M, as viewed in the Z-axis direction, is smaller than the average relative movement speed between the stage 20 and the head 10 during the formation of the printing layer L. Therefore, it is possible to measure the temperature of the measurement region M, where the amount of heat transfer from the head 10 is large and the temperature is difficult to decrease.

[0076] 2.3. Third Variant Next, a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to a third modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a printing layer L formed by the three-dimensional printing apparatus according to the third modified example of this embodiment.

[0077] The forming layer L formed by the three-dimensional forming apparatus according to the third variant of this embodiment differs from the forming layer L formed by the above-described three-dimensional forming apparatus 100 in that it has a first portion A1 and a second portion A2 that are spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0078] The first portion A1 has a measurement area M. In the illustrated example, the shape of the first portion A1 is rectangular when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The width W1 of the first portion A1 is larger than the spot diameter of the sensor 60. In the illustrated example, the width W1 is the length of the short side.

[0079] The second portion A2 does not have a measurement area M. In the illustrated example, the shape of the second portion A2 is ring-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The width W2 of the second portion A2 is smaller than the spot diameter of the sensor 60. Therefore, for example, if the measurement area M is provided in the second portion A2, the temperature of the stage 20 will also be measured, making it impossible to accurately measure the temperature of the modeling layer L. The width W2 of the second portion A2 is smaller than the diameter of the measurement area M. The width W2 of the second portion A2 is smaller than the width W1 of the first portion A1.

[0080] In the modeling layer L formed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the third modification of this embodiment, the width W1 of the first portion A1 is larger than the width W2 of the second portion A2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and the first portion A1 has a measurement region M. Therefore, the heat dissipation of the first portion A1 is lower than that of the second portion A2. This makes it possible to measure the temperature of the measurement region M, which has low heat dissipation and is difficult to cool down.

[0081] 2.3. Fourth Variant Next, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a fourth modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0082] In the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is ABS resin.

[0083] In contrast, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourth modification of this embodiment, the material supplied from the material supply unit 110 is a material other than ABS resin, or a material in which other components are added to ABS resin.

[0084] Examples of materials supplied from the material supply unit 110 include materials containing various materials as main components, such as thermoplastic materials, metal materials, and ceramic materials. Here, the term "main material" refers to the material that forms the core of the shape of the object, and refers to a material that accounts for 50% by mass or more of the object. The above-mentioned materials include those obtained by melting the main material alone, and those obtained by melting some of the components contained in the main material and turning it into a paste.

[0085] Examples of the thermoplastic material that can be used include thermoplastic resins, such as general-purpose engineering plastics and super engineering plastics.

[0086] Examples of general-purpose engineering plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0087] Examples of super engineering plastics include polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0088] The thermoplastic material may contain pigments, metals, ceramics, and other additives such as wax, flame retardants, antioxidants, and thermal stabilizers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized and converted into a molten state in the plasticizing unit 120 by the rotation of the flat screw 130 and the heating of the heater 150. The modeling material thus produced hardens as the temperature drops after being ejected from the nozzle 160. It is desirable that the thermoplastic material be heated to or above its glass transition point and ejected from the nozzle 160 in a completely molten state.

[0089] In place of the thermoplastic material described above, for example, a metal material may be used as the main material in the plasticizing unit 120. In this case, it is desirable that a powder material made by powdering the metal material is mixed with a component that melts when generating the modeling material, and then introduced into the plasticizing unit 120.

[0090] Examples of metal materials include single metals such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), or alloys containing one or more of these metals, as well as maraging steel, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys.

[0091] Instead of the above-mentioned metal materials, ceramic materials can be used as the main material in the plasticizing portion 120. Examples of ceramic materials include oxide ceramics such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide, and non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum nitride.

[0092] The powder material of the metallic material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110 may be a mixed material obtained by mixing multiple types of powder of a single metal, alloy powder, or ceramic material. The powder material of the metallic material or ceramic material may also be coated with, for example, the thermoplastic resin described above or other thermoplastic resins. In this case, the thermoplastic resin may be melted in the plasticizing unit 120 to exhibit fluidity.

[0093] A solvent, for example, may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110. Examples of the solvent include 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 isobutyl 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 (e.g., tetrabutylammonium acetate); and ionic liquids such as butyl carbitol acetate.

[0094] Additionally, for example, a binder may be added to the powder material of the metal material or ceramic material supplied from the material supply unit 110. Examples of binders include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, cellulose-based resin, other synthetic resins, PLA, PA, PPS, PEEK, and other thermoplastic resins.

[0095] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0096] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that add publicly known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0097] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0098] One aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus is The stage and a heater that covers the modeling area of ​​the stage and faces the stage; a head that ejects a modeling material toward the stage to form a modeling layer; a sensor for measuring the temperature of the measurement area of ​​the modeling layer; a movement mechanism that moves the stage and the sensor relatively and moves the stage and the head relatively; a control unit that controls the head and the movement mechanism; Including, The control unit A process of setting the measurement area based on information about the shape of the modeling layer; causing the sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement area; a process of controlling the head and the moving mechanism to eject the modeling material from the head toward the modeling layer when the measured temperature of the measurement area is equal to or lower than a predetermined value; Do the following.

[0099] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can lower the temperature of the entire modeling layer to the target temperature.

[0100] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The measurement area may not include the outer edge of the modeling layer when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the modeling area.

[0101] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can measure the temperature of a measurement area where the temperature is difficult to decrease.

[0102] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, The measurement region may include a point that is the shortest distance from the outer edge of the modeling layer when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the modeling region.

[0103] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can measure the temperature of a measurement area where the temperature is difficult to decrease.

[0104] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, the head ejects a support material toward the stage to form a support layer that supports the modeling layer; When viewed from the perpendicular direction of the modeling area, the outer edge of the modeling layer is a first edge in contact with the support layer; a second edge that does not contact the support layer; and and The shortest distance between the measurement area and the first edge may be less than the shortest distance between the measurement area and the second edge.

[0105] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can measure the temperature of a measurement area where the temperature is difficult to decrease.

[0106] In one aspect of the three-dimensional printing apparatus, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the building area, the relative movement speed between the stage and the head in the measurement area may be smaller than the average relative movement speed between the stage and the head during the formation of the building layer.

[0107] This three-dimensional modeling apparatus can measure the temperature of a measurement area where the temperature is difficult to decrease. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10...head, 20...stage, 22...modeling area, 30...movement mechanism, 32...first electric actuator, 34...second electric actuator, 36...third electric actuator, 40...support member, 50...heating mechanism, 52...support plate, 54...heater, 56...through hole, 60...sensor, 70...control unit, 100...three-dimensional modeling device, 110...material supply unit, 112...supply path, 120...plasticization unit, 122... Screw case, 124...drive motor, 126...shaft, 130...flat screw, 131...upper surface, 132...groove forming surface, 133...side surface, 134...first groove, 135...center portion, 136...connection portion, 137...material introduction portion, 140...barrel, 142...opposing surface, 144...second groove, 146...communicating hole, 148...periphery, 150...heater, 160...nozzle, 162...nozzle flow path, 164...nozzle opening

Claims

1. The stage and a heater that covers the modeling area of ​​the stage and faces the stage; a head that ejects a modeling material toward the stage to form a modeling layer; a sensor for measuring the temperature of the measurement area of ​​the modeling layer; The stage and the sensor are moved relative to each other, and the stage and the head are moved relative to each other. a moving mechanism for relatively moving the a control unit that controls the head and the movement mechanism, The measurement area does not include the outer edge of the modeling layer when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the modeling area, The control unit A process of setting the measurement area based on information about the shape of the modeling layer; causing the sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement area; When the measured temperature of the measurement area is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the head and the moving and controlling a mechanism to eject the modeling material from the head toward the modeling layer. Ah, a three-dimensional modeling device.

2. In claim 1, The measurement area is such that the shortest distance from the outer edge of the modeling layer to the measurement area is Three-dimensional printing device, including the largest point.

3. In claim 1, The head ejects a support material toward the stage to form a support layer that supports the modeling layer. Forming When viewed from the perpendicular direction of the modeling area, the outer edge of the modeling layer is a first edge in contact with the support layer; a second edge that is not in contact with the support layer; The shortest distance between the measurement area and the first edge is the shortest distance between the measurement area and the second edge. A three-dimensional printing device that is smaller than a short distance.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, When viewed from the direction perpendicular to the modeling area, the stage and the head in the measurement area The relative movement speed of the stage and the head during the formation of the build layer is A three-dimensional printing device with a moving speed that is smaller than the average.

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