Molding apparatus and molding method

Abstract

To appropriately realize a configuration suitable for a molding apparatus that forms colored objects.SOLUTION: A molding apparatus 10 for forming at least partially colored formed objects 50, comprises a plurality of head units and a carriage 202, each head unit has a plurality of nozzle rows each ejecting ink supplied from an ink container via mutually different ink supply paths, the carriage 202 holds, as the multiple head units, a first head unit being a head unit 204a, having a plurality of nozzle rows each ejecting colored ink of a different color from one another, and a second head unit being a head unit 204b, having a plurality of nozzle rows each ejecting ink different from the colored ink ejected by the head unit 204a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a shaping device and a shaping method. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, a shaping device (3D printer) that shapes a shaped object using an inkjet head has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a shaping device, for example, a shaped object is shaped by a layer stacking method by stacking a plurality of layers of ink formed by an inkjet head. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-071282 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 When shaping a shaped object using an inkjet head, by using a plurality of colors of colored ink (color ink), it is possible to shape a shaped object colored in various colors. However, in this case, as the number of ink colors used increases, problems such as an increase in the size and weight of the carriage holding the inkjet head are likely to occur. Therefore, conventionally, it has been desired to appropriately realize a configuration suitable for a shaping device that shapes a colored shaped object. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a shaping device, a maintenance method for the shaping device, and a shaping method that can solve the above problems. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 The inventors of this invention have considered using a head unit that ejects multiple types of ink, rather than using an inkjet head with a separate configuration for each type of ink (e.g., by color, by application), as the configuration for ejecting ink in a 3D printer. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately reduce the size and weight of the carriage compared to, for example, using multiple separate inkjet heads for each type of ink. However, in this case, when maintaining the 3D printer, the head unit corresponding to the multiple types of ink becomes the unit of replacement. In this case, if, for example, the ejection of some types of ink becomes impossible in the head unit, it becomes necessary to replace the head unit even if there are no problems with the ejection of other inks. As a result, the cost of replacing parts may increase significantly. 【0006】 In this regard, the inventors of the present invention focused on the fact that among the multiple types of ink ejected from a single head unit, the parts related to the ink that is consumed more during the printing process tend to require replacement sooner. They then considered selecting the multiple types of ink ejected from a single head unit in a way that reduces the difference in the amount of ink consumed during printing. As a configuration for this purpose, they considered using multiple head units, ejecting the ink with relatively low consumption from the first head unit and the other inks from the second head unit. With this configuration, for example, the difference in consumption of multiple types of ink ejected from a single head unit can be appropriately reduced. In this case, it is also conceivable that the parts corresponding to each type of ink in the same head unit will need to be replaced at roughly the same time. Therefore, with this configuration, it is less likely that the head unit will be replaced when only a part of it has deteriorated. 【0007】 More specifically, when creating colored objects, the colored areas typically only need to be formed on the surface of the object. In this case, the amount of colored ink used to form the colored areas is significantly less than, for example, the ink used to form the inside of the object. Therefore, in this case, it is conceivable to eject the colored ink used to form the colored areas from the first head unit and the other inks from the second head unit. With this configuration, for example, when using head units, head unit replacement can be performed more appropriately. Furthermore, this makes it possible to appropriately realize a configuration suitable for a 3D printer that creates colored objects. 【0008】 Furthermore, the inventors of this application, through further diligent research, have discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a molding apparatus for forming a molded object that is at least partially colored by layering ink, comprising a plurality of head units, each ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzle rows, and a carriage for holding the plurality of head units, wherein each head unit has a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting ink supplied from an ink container via different ink supply paths, and the carriage holds, as the plurality of head units, a first head unit having a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting colored ink of different colors, and a second head unit having a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting ink different from the colored ink ejected by the first head unit. 【0009】 With this configuration, using a head unit allows for, for example, appropriate miniaturization and weight reduction of the carriage. Furthermore, by ejecting multiple colored inks from the nozzle row of the first head unit and other inks from the nozzle row of the second head unit, it is possible to appropriately reduce the difference in consumption between inks ejected from the same head unit. In addition, this appropriately prevents, for example, an excessive increase in the cost of replacing parts in the 3D printer due to head unit replacement. Therefore, with this configuration, a suitable configuration for a 3D printer that creates colored objects can be appropriately realized. 【0010】 In this configuration, the 3D printer supplies ink to the head unit from, for example, multiple ink containers, each of which stores ink. In this case, each nozzle row in the head unit receives ink from one of the ink containers. Furthermore, each head unit can be considered as a unit of parts that are replaced together during repairs or maintenance. In this case, the multiple nozzle rows in a single head unit can be considered as being formed integrally within a single part. Furthermore, the multiple nozzle rows in each head unit can be considered to be arranged while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship. With this configuration, for example, the head unit can be used appropriately in the 3D printer. 【0011】 Furthermore, in this configuration, the molding apparatus creates an object having, for example, a light-reflecting region and a colored region. In this case, the light-reflecting region is a region formed using light-reflecting colored ink. The colored region is formed outside the light-reflecting region using multiple colored inks and clear ink ejected by the first head unit. In this case, each of the multiple nozzle rows in the first head unit ejects, for example, each of the multiple colored inks used to form the colored region. The second head unit has, as at least a part of its multiple nozzle rows, a nozzle row that ejects light-reflecting ink, a nozzle row that ejects clear ink, and a nozzle row that ejects ink that serves as the material for the support layer. The clear ink can be considered, for example, a colorless and transparent ink. The support layer can be considered, for example, a configuration that supports at least a part of the object during molding. 【0012】 With this configuration, for example, colored objects can be properly fabricated. Furthermore, by concentrating the nozzle rows that eject the colored inks used to form the colored areas in the first head unit, the difference in consumption between multiple types of inks ejected from a single head unit can be appropriately reduced. In this case, it is preferable that the colored area be formed using only, for example, multiple colors of colored ink ejected from the first head unit and clear ink ejected from the second head unit. With this configuration, for example, all nozzle rows for colored inks, which have lower consumption during fabrication, can be concentrated in the first head unit. This also allows for a more appropriate reduction in the difference in consumption between multiple types of inks ejected from a single head unit. 【0013】 Furthermore, in this configuration, the molding apparatus may further include, for example, a main scanning drive unit and a flattening means. The main scanning drive unit can be considered as a configuration in which multiple head units perform a main scanning operation in which ink is ejected while moving in a preset main scanning direction. The flattening means can be considered as a configuration in which a flattening roller is used to flatten the ink layer. In this case, the main scanning drive unit has, for example, a guide member that guides the movement of the carriage in the main scanning direction and a drive mechanism that moves the carriage along the guide member. The flattening means is, for example, held by the guide member outside the carriage so as to be movable in the main scanning direction. With this configuration, by providing the flattening means outside the carriage, the carriage can be made more appropriately smaller and lighter. As the guide member, for example, a rail-shaped guide member such as a guide rail can be suitably used. 【0014】 Furthermore, when using a molding apparatus with the above configuration, the features of the present invention can also be considered as features of a maintenance method for the molding apparatus. In this case, the maintenance method for the molding apparatus is characterized by prompting the user to replace each head unit based on the amount of operation the molding apparatus has performed, and by making the correspondence between the amount of operation and the timing of replacement different for the first head unit and the second head unit, so that the second head unit is replaced more frequently than the first head unit. With this configuration, for example, the second head unit that ejects a large amount of ink can be replaced appropriately at a shorter interval than the first head unit. In addition, this makes it possible to perform maintenance on the molding apparatus more appropriately according to the application of the ink ejected from each head unit, for example. Furthermore, the features of the present invention can also be considered as features of a molding method invention for molding an object using a molding apparatus with the above configuration. In this case as well, for example, the same effects as above can be obtained. In this case, the molding method can also be considered as, for example, a method for manufacturing an object. [Effects of the Invention] 【0015】 According to the present invention, for example, a configuration suitable for a molding apparatus that creates colored molded objects can be appropriately realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0016】 [Figure 1] This figure illustrates a molding apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the molding apparatus 10. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the head part 12 in the molding apparatus 10. [Figure 2] This figure shows a more specific example of the configuration of the head unit 12. Figures 2(a) and (b) show a specific example of the configuration of the head unit 12. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an object 50 to be fabricated by the fabrication device 10. [Figure 4] This diagram provides a more detailed explanation of the main scanning drive unit 18 and the head unit 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0017】 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a molding apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the molding apparatus 10. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 12 in the molding apparatus 10. Figure 2 shows a more specific example of the configuration of the head unit 12. Figures 2(a) and (b) are a partially exploded perspective view and a bottom view showing a specific example of the configuration of the head unit 12 together with a part of the main scanning drive unit 18 in the molding apparatus 10. 【0018】 In this example, the molding device 10 is a 3D printer that creates three-dimensional objects using additive manufacturing. It uses ink as the material for molding and creates an object 50 that is at least partially colored by layering ink. In this case, the object 50 can be considered, for example, a three-dimensional structure. Furthermore, in this example, the molding device 10 is a full-color molding device capable of creating objects with full-color coloring. It executes the molding operation of the object 50 based on object data, which is data indicating the object to be molded. In this case, the molding device 10 receives the object data from, for example, a computer (control PC) that controls the operation of the molding device 10. 【0019】 Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in this example, the molding apparatus 10 comprises a head unit 12, a molding table 14, a plurality of ink tanks 16, a main scanning drive unit 18, a molding table drive unit 20, and a control unit 22. Except for the points described below, the molding apparatus 10 may have the same or similar configuration as a known molding apparatus. More specifically, except for the points described below, the molding apparatus 10 may have the same or similar characteristics as a known molding apparatus that performs molding by ejecting ink, which is the material for molding, in an inkjet manner. In addition, the molding apparatus 10 may further include various configurations necessary for molding the molded object 50, for example, in addition to the configuration shown in the figure. 【0020】 The head unit 12 is configured to discharge the material of the shaped object 50. In this example, as described above, ink is used as the material of the shaped object 50. The ink can be considered, for example, as a functional liquid or the like. Also, the ink can be considered, for example, as a liquid or the like discharged from the head unit 12 by an inkjet method. In this example, the head unit 12 has an inkjet head that discharges ink by an inkjet method, and discharges an ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) that cures from a liquid state by irradiation with ultraviolet rays from the inkjet head. In this case, the ultraviolet curable ink can be considered, for example, as an example of an ink that cures according to predetermined conditions. Further, the head unit 12 further discharges a support material ink, which is an ink that becomes the material of the support layer 52, in addition to the ink that becomes the material of the shaped object 50. Thereby, the head unit 12 forms the support layer 52 around the shaped object 50 or the like as needed. The support layer 52 can be considered, for example, as a laminated structure or the like that supports at least a part of the shaped object 50 during shaping. The support layer 52 is formed as needed during the shaping of the shaped object 50 and is removed after the completion of shaping. In this example, the head unit 12 has a head unit that discharges a plurality of different types of ink as an inkjet head. In this case, the fact that the types of ink are different can be considered, for example, as the colors or uses being different. Also, hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, including the case where the uses of the ink are different, the fact that the types of ink are different may simply be the case where the colors of the ink are different. The specific configuration of the head unit 12 and the types of ink used in the head unit 12 will be described in more detail later. 【0021】 The shaping table 14 is a pedestal member that supports the object 50 being shaped, is disposed at a position facing the head portion 12, and places the object 50 and the support layer 52 being shaped on its upper surface. Also, in this example, the shaping table 14 is configured to be movable in each of the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) and the stacking direction (Z direction in the figure) preset in the shaping apparatus 10 by being driven by the shaping table driving unit 20. In this case, the movement in the sub-scanning direction and the stacking direction can be considered as, for example, movement in a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction and the stacking direction. Regarding the stacking direction, for example, it can be considered as the direction in which the shaping material is stacked in the layer-by-layer shaping method. Also, in this example, the stacking direction is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) and the sub-scanning direction preset in the shaping apparatus 10. Each of the plurality of ink tanks 16 is an ink container that stores ink. As the ink tank 16, for example, a known ink bottle or the like can be preferably used. Also, in this example, the plurality of ink tanks 16 store the inks of respective colors ejected from the head portion 12 and supply the inks of respective colors from the outside of the head portion 12 to the head portion 12 according to the progress of the shaping operation. 【0022】 The main scanning driving unit 18 is a driving unit that causes the head portion 12 to perform a main scanning operation (Y scanning). Regarding the main scanning operation, for example, it can be considered as an operation of ejecting ink while moving in the main scanning direction. In this case, regarding causing the head portion 12 to perform the main scanning operation, for example, it can be considered as causing the inkjet head (head unit) in the head portion 12 to perform the main scanning operation. Also, in this example, the main scanning driving unit 18 causes the head portion 12 to perform the main scanning operation by fixing the position of the shaping table 14 and moving the head portion 12 in the main scanning direction. The specific configuration of the main scanning driving unit 18 will be described in more detail later. 【0023】 The build plate drive unit 20 is a drive unit that moves the build plate 14, and moves the build plate 14 in both the sub-scanning direction and the stacking direction. More specifically, in this example, the build plate drive unit 20 moves the build plate 14 in the sub-scanning direction between main scanning operations while one ink layer is being formed. In this way, the build plate drive unit 20 causes the print head unit 12 to perform a sub-scanning operation (X scan) that moves relative to the object 50 being built in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning operation can be thought of as, for example, an operation that moves relative to the build plate 14 in the sub-scanning direction by a preset feed amount. Furthermore, after one ink layer is formed and before the formation of the next ink layer begins, the build plate drive unit 20 moves the build plate 14 away from the print head unit 12 in the stacking direction. Furthermore, this causes the build plate drive unit 20 to cause the head unit 12 to perform a stacking direction scanning operation (Z scan) that moves relative to the object 50 being built in the stacking direction. The stacking direction scanning operation can also be thought of as, for example, an operation that adjusts the relative position between the object 50 being built and the head unit 12 in the stacking direction in accordance with the progress of the build operation. 【0024】 The control unit 22, for example, includes the CPU of the molding device 10 and controls the molding operation of the molded object 50 by controlling each part of the molding device 10. In this case, the control unit 22 generates slice data, which is data showing the cross-section of the molded object 50 to be molded, based on the molded object data. Then, in the operation of forming each ink layer that makes up the molded object 50, the control unit 22 controls the operation of the head unit 12 based on the slice data, thereby causing the head unit 12 to eject ink of each color used to mold the molded object 50. According to this example, for example, the molding of the molded object 50 can be performed appropriately. 【0025】 Next, the configuration of the head unit 12 in the molding apparatus 10 will be explained in more detail. In this example, the head unit 12 has an ink ejection unit 102, a flattening roller unit 104, and a plurality of light source units 106. The ink ejection unit 102 is the part of the head unit 12 that ejects ink, and has a carriage 202 and a plurality of head units 204a, b. 【0026】 The carriage 202 is a holding member that holds multiple head units 204a and b, and holds each of the multiple head units 204a and b such that the ink ejection direction is toward the build plate 14. Furthermore, as will be explained in detail below, in the head unit 12 of this example, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 are disposed outside the carriage 202. Therefore, the carriage 202 can be considered as holding multiple head units 204a and b, but not holding the individual components of the flattening roller unit 104 (e.g., the flattening roller, etc.) or the individual components of the light source unit 106. In this case, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 can be considered as being configured as separate units from the individual components of the ink ejection unit 102. Furthermore, in this example, the carriage 202 holds multiple head units 204a and 204b interchangeably (removably) at the carriage base, which is a component that constitutes the base portion of the carriage 202 on the side facing the build plate 14. The carriage 202 also holds the multiple head units 204a and 204b aligned in the sub-scanning direction and arranged in the main scanning direction. In this case, the head units 204a and 204b can be considered to be arranged in line so that, for example, the area from which ink is ejected is the same in each main scanning operation. 【0027】 The multiple head units 204a and 204b are examples of ejection heads that eject material for molding. In this example, each of the multiple head units 204a and 204b is an inkjet head that ejects multiple inks of different colors, and each has multiple nozzle rows 212 that eject ink supplied from one of the ink tanks 16 via different ink supply paths. In this case, the different ink supply paths can be considered, for example, as the supply paths that supply ink from the ink tank 16 to the head unit 12 being independent of each other. Also, in this example, the different ink supply paths to each nozzle row 212 can be considered, for example, as each nozzle row 212 receiving ink from different ink tanks 16. Furthermore, the nozzle rows 212 can be considered, for example, as rows of nozzles arranged with their positions offset in a predetermined nozzle row direction. In addition, in this example, the multiple nozzle rows 212 in each of the head units 204a and 204b are aligned in the main scanning direction with their positions aligned in the sub-scanning direction, with the nozzle row direction being parallel to the sub-scanning direction. 【0028】 More specifically, in this example, head units 204a and 204b are each four-color head units having nozzle rows 212 for four colors. Head unit 204a is an example of the first head unit and has multiple nozzle rows 212y to k, each ejecting a different color ink, as distinguished and shown in the figure as nozzle rows 212y, m, c, and k. The color inks of each color ejected from the multiple nozzle rows 212y to k in head unit 204a are coloring inks used when forming colored areas in the molded object 50. In this example, these color inks are examples of colored inks. Furthermore, each of the multiple nozzle rows 212y to k in head unit 204a can be considered to eject, for example, each of the multiple color inks used to form colored areas. Also, in this example, nozzle row 212y is a nozzle row that ejects yellow (Y) ink. Nozzle row 212m is the nozzle row that ejects magenta (M) ink. Nozzle row 212c is the nozzle row that ejects cyan (C) ink. Nozzle row 212k is the nozzle row that ejects black (K) ink. These YMCK colors are examples of basic colors (process colors) used in subtractive color mixing. 【0029】 Furthermore, head unit 204b is an example of a second head unit, and as shown in the figure as nozzle rows 212s, w, t, and x, it has multiple nozzle rows 212s to x, each discharging ink of a different color from the color ink discharged from head unit 204a. In this case, nozzle row 212s is a nozzle row that discharges support material ink. Nozzle row 212w is a nozzle row that discharges white ink. In this example, white ink is an example of a light-reflective ink and is used when forming a light-reflective region in the molded object 50. Nozzle row 212t is a nozzle row that discharges clear ink. Clear ink can be thought of as, for example, a colorless and transparent ink. Clear ink can also be thought of as, for example, an uncolored translucent ink or an ink that intentionally does not have coloring agents added. In this example, clear ink is used together with the YMCK colored inks when forming a colored region in the molded object 50. 【0030】 Furthermore, in the head unit 204b, nozzle row 212x is a nozzle row for ejecting ink of various colors or uses as needed. Nozzle row 212x can be used, for example, as a second nozzle row for ink that is consumed in particularly large quantities during printing. In this case, nozzle row 212x can be used to eject, for example, support material ink or white ink. Nozzle row 212x can also be used as a spare nozzle row. In this case, nozzle row 212x can be used, for example, as a replacement if either nozzle row 212 in head units 204a or b fails. Nozzle row 212x can also be used to eject special color inks other than the inks of each color described above. 【0031】 Furthermore, in the head unit 12, the flattening roller unit 104 is an example of a flattening means. In this example, the flattening roller unit 104 has a flattening roller 402 and a plurality of motors 404, 406, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), for example, and is disposed outside the carriage 202 in the ink discharge section 102 of the head unit 12, adjacent to the carriage 202. The flattening roller 402 is a roller that flattens the ink layer, and during the main scanning operation, it contacts the surface of the ink layer and removes a portion of the ink before it hardens, thereby flattening the ink layer. More specifically, in this example, during the main scanning operation, the flattening roller 402 rotates in a predetermined direction and contacts the unhardened ink, scraping off the ink that is higher than a predetermined height, thereby flattening the ink layer. The motor 404 is an example of a rotary motor and generates the driving force to rotate the flattening roller 402. Motor 406 is an example of a motor for moving rollers and generates a driving force to move the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction. In this example, motor 406 supplies power to the mechanism that moves the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction, thereby moving the flattening roller 402 up and down in the vertical direction. 【0032】 Furthermore, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 is connected to the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102 by a connecting portion 112 on one side of the ink ejection unit 102 in the main scanning direction. In this case, the connection of the flattening roller unit 104 to the carriage 202 can be considered as, for example, the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 being joined so that the flattening roller unit 104 moves in accordance with the carriage 202 when the head unit 12 moves during the main scanning operation. With this configuration, for example, the flattening roller 402 can be positioned outside the carriage 202, while the flattening operation by the flattening roller 402 can be appropriately performed. In addition, this makes it possible to accurately and precisely create the molded object 50, for example. 【0033】 In this example, the connecting portion 112 connects the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 by the magnetic attraction force. With this configuration, for example, the relative positions of the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 can be easily changed, and the state in which the flattening roller unit 104 moves together with the carriage 202 during the main scanning operation can be appropriately realized. In this case, the way in which the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 are connected can also be considered as a state in which the relative positions of the two are not completely fixed, but rather a state in which the relative positions can be easily adjusted. In addition, such a connection can also be considered as a state in which the two are connected with a certain degree of looseness. Furthermore, the connection realized by the magnetic attraction force as in this example can be considered as an example of a connection that can be easily connected and disconnected, and in which the relative positions can be easily changed and adjusted. In this case, the position in which the flattening roller unit 104 is attached to the carriage 202 (the connection position) can also be easily and appropriately adjusted. 【0034】 Furthermore, the connection between the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 by magnetic attraction does not necessarily have to be directly applied to the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202. For example, it may be achieved by applying magnetic attraction to members fixed to the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202, respectively. Also, in this example, the connecting part 112 is part of the flattening roller unit 104 and its position is fixed relative to the flattening roller 402. The connecting part 112 has a magnet and connects the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 by being attracted to one of the positions of the ink ejection unit 102 by magnetic attraction. It is also conceivable that the magnet be placed on the side of the ink ejection unit 102 rather than on the connecting part 112 of the flattening roller unit 104. In this case, the connecting part 112 has a metal member that is attracted to the magnet, and is connected to the carriage 202 by the magnetic attraction of the magnet on the ink ejection unit 102 side. Furthermore, in a modified version of the head unit 12, the connecting portion 112 may have a different configuration from the flattening roller unit 104. In this case, the connecting portion 112 is attracted to any position on the flattening roller unit 104 by the magnetic force. Alternatively, the connecting portion 112 may be part of the ink ejection portion 102. In a further modified version of the head unit 12, the connecting portion 112 may connect the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 by a method other than the magnetic force. The method of connecting the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 will be explained in more detail later. 【0035】 The multiple light source units 106 are unit components having a light source (UV light source) for curing the ink, and generate ultraviolet light to cure UV-curable ink. In this example, each of the multiple light source units 106 is arranged on one end and the other end of the head unit 12 in the main scanning direction, with the ink ejection unit 102 and the flattening roller unit 104 sandwiched between them. As the light source for the light source unit 106, for example, a UV LED (ultraviolet LED) can be suitably used. Alternatively, a metal halide lamp or a mercury lamp could be used as the light source for the light source unit 106. In this example, the multiple light source units 106 are also arranged outside the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102 and are connected to the carriage 202 so that the multiple light source units 106 move in accordance with the carriage 202 during the main scanning operation. In this case, the connection of the light source units 106 to the carriage 202 can be carried out in a different configuration than, for example, the connection of the flattening roller unit 104 to the carriage 202. More specifically, each of the multiple light source units 106 can be connected in such a way that their relative positions are fixed, for example, by using a member that is fixed to a predetermined position in the ink ejection unit 102 and each of the multiple light source units 106. With this configuration, for example, the light source unit 106, which is heavier than the flattening roller unit 104, can be properly connected to the ink ejection unit 102. In this case, the connection between the light source unit 106 and the carriage 202 can be considered to be stronger than, for example, the connection between the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202. In a modified version of the head unit 12, the connection between the light source unit 106 and the carriage 202 may also be made by magnetic attraction, similar to the connection between the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202. 【0036】 By using the head unit 12 with the above configuration, for example, the ink layers constituting the molded object 50 can be appropriately formed. Furthermore, by forming multiple ink layers on top of each other, for example, the molded object 50 can be appropriately molded. In addition, in the head unit 12 of this example, the above configuration makes it possible to achieve, for example, miniaturization and weight reduction of the carriage 202. In this case, the weight reduction of the carriage 202 can be considered as, for example, reducing the total weight of the components held by the carriage 202. More specifically, as explained above, in this example, each of the head units 204a and 204b ejects multiple colors of ink. In this case, compared to using multiple single-color inkjet heads that eject only one color of ink, the size and weight of the components for ejecting the same number of colors of ink are reduced. Therefore, by ejecting multiple colors of ink using the head units 204a and 204b in the head unit 12, it is possible to appropriately achieve miniaturization and weight reduction of the carriage 202. Furthermore, in this example, by arranging the flattening roller unit 104 outside the carriage 202, further miniaturization and weight reduction of the carriage 202 can be achieved. 【0037】 In this example, the multiple head units 204a and 204b are detachably attached to the carriage base of the carriage 202 by a predetermined mounting mechanism (mounting means). Each of the head units 204a and 204b in this example can be considered, for example, an inkjet head that combines the functions of multiple single-color inkjet heads, each ejecting ink of a different color or application. Head units such as 204a and 204b can be considered, for example, as a unit that is integrated and replaced together during repair or maintenance. A head unit can also be considered, for example, as a unit of parts that is replaced together if any of the nozzle rows within that head unit fail. A nozzle row failure can be considered, for example, as a failure that requires replacement. A unit of parts that can be replaced can also be considered, for example, as a part that is replaced during the replacement work performed in the normal maintenance of the molding apparatus 10. Normal maintenance work can be considered, for example, as maintenance work performed in the manner described in the maintenance manual. Furthermore, in this case, the head unit can be considered to have a configuration where, for example, it is not disassembled into nozzle rows for each color during maintenance work. 【0038】 Furthermore, the head units used as head units 204a and 204b can be considered, for example, as components sold as multi-color inkjet heads. Multiple nozzle rows in a single head unit can be considered as being integrally formed within a single component. In this case, the integral formation of multiple nozzle rows within a single component of the head unit can be considered as, for example, multiple nozzle rows being formed at predetermined positions within a fixed housing that constitutes the external shape of the head unit. In addition, the multiple nozzle rows in each head unit can be considered as being arranged while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship. Furthermore, the position of each nozzle row in the head unit may be adjustable (fine-adjusted) within a predetermined adjustable range. In this case, the arrangement of multiple nozzle rows while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship can be considered as, for example, the adjustable range corresponding to each nozzle row maintaining a predetermined positional relationship. Furthermore, the arrangement of multiple nozzle rows while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship can be considered as, for example, the positional relationship of the reference position for adjustment in each nozzle row being determined. Furthermore, each head unit has a nozzle plate, which is a plate-like body in which through holes that serve as nozzles in a nozzle row are formed in a row. In this case, for example, a nozzle plate with nozzle rows for multiple colors can be suitably used. Also, each of the head units 204a and 204b may have multiple nozzle plates. Also, each of the multiple nozzle plates may be, for example, a nozzle plate having multiple nozzle rows. In this case, for example, each of the head units 204a and 204b may have two nozzle plates, and each nozzle plate (one nozzle plate) may have nozzle rows for two colors. 【0039】 Furthermore, considering the head unit in a more generalized way, it is conceivable to use a configuration that combines, for example, multiple single-color inkjet heads as the head unit. In this case as well, by using a compact configuration of multiple single-color inkjet heads as the unit of replacement, it becomes possible to make the carriage smaller and lighter compared to, for example, when each single-color inkjet head is individually mounted on a carriage. In this case, it may also be possible to make fine adjustments to the positional relationship of each single-color inkjet head within the head unit. 【0040】 As explained above, the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102 of this example is configured to hold multiple head units 204a and 204b. In contrast, for example, in the flattening roller unit 104, it is conceivable to use a separate holding member to hold the flattening roller 402. In this case, the holding member in the flattening roller unit 104 can be considered, for example, the carriage in the flattening roller unit 104. In this case, the configuration of the flattening roller unit 104 can be considered as holding the flattening roller 402 by a carriage separate from the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102. Furthermore, the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102 can be considered as holding the head units 204a and 204b without holding the flattening roller 402. In this case, the connecting part 112 can be considered as a configuration in which the carriage for the flattening roller 402 in the flattening roller unit 104 is connected to the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102. 【0041】 Furthermore, in the head unit 12 of this example, instead of simply using head units 204a and 204b, the type of ink ejected by each of the head units 204a and 204b is determined according to the application of the ink. More specifically, as explained above, in this example, the multiple nozzle rows of head unit 204a eject the YMCK inks used to form the colored areas in the molded object 50. The multiple nozzle rows of head unit 204b eject the other inks. In addition, the YMCK inks that are consumed less during the molding of the molded object 50 are ejected only from head unit 204a. With this configuration, for example, the difference in consumption between inks ejected from the same head unit can be appropriately reduced. In addition, this can appropriately prevent the cost of replacing parts in the molding device 10 from increasing excessively due to, for example, the replacement of the head unit. Further details on this point will be explained below in relation to the configuration of the molded object 50 molded by the molding device 10. 【0042】 Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an object 50 formed by the molding device 10 (see Figure 1), and shows an example of the configuration of the XY cross section, which is a cross section of the object 50 perpendicular to the layering direction (Z direction). In this case, the configuration of the ZX and ZY cross sections of the object 50 perpendicular to the Y and Z directions will be similar. As explained above, in this example, the molding device 10 forms an object 50 with a colored surface using color ink (YMCK inks) ejected from the head unit 204a (see Figure 1) in the ink ejection section 102 of the head section 12. In this case, the coloring of the surface of the object 50 can be considered as, for example, that at least a part of the area of ​​the object 50 where the color can be seen from the outside is colored. In this example, the molding device 10 forms an object 50 that has a light reflection area 152 and a colored area 154. Additionally, a support layer 52 is formed around the molded object 50 as needed. 【0043】 The light-reflecting region 152 is a light-reflecting region for reflecting light incident from the outside of the molded object 50 via the colored region 154, etc. The colored region 154 can be considered, for example, as a region that reflects light incident from the outside of the molded object 50 when the surface of the molded object 50 is colored in full color. Full color expression can be considered, for example, as a color expression achieved by possible combinations of subtractive color mixing using process color inks. In this example, the molding apparatus 10 uses white ink ejected from the head unit 204b (see Figure 1) in the ink ejection unit 102 to form the light-reflecting region 152, which also serves as the internal region of the molded object 50. In this case, the internal region can be considered, for example, as a region that constitutes the inside of the molded object 50. In this case, the white ink used to form the light-reflecting region 152 can be considered as an example of a molding ink used to form the internal region. In modified versions of the molded object 50, the internal region may be formed as a region separate from the light-reflecting region 152. In this case, the molding apparatus 10 forms the internal region using, for example, any ink other than the support material ink. It also forms a light-reflecting region 152 around the internal region. 【0044】 The colored area 154 is the area that is colored by the YMCK inks of each color ejected from the head unit 204a. In this example, the molding apparatus 10 uses the YMCK inks of each color ejected from the head unit 204a and the clear ink ejected from the head unit 204b to form the colored area 154 around (outside) the light-reflecting area 152. In this case, the molding apparatus 10 can express various colors by, for example, adjusting the amount of each color ink ejected to each position. Clear ink is also used to compensate for the change in the total amount of color ink caused by the difference in color. With this configuration, for example, each position of the colored area 154 can be appropriately colored with the desired color. In addition, this makes it possible to appropriately print, for example, a colored molded object 50. 【0045】 In this example, the colored region 154 is formed only by the multi-color inks (each color of YMCK) ejected from the head unit 204a and the clear ink ejected from the head unit 204b. Furthermore, when a colored region 154 is formed on the surface of the molded object 50 as in this example, the consumption of the multi-color inks used to form the colored region 154 is significantly smaller than the consumption of the white ink used to form the light-reflecting region 152 that constitutes the interior of the molded object 50, and the support material ink used to form the support layer 52. As a result, when focusing on the number of shots ejected from each nozzle row of the head units 204a and b during molding, the number of shots for the white ink and support material ink is significantly larger than the number of shots for the colored inks. 【0046】 Furthermore, in head units 204a and b, failures are more likely to occur when the number of shots from any of the nozzle rows increases. Also, as explained above, head units 204a and b are usually replaced as a whole unit. Therefore, the timing of replacement for head units 204a and b is usually determined by the number of shots from the nozzle row with the highest number of shots. In this case, if a single head unit (either head unit 204a or b) has nozzle rows with significantly different consumption rates, the replacement time may arrive earlier due to the influence of some nozzle rows, increasing the frequency of head unit replacements and leading to increased operating costs for the 3D printer 10. More specifically, for example, if both head units 204a and b have nozzle rows for one of the colors of ink, and furthermore, if a single head unit has nozzle rows for color ink and nozzle rows for white ink or support material ink, it is conceivable that the replacement frequency for both head units 204a and b will increase. Furthermore, as a result, it is possible that the frequency of head unit replacement in the molding apparatus 10 will increase. 【0047】 In contrast, in this example, the nozzle rows for the low-consumption color inks are grouped in head unit 204a, while the nozzle rows for the other inks are grouped in head unit 204b. Head unit 204a ejects only the color inks. With this configuration, for example, the nozzle rows for white ink and support material ink, which have particularly high consumption, and the nozzle rows for color inks can be placed in different head units. Therefore, according to this example, for example, the difference in consumption of multiple colors of ink ejected from head units 204a and 204b can be appropriately reduced. Furthermore, this allows for more efficient and appropriate replacement of head units 204a and 204b. 【0048】 As mentioned above, in this example, the clear ink used to form the colored region 154 is ejected from the head unit 204b. However, even in this case, by concentrating the nozzle rows for the color inks, which have particularly low consumption, in the head unit 204a, the difference in ink consumption in the head unit 204a can be appropriately reduced. Also, clear ink is usually consumed in larger quantities than color ink. Therefore, it can be considered that the difference in ink consumption in the head unit 204b, which ejects white ink and support material ink, will be smaller compared to, for example, a case where a nozzle row for one of the color inks is provided. 【0049】 Furthermore, in this example, it is conceivable that the head unit 204b, which ejects a large amount of ink, will reach the end of its lifespan earlier than the head unit 204a. Therefore, as a maintenance method for the printing device 10, it is preferable to, for example, shorten the replacement cycle of the head unit 204b compared to the head unit 204a. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to prompt the user to replace the head units 204a and 204b based on the amount of operation the printing device 10 has performed before the head units 204a and 204b actually fail. More specifically, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to pre-associate the amount of operation of the printing device 10 with the timing of replacement of the head units 204a and 204b. In this case, for example, by making the association between the amount of operation and the timing of replacement different for the head unit 204a and the head unit 204b, the user can be prompted to replace the head unit 204b more frequently than the head unit 204a. With this configuration, for example, the head unit 204b, which ejects a large amount of ink, can be replaced appropriately at a shorter interval than the head unit 204a. Furthermore, this allows for more appropriate maintenance of the 3D printer 10, depending on the application of the ink ejected from the respective head units 204a and 204b. 【0050】 In this case, the molding device 10 also includes, for example, a storage unit that stores correspondence information between the amount of operation and the timing of replacement, and a display unit that prompts the user to replace the head units 204a and 204b. The control unit 22 of the molding device 10 (see Figure 1) then displays a message on the display unit prompting the user to replace the head units 204a and 204b based on this correspondence information and the amount of operation of the molding device 10. The amount of operation of the molding device 10 could be, for example, the operating time during which the molding device 10 performed molding operations. The amount of operation of the molding device 10 could also be, for example, the elapsed time (e.g., number of days) since the replacement of each of the head units 204a and 204b. The amount of ink ejected from each of the nozzle rows of the head units 204a and 204b could also be, for example, the amount of ink ejected. 【0051】 Next, we will explain in more detail the features of the main scanning drive unit 18 (see Figure 1) and the flattening roller unit 104 (see Figure 1) in the head unit 12 in this example. Figure 4 is a diagram that further explains the main scanning drive unit 18 and the head unit 12, and shows an example of the specific configuration of the main scanning drive unit 18 together with a part of the head unit 12. Also, in Figure 4, for the sake of illustration, the light source unit 106 (see Figure 1) of the head unit 12 is omitted, and the ink ejection unit 102 and the flattening roller unit 104 are shown. 【0052】 As explained above, the head unit 12 in this example has a flattening roller unit 104 and a light source unit 106 outside the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102. In this case, the main scanning drive unit 18 holds the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 outside the carriage 202 in the head unit 12 and causes the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. In this example, the main scanning drive unit 18 also has a guide rail 302, a drive mechanism 304, and a linear encoder 306. The guide rail 302 is an example of a guide member that guides the movement of the carriage 202 in the main scanning direction in the ink ejection unit 102. In this example, the guide rail 302 is a rail-shaped member that extends in the main scanning direction and holds the carriage 202 so that the carriage 202 can move along the rail. In this case, the guide rail 302 allows the carriage 202 to move along the guide rail 302 by engaging the carriage 202 itself or a member whose position is fixed relative to the carriage 202 with the guide rail 302. 【0053】 More specifically, the guide rail 302 could be configured to have, for example, a rail section and a movable section. In this case, the rail section is the rail-shaped part of the guide rail 302. The movable section is configured to move along the rail section. When using a guide rail 302 with such a configuration, the carriage 202 is held movably on the guide rail 302 by fixing the carriage 202 to the movable section. The carriage 202 is moved in the main scanning direction by moving the movable section along the rail section. As such a guide rail 302, for example, a known LM guide (registered trademark) can be suitably used. The LM guide can be thought of, for example, as a member that guides the linear motion part of a machine by rolling motion. 【0054】 Furthermore, in this example, the guide rail 302 holds the flattening roller unit 104 so that it can move in the main scanning direction independently of the ink ejection unit 102. When using a guide rail 302 having a rail portion and a movable portion, the holding of the flattening roller unit 104 independently of the ink ejection unit 102 by the guide rail 302 can be considered, for example, by fixing the flattening roller unit 104 to the movable portion of the guide rail 302 separately from the ink ejection unit 102. In this case, the flattening roller unit 104 can be considered to be fixed to the movable portion at a position different from the fixing position of the ink ejection unit 102. Also, as explained above, the holding member for holding the flattening roller 402 in the flattening roller unit 104 can be considered to be a carriage in the flattening roller unit 104, separate from the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102. In this case, regarding the holding of the flattening roller unit 104 independently of the ink ejection unit 102 by the guide rail 302, it can be considered, for example, that the guide rail 302 holds the carriage in the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102. 【0055】 Although not shown in the diagram, the guide rail 302 also holds the light source unit 106 so that it can move in the main scanning direction, independently of the ink ejection unit 102 and the flattening roller unit 104. In this case, the guide rail 302 can be used to hold the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 so that they can move along the guide rail 302, for example, by engaging a part of each of the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 with the guide rail 302. Alternatively, the guide rail 302 can be used to hold the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 so that they can move in the main scanning direction, for example, outside the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102. 【0056】 With this configuration, for example, the weight of each component of the head unit 12 can be distributed and supported at multiple positions on the guide rail 302. Therefore, with this configuration, compared to, for example, when the flattening roller etc. is also held by the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102, it is possible to appropriately prevent the weight from concentrating at the position where the guide rail 302 holds the carriage 202. In addition, this appropriately prevents, for example, the bending of the guide rail 302. Furthermore, as can be understood from the configuration shown in Figure 2(b), in this example, the guide rail 302 supports the carriage 202 in a cantilevered state by supporting the carriage 202 from one side in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, for example, if the weight of the carriage 202 increases, the side of the carriage 202 opposite the guide rail 302 tends to bend downward, resulting in a so-called "bowing" state. In contrast, in this example, this problem can be appropriately prevented by arranging the flattening roller unit 104 outside the carriage 202. 【0057】 As described above, the guide rail 302 may be configured to have, for example, a rail section and a movable section. In this case, the guide rail 302 may hold the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 by attaching them to the movable section. In this case, the ink ejection section 102, the flattening roller unit 104, and multiple light source units 106 may be attached to one movable section. With this configuration, for example, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 can be moved appropriately together with the carriage 202 in the ink ejection section 102. In this case, by connecting the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 with the connecting section 112, for example, the flattening roller unit 104 can be moved more appropriately. The guide rail 302 may also have multiple movable sections that move along a single rail member. In this case, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 may each be fixed to a movable section other than the movable section to which the ink ejection section 102 is fixed. This configuration makes it possible to more effectively prevent, for example, the weight from concentrating at the point where the guide rail 302 holds the carriage 202. 【0058】 Furthermore, as explained above, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 is arranged on only one side of the ink ejection unit 102 in the main scanning direction. In this regard, if we consider, for example, that the flattening roller is also held by the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102, then if the flattening roller is arranged on only one side of the carriage 202 in the main scanning direction, it is conceivable that a difference in weight will occur between one side and the other side in the main scanning direction. In this case, if the carriage 202 is made smaller and lighter by using head units 204a and 204b, it is conceivable that the weight of the flattening roller may cause the carriage 202 to tilt downwards on the side where the flattening roller is installed. In contrast, according to this example, by arranging the flattening roller unit 104 on the outside of the carriage 202, even when the flattening rollers are arranged on only one side of the carriage 202, it is possible to more effectively prevent the carriage 202 from tilting due to the weight of the flattening rollers. 【0059】 Furthermore, during the main scanning operation, for example, the head unit 12 is moved back and forth in the main scanning direction, and ink is ejected from the ink ejection unit 102 in both the forward and return directions. And, as in this example, when the flattening roller unit 104 is arranged only on one side of the ink ejection unit 102 in the main scanning direction, for example, the flattening roller 402 is brought into contact with the ink layer only when the head unit 12 is moving in a direction in which the flattening roller unit 104 is behind the ink ejection unit 102. Therefore, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 moves the flattening roller 402 vertically by the driving force of the motor 406, so that when the head unit 12 is moving in a direction in which the flattening roller unit 104 is behind the ink ejection unit 102 during the main scanning operation, the position of the flattening roller 402 is lowered so that the ink layer and the flattening roller 402 come into contact. Furthermore, during the main scanning operation in which the head unit 12 moves in a direction in front of the ink ejection unit 102, the flattening roller 402 is moved to the upper side to prevent contact between the ink layer and the flattening roller 402. According to this example, for example, the position of the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction can be easily and appropriately changed. In addition, this makes it possible to flatten the ink layer more appropriately, for example, when forming an ink layer during a reciprocating main scanning operation. 【0060】 Furthermore, as in this example, when the flattening roller unit 104 has multiple motors 404 and 406, the weight of the flattening roller unit 104 may increase. In this case, if the components corresponding to the flattening roller unit 104 are held by the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102, the problem of increased weight of the carriage 202 is likely to become particularly pronounced. Therefore, in this example, it can be said that the effect obtained by arranging the flattening roller unit 104 outside the carriage 202 is particularly significant. 【0061】 The drive mechanism 304 is a drive mechanism that moves the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102 along the guide rail 302. In this example, the drive mechanism 304 has a belt 312, a drive pulley 314, a driven pulley 316, and a motor 318. The belt 312 is an annular belt member stretched along the range of movement of the carriage 202 in the main scanning direction, and rotates along a rotation path with the drive pulley 314 and the driven pulley 316 as one and the other ends in the main scanning direction. The belt 312 also moves the carriage 202 in the main scanning direction by rotating with the portion of the belt that is fixed in position relative to the carriage 202 in the carriage 202 or the ink ejection unit 102 attached to a predetermined position. In this case, the belt 312 reciprocates the carriage 202 within the range of movement of the carriage 202 in the main scanning direction by appropriately reversing the direction of rotation. 【0062】 The drive pulley 314 and the driven pulley 316 are pulleys for tensioning and rotating the belt 312. The drive pulley 314 is a pulley that rotates in response to the power received from the motor 318, and by meshing with the belt 312 on one side in the main scanning direction, it provides the belt 312 with the power to rotate. The driven pulley 316 is a pulley that meshes with the belt 312 on the other side in the main scanning direction, and rotates in accordance with the rotational movement of the belt 312. The motor 318 is a motor that rotates the drive pulley 314, and rotates the drive pulley 314 in response to instructions from the control unit 22 (see Figure 1) of the molding apparatus 10. With this configuration, for example, the carriage 202 can be moved appropriately during the main scanning operation. In addition, this allows, for example, the head units 204a, b, etc., held in the carriage 202 to be moved appropriately in the main scanning direction. 【0063】 In this example, the belt 312 is not directly connected to the flattening roller unit 104. Although not shown in the illustration, the belt 312 is also not directly connected to the light source unit 106. Therefore, during the main scanning operation, the drive mechanism 304 moves the ink ejection unit 102, and in accordance with the movement of the ink ejection unit 102, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 are moved. More specifically, as explained above, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 are connected to the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102 by a connecting part 112, etc. In this case, when the belt 312 moves the carriage 202 in the main scanning direction, the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 also move in the main scanning direction in accordance with the movement of the carriage 202. Therefore, according to this example, for example, each component of the head unit 12 can be appropriately moved in the main scanning direction during the main scanning operation. 【0064】 Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the motor 318 rotates the drive pulley 314 in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 22. In this case, the control unit 22 controls the rotation of the drive pulley 314 by controlling the operation of the motor 318 in accordance with the output of the linear encoder 306. In this example, the linear encoder 306 has a linear scale 322 and a sensor 324. The linear scale 322 is a member that indicates a scale that serves as a reference for position, and is arranged to extend along the guide rail 302 in the main scanning direction. More specifically, in this example, the linear scale 322 is attached to the guide rail 302 to indicate each position on the guide rail 302. The sensor 324 is an optical sensor that reads the scale of the linear scale 322, and is arranged in a predetermined position in the ink ejection unit 102 whose position relative to the carriage 202 is fixed. With this configuration, for example, by reading the scale of the linear scale 322 with the sensor 324, the position of the carriage 202 can be detected appropriately with high accuracy. Furthermore, the control unit 22 controls the operation of the motor 318 based on the detection results from the sensor 324, thereby detecting the position of the carriage 202 and moving the carriage 202. Therefore, according to this example, for example, during the main scanning operation, the movement of the carriage 202 can be controlled appropriately with high precision. 【0065】 As described above, in this example, the linear scale 322 and sensor 324 in the linear encoder 306 can be considered as components of the main scanning drive unit 18. However, depending on how the molding apparatus 10 is configured, the sensor 324 in the linear scale 322 can also be considered as a component of, for example, the head unit 12 or the ink ejection unit 102. Furthermore, instead of making the linear encoder 306 a separate component from the guide rail 302, it is also possible to use, for example, a guide rail 302 that also functions as a linear encoder. 【0066】 As described above, according to this example, for example, during the main scanning operation, each component of the head unit 12 can be appropriately moved in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, by using head units 204a and 204b in the ink ejection unit 102 of the head unit 12, for example, the carriage 202 can be appropriately miniaturized and lightened. In this case, in accordance with the miniaturized and lightened carriage 202, for example, the Y-bar structure, which is the part of the main scanning drive unit 18 that extends in the main scanning direction, can be appropriately simplified. Moreover, in this case, by holding the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 independently of the ink ejection unit 102 with the guide rail 302, even if the Y-bar structure is simplified, for example, deflection of the guide rail 302 can be appropriately prevented, and each component of the head unit 12 can be appropriately supported. 【0067】 Furthermore, during the main scanning operation, it is necessary to control the timing of ink ejection from the ink ejection unit 102 with high precision. Therefore, during the main scanning operation, the position of the ink ejection unit 102 is particularly important among the positions of each component in the ink ejection unit 102. In contrast, the precision required for the position of the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 in the main scanning direction is lower compared to that of the ink ejection unit 102. Therefore, in this example, as described above, the position of the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102 is detected by the linear encoder 306, and the carriage 202 is moved by the belt 312. The flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106 are moved in accordance with the movement of the carriage 202. Therefore, according to this example, for example, the position of the ink ejection unit 102 in the main scanning direction can be controlled appropriately with high precision. 【0068】 Furthermore, in this example, by arranging the flattening roller unit 104 outside the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102 and connecting the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 in a predetermined configuration, it becomes possible to adjust, for example, the inclination of the carriage 202 and the height of the flattening roller 402 in the flattening roller unit 104 more easily and appropriately.Therefore, the method of connecting the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 will be explained in more detail below. 【0069】 If the flattening roller is also held by the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102, then, for example, adjusting the tilt of the carriage 202 will directly change the height of the flattening roller in the vertical direction. In this case, the tilt of the carriage 202 can be considered as, for example, the tilt of the surface of the carriage 202 facing the build plate 14 (see Figure 1) with respect to the horizontal direction. The tilt with respect to the horizontal direction can also be considered as, for example, the tilt with respect to the horizontal plane. The height of the flattening roller can be considered as, for example, the height at which flattening is performed on the flattening roller (position in the vertical direction). In contrast, as in this example, when the flattening roller unit 104 is arranged outside the carriage 202, the effect of adjusting the tilt of the carriage 202 can be made less likely to directly affect, for example, the height of the flattening roller 402 in the flattening roller unit 104. Furthermore, even when adjusting the height of the flattening roller 402, the effect of adjusting the height of the flattening roller 402 can be made less likely to directly affect, for example, the tilt of the carriage 202. 【0070】 Furthermore, as explained above, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 is connected to the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102 by the magnetic attraction force. In this case, compared to the case where the positional relationship between the flattening roller unit 104 and the carriage 202 is firmly fixed by, for example, screws, a change in the tilt of the carriage 202 or the height of the flattening roller 402 is less likely to affect the other. Also, regarding the method of connecting the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104, for example, it can be considered that when the carriage 202 is moved along the guide rail 302, the flattening roller unit 104 moves together with the carriage 202, and that the two are connected in such a way that fine adjustments to the tilt or height of the other can be made without moving the other. 【0071】 More specifically, as explained above, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 is supported by the guide rail 302 independently of the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102. The flattening roller unit 104 is connected to the carriage 202 by the magnetic attraction force. The connection by magnetic attraction force can be considered a looser connection compared to, for example, fixing by screws. Therefore, when adjusting the tilt of the carriage 202, the influence of the flattening roller unit 104 on the height of the flattening roller 402 can be appropriately suppressed while making adjustments to the carriage 202. Conversely, it is also possible to change the position of the flattening roller unit 104 to adjust the height of the flattening roller 402, for example, while suppressing the influence on the tilt of the carriage 202. Therefore, according to this example, adjustments such as the tilt of the carriage 202 and the height of the flattening roller 402 can be made more appropriately and independently of each other. Furthermore, this makes it possible to perform these adjustments, for example, easily and appropriately with high precision. 【0072】 More specifically, in this example, the flattening roller unit 104 is connected to the carriage 202 by the magnetic attraction force, so that, for example, the position of the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction can be adjusted without changing the tilt of the carriage 202 with respect to the horizontal direction. In this case, the ability to adjust the position of the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction without changing the tilt of the carriage 202 with respect to the horizontal direction can be considered, for example, by not changing the tilt of the carriage 202 when the amount of adjustment of the position of the flattening roller 402 is within a predetermined range. Furthermore, not changing the tilt of the carriage 202 can be considered, for example, by not substantially changing the tilt of the carriage 202 according to the required accuracy of the molding process. Not substantially changing the tilt of the carriage 202 can be considered, for example, by not requiring the molding to be performed without readjusting the tilt of the carriage 202. With this configuration, for example, the height of the flattening roller 402 can be appropriately adjusted without affecting the tilt of the carriage 202. Furthermore, this allows for more precise adjustment of the height of the flattening roller 402, for example, with a high degree of freedom. 【0073】 In this case, the position of the flattening roller 402 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the overall position of the flattening roller unit 104. The overall position of the flattening roller unit 104 can be adjusted, for example, by changing the relative position of the flattening roller unit 104 with respect to the carriage 202. Furthermore, the position of the flattening roller 402 (for example, fine adjustment) can be adjusted, for example, by changing the position of the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction using the driving force of the motor 406. In this case, for example, after adjusting the overall position of the flattening roller unit 104, the position of the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction can be further adjusted using the driving force of the motor 406. With this configuration, for example, the height of the flattening roller 402 can be adjusted more appropriately with high precision. 【0074】 Furthermore, the flattening roller unit 104 can be considered to be connected to the carriage 202 by, for example, the attractive force of a magnet, so that the tilt of the carriage 202 in the horizontal direction can be adjusted without changing the position of the flattening roller 402 in the vertical direction. In this case, the ability to adjust the tilt of the carriage 202 in the horizontal direction without changing the position of the flattening roller 402 can be considered, for example, by not changing the position of the flattening roller 402 when the amount of adjustment of the tilt of the carriage 202 is within a predetermined range. Also, not changing the position of the flattening roller 402 can be considered, for example, by not substantially changing the position of the flattening roller 402 according to the required accuracy of the molding during molding. Not substantially changing the position of the flattening roller 402 can be considered, for example, by making molding possible without readjusting the position of the flattening roller 402. With this configuration, for example, the tilt of the carriage 202 can be appropriately adjusted without affecting the height of the flattening roller 402. Furthermore, this allows for more precise adjustment of the tilt of the carriage 202, for example, with a higher degree of freedom. 【0075】 Next, we will provide supplementary explanations regarding each of the configurations described above. Above, we mainly described the arrangement of the multiple head units 204a and 204b held by the carriage 202 in the ink ejection unit 102, specifically the case where they are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and then arranged in the main scanning direction. In modified versions of the head unit 12, the arrangement of the multiple head units 204a and 204b may differ from that described above. In this case, for example, the carriage 202 may hold multiple head units 204a and 204b that are offset in the sub-scanning direction. Also, above, we mainly described the case where the carriage 202 holds two head units in the ink ejection unit 102. In modified versions of the head unit 12, the carriage 202 may hold three or more head units. In this case as well, for example, by ejecting the ink of each color of YMCK from one head unit and the ink of other colors from other head units, the difference in consumption of multiple colors of ink ejected from a single head unit can be appropriately reduced. 【0076】 Furthermore, as explained above, in the head unit 12 of this example, the flattening roller unit 104 is disposed outside the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102. In this case, various effects can be obtained in addition to those explained above. More specifically, as explained above, during the main scanning operation, the flattening roller 402 in the flattening roller unit 104 rotates in accordance with the driving force of the motor 404 while in contact with the ink layer. In this case, as the flattening roller 402 rotates while receiving force due to contact, minute vibrations are likely to occur. For example, if the flattening roller 402 is held in the carriage 202 together with the head units 204a and b, the vibrations generated at the position of the flattening roller 402 are more likely to affect the head units 204a and b. As a result, it is conceivable that the accuracy of ink ejection in the head units 204a and b may be affected. In contrast, in this example, as described above, the flattening roller unit 104 is positioned outside the carriage 202, and the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 are connected by the magnetic attraction force. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the effects of vibrations, etc., occurring at the position of the flattening roller 402 from affecting the head units 204a and b. Furthermore, this enables the head units 204a and b to eject ink more accurately and precisely. 【0077】 Furthermore, as explained above, in the drive mechanism 304 of the main scanning drive unit 18 in this example, the belt 312 is not directly connected to the flattening roller unit 104 and the light source unit 106. In this case, it can be considered that the flattening roller unit 104 is easier to adjust in position because it is not directly connected to the belt 312. For this reason, it can be considered particularly preferable that the flattening roller unit 104 is not directly connected to the belt 312. On the other hand, since the light source unit 106 is heavier than the flattening roller unit 104, it may be possible to fix it to the belt 312. With this configuration, for example, the light source unit 106 can be held more securely in the main scanning drive unit 18. 【0078】 Furthermore, the above description mainly concerns a configuration in which the flattening roller unit 104 is arranged on one side of the ink ejection unit 102 in the main scanning direction. In a modified version of the head unit 12, for example, the flattening roller unit 104 may be arranged on both sides of the ink ejection unit 102 in the main scanning direction. With this configuration, for example, when forming an ink layer with a reciprocating main scanning operation, the ink layer can be flattened on both the forward and return paths. Also, as in this example, when the flattening roller unit 104 is arranged outside the carriage 202 of the ink ejection unit 102, the attachment and removal of the flattening roller unit 104 can be made easier. Therefore, for example, depending on the quality required for molding, the position of the flattening roller unit 104 may be switched between being on only one side of the ink ejection unit 102 or on both sides. 【0079】 Furthermore, in the above description, the connection between the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 in the ink ejection section 102 was mainly described as a configuration in which the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 are joined by the attractive force of magnets. In modified versions of the head section 12, the connection between the carriage 202 and the flattening roller unit 104 may be performed by a method other than the attractive force of magnets. In this case as well, it is preferable to use a configuration in which the flattening roller unit 104 moves together with the carriage 202 during the main scanning operation, and in which the inclination of the carriage 202 and the height of the flattening roller 402 can be appropriately adjusted, similar to the configuration described above. 【0080】 Furthermore, from the perspective of miniaturizing and reducing the weight of the carriage 202, it is conceivable that the flattening roller 402 is not necessarily provided outside the carriage 202, but rather held within the carriage 202 together with the head units 204a and b. Even with this configuration, miniaturization and weight reduction of the carriage 202 can be achieved by using the head units 204a and b. [Industrial applicability] 【0081】 The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a molding apparatus. [Explanation of symbols] 【0082】 10...Modeling device, 102...Ink ejection unit, 104...Planarization roller unit, 106...Light source unit, 112...Connecting unit, 12...Head unit, 14...Modeling table, 152...Light reflection area, 154...Coloring area, 16...Ink tank, 18...Main scanning drive unit, 20...Modeling table drive unit, 202...Carriage, 204...Head unit, 212... Nozzle row, 22... Control unit, 302... Guide rail, 304... Drive mechanism, 306... Linear encoder, 312... Belt, 314... Drive pulley, 316... Driven pulley, 318... Motor, 322... Linear scale, 324... Sensor, 402... Flattening roller, 404... Motor, 406... Motor, 50... Printed object, 52... Support layer

Claims

[Claim 1] A molding apparatus that creates a molded object in which at least a portion is colored by layering ink, and uses a support layer that supports at least a portion of the molded object during the molding process, Multiple head units, each ejecting ink from multiple nozzle rows, The carriage that holds the plurality of head units Equipped with, Each of the head units has a plurality of nozzle rows, each discharging ink supplied from an ink container via different ink supply paths. The carriage, as the plurality of head units, A first head unit having a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting a different colored ink, A second head unit having a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting an ink different from the colored ink ejected by the first head unit, Hold, Each of the aforementioned head units is a unit of parts that is replaced collectively if any of the nozzle rows fail. The aforementioned molded object is A colored region formed using multiple colors of the aforementioned colored inks, An internal region formed inside the colored region and Equipped with, Each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the first head unit ejects each of the plurality of colored inks used to form the colored region. The molding apparatus is characterized in that the second head unit has a nozzle row for ejecting ink that will be used as the material for the support layer, and a nozzle row for ejecting ink used to form the internal region. [Claim 2] The molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in each of the head units, the plurality of nozzle rows are arranged while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship. [Claim 3] The object is fabricated using light-reflective ink, and the object has a light-reflective region formed inside the colored region. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second head unit has a row of nozzles for ejecting the light-reflective ink. [Claim 4] The second head unit further has a row of nozzles for ejecting clear ink, The molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the colored region is formed only by the multiple colored inks ejected from the first head unit and the clear ink ejected from the second head unit. [Claim 5] A main scanning drive unit causes the multiple head units to perform a main scanning operation, which involves moving in a preset main scanning direction while ejecting ink; A planarizing means having a planarizing roller for planarizing the ink layer Furthermore, The main scanning drive unit is A guide member that guides the movement of the carriage in the main scanning direction, A drive mechanism for moving the carriage along the guide member and It has, The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the planarizing means is held by the guide member outside the carriage so as to be movable in the main scanning direction. [Claim 6] The molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the multiple colored inks ejected from the multiple nozzle rows in the first head unit are inks used as basic colors for color expression in subtractive color mixing. [Claim 7] A molding method comprising creating a molded object in which at least a portion is colored by layering ink, and using a support layer to support at least a portion of the molded object during its formation, Multiple head units, each ejecting ink from multiple nozzle rows, The carriage that holds the plurality of head units Using, Each of the head units has a plurality of nozzle rows, each discharging ink supplied from an ink container via different ink supply paths. The carriage, as the plurality of head units, A first head unit having a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting a different colored ink, A second head unit having a plurality of nozzle rows, each ejecting an ink different from the colored ink ejected by the first head unit, Hold, Each of the aforementioned head units is a unit of parts that is replaced collectively if any of the nozzle rows fail. By ejecting ink from the first head unit and the second head unit, A colored region formed using multiple colors of the aforementioned colored inks, An internal region formed inside the colored region and The aforementioned molded object is formed, Each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the first head unit ejects each of the plurality of colored inks used to form the colored region. The molding method is characterized in that the second head unit has a nozzle row for ejecting ink that will be used as the material for the support layer, and a nozzle row for ejecting ink used to form the internal region.

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