Printing device, information processing device, printing system, production method, and information processing method

Abstract

This printing device discharges a fluid onto an object to form a formed object and comprises a discharge head that discharges the fluid onto the object, a mover that moves the discharge head and the object relative to each other along a prescribed direction, a distance adjuster that can shorten and lengthen the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object, and a printing controller that: executes adjustment processing that controls the mover to slow the relative movement speed between the discharge head and the object the greater the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object; and makes the discharge head discharge the fluid.

Description

Printing device, information processing device, printing system, manufacturing method, and information processing method

[0001] This specification discloses a printing device, an information processing device, a printing system, a manufacturing method, and an information processing method.

[0002] A conventional printing device for producing a three-dimensional object by stacking modeling layers has been proposed, in which a fiber material is selected from multiple fiber materials with different fiber diameters according to the thickness of the modeling layer, and the modeling material containing the selected fiber material is ejected from a nozzle opening to form the modeling layer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This printing device is said to be able to achieve both improved strength of the three-dimensional object and improved production efficiency.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-131035

[0004] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, the discharge distance between the object and the discharge nozzle was not sufficiently considered, which resulted in deformation of the object when the discharge distance had to be changed, for example, when the object had portions of different heights.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its main purpose is to provide a printing device, an information processing device, a printing system, a manufacturing method, and an information processing method that can more appropriately form a shaped object.

[0006] The present disclosure has adopted the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The printing device disclosed herein is a printing device that ejects a fluid onto an object to form a shaped object, and includes: an ejection head that ejects the fluid onto the object; a moving unit that moves the ejection head and the object relatively in a predetermined direction; a distance adjustment unit that can adjust the ejection distance between the ejection head and the object; and a print control unit that executes an adjustment process to control the moving unit so that the relative movement speed between the ejection head and the object tends to slow down as the ejection distance between the ejection head and the object increases.

[0008] In this printing device, by adjusting the movement speed according to the ejection distance, it is possible to further suppress changes in the landing position of the fluid that accompany changes in the ejection distance, thereby enabling the object to be more appropriately formed.

[0009] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing system 10. A schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a printing device 11 seen from the front. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of each discharging unit and a moving unit 25. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a dispenser unit 40. A conceptual diagram showing an example of correspondence information 24. A conceptual diagram showing an example of correspondence information 24B. A flowchart showing an example of a modeling job setting processing routine. An explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of modeling processing. An explanatory diagram of an example of discharge distances Zs, Z. An explanatory diagram of an example of an outline of adjustment processing. A flowchart showing an example of a modeled object production processing routine. A flowchart showing an example of another modeled object production processing routine.

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing system 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a printing device 11 as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a first ejection unit 30, a second ejection unit 35, and a moving unit 25. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a dispenser unit 40. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of correspondence information 24. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of correspondence information 24B. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-back direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0011] The printing system 10 includes a printing device 11, a mounting device 12, and an information processing device 80. The printing system 10 is configured as a production line in which the printing device 11 forms a shaped object as a first process, forms predetermined components on the shaped object as a second process, and then the mounting device 12 mounts components P. The printing device 11 may form a circuit pattern as a conductive material as the second process, and the mounting device 12 may mount components P at predetermined positions on the conductive material. In addition to the mounting device 12, the printing system 10 may also include one or more mounting-related devices, such as a printing device that prints solder as a viscous fluid on the shaped object, a print inspection device that inspects the printing results, a mounting inspection device that inspects the mounting results, and a transport device that transports the shaped object. While the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes one mounting device 12, multiple mounting devices 12 may also be included.

[0012] The mounting device 12 is a device that mounts components P on a shaped object formed by the printing device 11. The mounting device 12 includes a control device, a transport processing unit 13, a component supply unit 14, an imaging unit 16, a mounting unit 17, an operation panel, and a communication unit. The control device is configured as a microprocessor centered around a mounting control unit such as a CPU, and controls the entire device. The control device outputs control signals to the transport processing unit 13, the component supply unit 14, the imaging unit 16, the mounting unit 17, and the operation panel, and inputs signals from the transport processing unit 13, the component supply unit 14, the imaging unit 16, the mounting unit 17, and the operation panel. The control device includes a storage unit, which is a large-capacity storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit stores mounting information including information on the components P to be mounted, the arrangement order and positions of the components to be mounted on the shaped object, and the installation position of a feeder 15 that picks up the components. The transport processing unit 13 carries in, transports, fixes at the mounting position, and carries out the pallet 60 on which the shaped object is placed. The component supply unit 14 is a unit that supplies components P to the mounting unit 17. The component supply unit 14 mounts feeders 15 having reels holding components in one or more mounting units. The imaging unit 16 is a camera that captures images of the upward direction and captures images of the components P held by the mounting head 19 of the mounting unit 17. The operation panel is a unit that accepts input from the worker and presents information to the worker. This operation panel includes a display unit and an operation unit with a touch panel and buttons. The mounting unit 17 is a unit that collects components P from the component supply unit 14 and places them on the shaped object fixed to the transport processing unit 13. The mounting unit 17 includes a head moving unit 18, a mounting head 19, and a collection member. The head moving unit 18 includes a slider that moves in the X and Y directions along a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The mounting head 19 is removably attached to the slider, picks up one or more components, and is moved in the X and Y directions by the head moving unit 18. One or more picking members are removably attached to the underside of the mounting head 19. The picking members may be suction nozzles that use negative pressure to pick up components, or may be mechanical chucks that mechanically hold components. The communication unit is an interface that exchanges information with external devices such as the printing device 11 and a management device (not shown).

[0013] The printing device 11 is a three-dimensional modeling device that ejects a fluid onto a target to form and manufacture a shaped object having a substrate, a conductive material, or the like. The shaped object may include, for example, a substrate, a conductive material formed on and / or within the substrate, and components disposed on and / or within the substrate. The target is a pallet 60 at the initial stage of modeling. The pallet 60 refers to the object formed on the pallet 60, including the substrate, circuitry, conductive material, and the like. The material to be modeled is not particularly limited, and examples include resin and ceramics. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the printing device 11 includes a control device 20, a memory unit 22, a moving unit 25, a flattening unit 29, a first discharging unit 30, a first maintenance unit 33, a first curing unit 34, a second discharging unit 35, a second maintenance unit 38, a second curing unit 39, a dispenser unit 40, a pressing unit 47, an inspection unit 55, an operation panel 58, and a communication unit 59. The printing device 11 also includes, as structural components, a first gantry 51, a second gantry 52, a third gantry 53, and a housing 54. Here, the printing device 11 will be described as a device that primarily performs a process of forming an insulator, such as a base material for a model, using a first discharging unit 30, and then forming a conductive material, such as a circuit pattern, on the formed insulator using a second discharging unit 35. Note that the first discharging unit 30 and the second discharging unit 35 are collectively referred to simply as "discharging units," the first discharging head 32 and the second discharging head 37 are collectively referred to simply as "discharging heads," the first maintenance unit 33 and the second maintenance unit 38 are collectively referred to simply as "maintenance units," and the first curing unit 34 and the second curing unit 39 are collectively referred to simply as "curing units."

[0014] The control device 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a print control unit 21 such as a CPU, and controls the entire printing device 11. The control device 20 exchanges information with a memory unit 22 and each unit. The memory unit 22 is, for example, a large-capacity storage medium such as a flash memory. The memory unit 22 stores modeling job information 23 and correspondence information 24. The modeling job information 23 includes, for example, information on the shape and size of the object to be manufactured and information on conductive materials such as circuit patterns formed on the substrate. The correspondence information 24 is information that associates the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object with the movement speed V of the support unit 26 on a one-to-one basis. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the correspondence information 24 is defined such that the longer the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object, the slower the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the target object. Here, the term "tendency" means that the longer the discharge distance Z, the slower the movement speed V overall. For example, it is acceptable to include a certain range of values ​​or a range that contradicts this. In the correspondence information 24, the discharge distance Z and the movement speed V are inversely proportional to each other. The correspondence information 24 calculates the corresponding movement speed V when the discharge distance Z is given. In the correspondence information 24, for example, when the discharge distance Z is set to a shorter discharge distance Zs, the movement speed V is set to the fastest movement speed Vs, which further shortens the processing time for the modeling speed. While the correspondence information 24 is shown as a curve in FIG. 5, it may also be represented as correspondence information 24B, which is set in a stepwise manner, as shown in FIG. 6. The printing device 11 executes the modeling process based on the information stored in the storage unit 22.

[0015] The moving unit 25 is a stage that moves a pallet 60, which is an object onto which the fluid is to be discharged. The moving unit 25 includes a support 26, a support movement unit 27, and a distance adjustment unit 28. The support 26 supports and fixes the pallet 60. The support movement unit 27 is a drive unit that moves the support 26 along a predetermined direction, i.e., the front-to-rear direction, thereby relatively moving the discharge head and the object. The support movement unit 27 may be a linear drive unit, and may be configured with a linear motor, a ball screw mechanism, or the like. The distance adjustment unit 28 is an elevation unit that can move the support 26 up and down to adjust the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the object. The distance adjustment unit 28 controls the discharge distance Z to a length that exceeds a predetermined allowable distance T based on the component height H placed by the mounting device 12.

[0016] The pallet 60 is a plate-like member having an area where a model is formed. The pallet 60 has a modeling area 61 that receives fluid or liquid material from the discharge head or application head 42. A removable film is attached to the top surface of the pallet 60, and by replacing this film, the next model can be produced. The modeling area 61 is a printing area where a model is formed by the first discharge unit 30, a predetermined pattern is formed on the model by the second discharge unit 35, and the liquid material is applied to the target object by the dispenser unit 40.

[0017] The first discharging unit 30 is a unit that discharges a fluid serving as a base material onto the pallet 60. The first discharging unit 30 is movably disposed to the left of a first gantry 51, which is fixed to a front region in the Y-axis direction of a housing 54 of the printing device 11. The first discharging unit 30 includes a first moving unit 31, a first discharging head 32, and a first fluid processing unit. The first moving unit 31 includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while being guided by a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The first discharging head 32 is attached to the slider, and the first discharging head 32 moves along the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the slider. The first moving unit 31 moves the first discharging head 32 between a standby position and a discharging position on the pallet 60. The first discharging head 32 is a structural fluid discharging head that discharges a fluid that constitutes a model onto a target object, such as the pallet 60, to form the model. The first discharging head 32 includes a first nozzle and a discharging drive unit. The first nozzle is formed in the nozzle plate. This first nozzle is an opening hole that discharges the fluid supplied from the first fluid processing unit onto the pallet 60. The discharge drive unit, for example, discharges the fluid toward the pallet 60, and may be, for example, a piezoelectric element. The fluid discharged by the first discharge head 32 may be, for example, a liquid material such as a liquid curable resin (e.g., ultraviolet curable resin, thermosetting resin, two-component mixed curable resin, etc.), a thermoplastic resin, or a slurry obtained by mixing a solvent with a solid material such as an inorganic substance. The first fluid processing unit is a unit that delivers the fluid and includes a first supply tank that stores the fluid and a first recovery tank that stores the recovered fluid.

[0018] The first maintenance unit 33 is a unit that seals and protects the first ejection head 32, and performs ejection maintenance based on the ejection state of the first ejection head 32. The first maintenance unit 33 has, for example, a first cap that seals the first ejection head 32, a first ejection receiving portion that receives fluid ejected from the first ejection head 32, and a first cleaning portion that cleans the first ejection head 32. The ejection maintenance includes, for example, performing a flushing process and performing a process of wiping and cleaning the nozzle plate of the first ejection head 32.

[0019] The first curing unit 34 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on the fluid discharged from the first discharging head 32 onto the pallet 60 or onto a model that has been cured on the pallet 60, thereby curing the fluid. The first curing unit 34 may be a unit that irradiates the fluid discharged onto the modeling region 61 with light of a predetermined wavelength, such as ultraviolet light, to cure the fluid. The first curing unit 34 may also be a unit that dries or bakes the fluid depending on its material. For example, every time a layer of fluid is formed on the modeling region 61 by the first discharging head 32, the pallet 60 is moved below the first curing unit 34 to cure the fluid.

[0020] The second dispensing unit 35 is a unit that dispenses a fluid onto the pallet 60 or onto the shaped object, which serves as a conductive material for forming circuits or the like inside or on the surface of the shaped object. The second dispensing unit 35 is movably disposed to the right of the first gantry 51, which is fixed to the front region of the housing 54 in the Y-axis direction. The second dispensing unit 35 includes a second moving unit 36, a second dispensing head 37, and a second fluid processing unit. The second moving unit 36 ​​includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while guided by a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The second dispensing head 37 is attached to the slider, and the second dispensing head 37 moves along the X-axis direction in response to the movement of the slider. The second moving unit 36 ​​moves the second dispensing head 37 between a standby position and a dispensing position on the pallet 60. The second dispensing head 37 is a conductive fluid dispensing head that dispenses fluid onto an object such as the pallet 60 to form a conductive material. The second ejection head 37, like the first ejection head 32, has a second nozzle and an ejection drive unit. The second ejection head 37 has the same structure and function as the first ejection head 32, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Examples of the fluid ejected by the second nozzle include a liquid mixture in which a solid is mixed with a solvent, and a liquid solution in which a resin is dissolved in a solvent. Examples of this fluid include a conductive paste in which metal particles are dispersed in a resin that hardens when heated, and a metal ink conductive fluid. For example, in a conductive paste, when the resin hardens and shrinks, the metal particles dispersed in the resin come into contact with each other. This allows the conductive paste to exhibit conductivity. The resin in the conductive paste is, for example, an organic adhesive, and exhibits adhesive strength when hardened.

[0021] The second maintenance unit 38 is a unit that seals and protects the second ejection head 37, and also performs ejection maintenance based on the ejection state of the second ejection head 37. The second maintenance unit 38 has, for example, a second cap that seals the second ejection head 37, a second ejection receiving portion that receives fluid ejected from the second ejection head 37, and a second cleaning portion that cleans the second ejection head 37. The ejection maintenance includes the flushing process and cleaning process described above.

[0022] The second curing unit 39 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on the fluid ejected from the second discharging head 37 onto the building region 61 of the pallet 60 or onto a hardened model on the pallet 60, thereby hardening the fluid. The second curing unit 39 may be configured to harden the fluid ejected onto the building region 61 by irradiating it with light of a predetermined wavelength, such as infrared light. The second curing unit 39 may also be configured to dry or bake the fluid depending on its material. For example, every time a layer of fluid is formed on the pallet 60 by the second discharging head 37, the pallet 60 is moved underneath the second curing unit 39, and the second curing unit 39 hardens the fluid.

[0023] The flattening unit 29 flattens the surface of the fluid dispensed onto the pallet 60 and / or the model using a flattening member. The flattening member may be, for example, a flattening roller that rotates relative to the model, or a flat flattening blade.

[0024] The dispenser unit 40 is a unit that applies a liquid material to a model on a pallet 60. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the dispenser unit 40 is movably disposed on a second gantry 52 fixed to a central region in the Y-axis direction of a housing 54 of the printing device 11. The dispenser unit 40 is disposed on a transport path that carries the pallet 60 in and out of the mounting device 12, and is configured to be able to perform a coating process using a dispenser, a coating amount detection process, a pallet 60 loading and unloading process, an imaging process, a height measurement process, and the like. The dispenser unit 40 is composed of a coating movement unit 41, a coating head 42, and a discharge amount detection unit 57. The dispenser unit 40 also includes a dispenser 43, an imaging unit 44, a height detection unit 45, and a mounting transport unit 46 on the coating head 42.

[0025] The moving applicator unit 41 includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction along a guide rail disposed on the second gantry 52, and a motor that drives the slider. A dispensing head 42 is attached to the slider, and the dispensing head 42 moves along the X-axis direction as the slider moves. The dispensing head 42 is a structure that is moved along the X-axis direction by the moving applicator unit 41. The dispensing head 42 is provided with one or more dispensers 43, such as one that applies a conductive paste or one that applies a filler. The dispenser 43 includes a syringe that applies positive pressure to extrude a liquid material. Examples of liquid materials include liquid resins with dispersed conductive materials and liquid resins with insulating properties, as well as multiple types of resins with different viscosities and conductivities. In the dispensing head 42, the elevator unit (not shown) lowers the dispenser 43 to a dispensing position, and after dispensing the liquid material, the elevator unit raises the dispenser 43 to a standby position.

[0026] The imaging unit 44 is a camera that captures images below. The imaging unit 44 captures, for example, images of the object in the building area 61 and the inspection area 56 of the inspection unit 55. The height detection unit 45 is configured as a sensor that moves a contact terminal at its tip downward and determines the height of the object it contacts based on the position of contact with the object. The height detection unit 45 is used to measure the height of the pallet 60 and the object on the pallet 60. The mounting transport unit 46 is used to transport the pallet 60 to the mounting device 12 and to transport the pallet 60 from the mounting device 12. The mounting transport unit 46 has a rod structure that can extend downward. Its tip contacts the edge of the pallet 60 and pushes it out, or hooks and retracts it to move the pallet 60. The discharge amount detection unit 57 detects the amount of liquid material dispensed from the dispenser 43.

[0027] The pressing unit 47 is a unit that presses the object on the pallet 60, or a liquid material applied to the pallet 60 or the object. The pressing unit 47 is disposed on a third gantry 53 that is fixed to a rear region in the Y-axis direction of the housing 54 of the printing device 11. The pressing unit 47 may be configured to heat and press the object. The pressing unit 47 is configured to include a pressing section that presses the object using a pressing member 48, a heating section that heats the pressing section, and a pressing and transporting section 49 that transports the pallet 60 in and out. The pressing member 48 is a member that comes into contact with the object and applies pressure to it. When the pressing unit 47 includes a heating section, the pressing member 48 is a member that comes into contact with the object and applies pressure and heat to it. The pressing and transporting section 49 transports the pallet 60 in and out of the pressing unit 47, which is disposed in a position outside the movement lane of the moving unit 25. The pressing and conveying section 49 may be mechanically similar to the mounting and conveying section 46 .

[0028] The inspection unit 55 is a unit that inspects the ejection state of the first ejection unit 30 and / or the second ejection unit 35. The inspection unit 55 is composed of a mark substrate as an inspection area 56 and an imaging unit 44. The inspection unit 55 inspects the ejection positions of the ejection units by causing fluid ejected from the first ejection unit 30 or the second ejection unit 35 to land on the surface of a film fixed on the mark substrate and capturing an image of this with the imaging unit 44.

[0029] The operation panel 58 is a unit that receives input from the operator and presents information to the operator. The operation panel 58 includes a display unit and an operation unit with a touch panel and buttons. The communication unit 59 is an interface that exchanges information with external devices such as the mounting device 12 and the information processing device 80.

[0030] The information processing device 80 is configured as a management server that manages the printing system 10, which includes a printing device 11 that ejects a fluid onto a target object to form a model. The information processing device 80 includes an information control unit 81, a storage unit 82, a communication unit 89, a display unit, and an input device. The information control unit 81 has a CPU and controls the entire device. The storage unit 82 is a large-capacity storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 82 stores modeling job information 83, correspondence information 84, and the like. Note that the modeling job information 83 and the correspondence information 84 include information similar to the modeling job information 23 and the correspondence information 24, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. The communication unit 89 exchanges information with external devices, such as the printing device 11 and the mounting device 12, via a network such as a LAN. The information control unit 81 sets modeling job information 83 based on a request from the printing device 11 or the mounting device 12 and transmits the set of modeling job information 83 via the communication unit 89. The information control unit 81 uses the correspondence information 84 to set the modeling job information 83 such that the longer the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object, the slower the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the target object. The display unit is a display that displays images. The input device includes a keyboard, a mouse, etc. that accept input from a user.

[0031] Next, a process for setting the modeling job information 83 used in the 3D modeling process of the printing device 11 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a modeling job setting process routine executed by the information control unit 81 of the information processing device 80. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of the modeling process, in which FIG. 8A is a printing process for the substrate S, FIG. 8B is a printing process for the circuit E, FIG. 8C is a printing process for the cavity C, FIG. 8D is a coating process for the conductive material B and the underfill U, FIG. 8E is a mounting process for the component P, FIG. 8F is a coating process for the filler F, and FIG. 8G is a printing process for adding the substrate S. Here, a process for setting the modeling job information 83, in which the information control unit 81 mainly executes each process shown in FIG. 8, will be described. In the modeling process, a substrate S is printed and cured ( FIG. 8A ), a circuit E is printed and cured on the substrate S ( FIG. 8B ), a cavity C is printed and cured thereon ( FIG. 8C ), a conductive material B and an underfill U are applied ( FIG. 8D ), a component P is mounted ( FIG. 8E ), a filler F is filled ( FIG. 8F ), and the component P is fixed by pressing and heating using a pressing unit 47 as appropriate. Furthermore, in this modeling process, an additional substrate S is printed and cured as needed ( FIG. 8G ). This modeling job setting process routine is stored in the memory unit 82 and is executed by the information control unit 81 after the operator inputs a modeling job information setting command.

[0032] When this routine starts, the information control unit 81 of the information processing device 80 acquires data on the object to be formed (S100), and acquires information on the components P to be mounted on the object (S110). The information control unit 81 acquires the object data and information on the components P from, for example, a design drawing of the object. The information on the components P includes, for example, information on the placement position of the components P and size information including the component height H. Next, the information control unit 81 determines whether the components P have already been placed on the target object (S120).

[0033] When a component P is not placed on the target object, the information control unit 81 sets the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object to a fixed value Zs (S130). Here, either the first discharge head 32 or the second discharge head 37 is set as the discharge head to be used for modeling, as appropriate for the process. "Fixing the discharge distance Zs" refers to increasing the distance between the discharge head and the target object, i.e., lowering the target object, each time a layer of material is formed so that the discharge distance remains constant. Next, the information control unit 81 sets a moving speed Vs for moving the support unit 26 and sets an area for discharging fluid under these conditions (S140). When a component P is not placed on the target object, the information control unit 81 sets the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object to a fixed value Zs and the moving speed V to a fixed value Vs. The information control unit 81 then executes settings for discharging the substrate S, circuit E, cavity C, and the like ( FIGS. 8A-C ). Next, the information control unit 81 determines whether the setting of the discharge process for the current block has been completed (S150). The discharge process for the current block may be completed when switching to another process, such as a liquid application process or a component P mounting process. If the discharge process for the current block has not been completed, the process from S130 onward is executed.

[0034] On the other hand, when the dispensing process for the current block is completed in S150, the information control unit 81 determines whether the next process is a dispenser coating process (S160). If the next process is a dispenser coating process, the information control unit 81 sets the execution conditions for the dispenser coating process (S170). The information control unit 81 sets, for example, the application area and application amount of underfill U to be filled on the underside of the component P, as well as the application area and application amount of conductive material B for bumps, etc. ( FIG. 8D ). After S170 or if there is no dispenser coating process in S160, the information control unit 81 determines whether there is a component P placement process (S180). If there is a component P placement process, the information control unit 81 sets the execution of a mounting transport process to transport the pallet 60 to the mounting device 12 (S190). The information control unit 81 sets conditions for the support movement unit 27 to move the pallet 60 to directly below the second gantry 52 and for the mounting transport unit 46 to carry out and carry in the pallet 60 .

[0035] After S190 or if no component placement process is performed in S180, the information control unit 81 determines whether there is an additional discharge process from the discharge head (S200). If there is an additional discharge process, or if it is determined in S120 that a component has already been placed, the information control unit 81 determines whether a component P having a component height H exceeding the allowable distance T has been placed on the target object (S210). The allowable distance T may be set, for example, to a value such that a larger discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object would cause an abnormality in the shape of the shaped object. If no component P having a component height H exceeding the allowable distance T has been placed on the target object, the information control unit 81 executes the processes from S130 onward. That is, the information control unit 81 sets the execution conditions of the moving unit 25 so that the additional discharge process is performed within the discharge range at a constant discharge distance Zs and a constant moving speed Vs.

[0036] On the other hand, if a component P having a component height H exceeding the allowable distance T is placed on the target object in S210, the information control unit 81 acquires the discharge distance Z based on the component height H and prohibits the support unit 26 from moving up and down (S220). The information control unit 81 sets the discharge distance Z to a height that includes a margin M for preventing the discharge head from contacting the component P having the component height H. Alternatively, the information control unit 81 may prohibit the support unit 26 from moving up and down until the discharge distance Z that avoids contact with the component P reaches the discharge distance Zs. Next, the information control unit 81 sets the movement speed V of the support unit 26 using the correspondence information 84 based on the discharge distance Z (S230). The information control unit 81 sets the movement speed V so that the longer the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object, the slower the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the target object. Next, the information control unit 81 determines whether the setting of the discharge process for the current block has been completed (S240). If the setting of the discharge process for the current block has not been completed, the information control unit 81 executes the processing from S220 onward. That is, the information control unit 81 acquires the discharge distance Z based on the component height H, and executes a process of setting the movement speed V based on the discharge distance Z using the correspondence information 84 .

[0037] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the discharge distances Zs and Z. FIG. 9A shows the start of modeling, FIG. 9B shows modeling at the discharge distance Zs, FIG. 9C shows after placement of the component P, and FIG. 9D shows an example of the formation of the substrate S after FIG. 9C. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an outline of the adjustment process. FIG. 10A shows the impact position at the discharge distance Zs and the movement speed Vs, FIG. 10B shows the impact position at the discharge distance Z and the movement speed Vs after placement of the component P, and FIG. 10C shows the impact position during the adjustment process in which the movement speed V is reduced. In the printing device 11, as shown in FIG. 8, after forming the substrate S by printing a structural material such as a base resin with the first discharge head 32, conductive parts such as a circuit E are printed with the second discharge head 37. Then, the structural material is printed on the substrate S to form a cavity C, creating a three-dimensional structure. The height of the cavity C may be kept constant to stabilize processes such as filling the underfill U. Thereafter, components P are mounted, and additional structural materials are printed as necessary to produce the desired object O. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , in the printing device 11, when printing the substrate S, cavity C, and circuit E, the support part 26 is lowered for each thickness of the target so as to maintain a constant distance between the discharge head and the target. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A , the discharge distance Zs is maintained constant, and the support part 26 can maintain a constant time to impact under the condition of a constant moving speed Vs, thereby minimizing impact deviation. However, when performing additional printing after mounting the components P, as shown in FIG. 9C , it is necessary to lower the support part 26 to print in order to increase the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target compared to when printing the substrate S, cavity C, and circuit E to prevent interference between the discharge head and the components P. In this case, if printing is performed at the same moving speed Vs as when printing the substrate S, cavity C, and circuit E, the impact distance becomes longer, and the time until impact increases, causing impact misalignment, as shown in Figure 10B. As a result, additional printing after component mounting can result in abnormal shapes such as tilted shapes.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9C and 9D, the printing device 11 does not lower the support part 26 when the landing distance exceeds the discharge distance Zs. Instead, the process is such that the landing distance approaches the discharge distance Zs with each layer stack. The reason for this is that the landing distance is determined by the pre-mounting conditions. The longer the landing distance, the greater the impact of convection within the device, which significantly affects landing misalignment. Under this premise, a preferred method for correcting landing misalignment is to set the speed for each print run according to the landing distance. The information processing device 80 creates correlation data between the discharge distance Z and the movement speed V, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, to further reduce landing misalignment. Based on this correlation data, during additional printing after mounting, the movement speed V of the target object is initially calculated from the discharge distance Z derived from the component height H (Figure 10C). After printing one layer, the distance obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first layer from the discharge distance Z is used as the next discharge distance Z, and the movement speed V is again calculated. The information processing device 80 repeats this adjustment process and changes the setting of the moving speed V using the correction data until the ejection distance Zs is reached.

[0039] On the other hand, when the setting of the dispensing process for the current block is completed in S240, or when no additional substrates are to be formed in S200, the information control unit 81 determines whether the setting of the forming process is completed (S250). If the setting of the forming process is not completed, the information control unit 81 executes the processes from S120 onward. On the other hand, when the setting of the forming process is completed in S280, the information control unit 81 stores the settings up to this point in the storage unit 82 as the forming job information 83, outputs this forming job information 83 to the printing device 11, etc. (S260), and ends this routine. In this way, the information control unit 81 sets the forming job information 83 to control the moving unit 25 so that the dispensing distance Zs and the moving speed Vs are constant when the dispensing distance Z is within a predetermined allowable distance T, and when the dispensing distance Z exceeds the allowable distance T, the moving speed V becomes slower as the dispensing distance Z becomes longer.

[0040] Next, a process of the printing device 11 executing 3D printing will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a molded object production process routine executed by the print control unit 21 of the control device 20. This routine is stored in the storage unit 22 and is executed by the control device 20 after an operator inputs a command to execute the production process. The printing device 11 executes the 3D printing process by executing the printing job information 23. When this routine starts, the print control unit 21 of the control device 20 first reads and acquires the printing job information 23 from the storage unit 22 (S300). Note that the print control unit 21 may also acquire the printing job information 83 from the information processing device 80 as the printing job information 23.

[0041] Next, the print control unit 21 determines whether it is time to inspect the first ejection unit 30 and the second ejection unit 35 (S310). The inspection timing may be, for example, the start of new production, when a predetermined number of shaped objects, such as five or ten, have been produced, or after a predetermined time, such as 30 minutes or one hour, has elapsed. If it is now time to inspect, the print control unit 21 executes an inspection process for the first ejection head 32 and / or the second ejection head 37 (S320). In this process, the print control unit 21 executes the inspection process using the inspection unit 55. Specifically, the print control unit 21 moves a mark substrate having an inspection area 56 below the first ejection head 32 or the second ejection head 37, ejects fluid onto the inspection area 56, and then captures an image of the inspection area 56 with the imaging unit 44 to determine the ejection state of the fluid.

[0042] After S320, or if S310 indicates that the inspection is not currently in progress, the print control unit 21 determines whether or not the maintenance is currently in progress (S330). The maintenance may be determined, for example, when a defective nozzle is found during the inspection process, when a predetermined number of shaped objects, such as five or ten, have been produced, or when a predetermined time, such as 30 minutes or one hour, has elapsed. If the maintenance is currently in progress, the print control unit 21 executes maintenance processing for the first ejection head 32 and / or the second ejection head 37 (S340). In this processing, the print control unit 21 executes maintenance processing for the first ejection unit 30 and the second ejection unit 35 using the first maintenance unit 33 and the second maintenance unit 38. Examples of maintenance processing include flushing the ejection heads and cleaning the nozzle plate with a cleaning member.

[0043] After S340, or if it is determined in S330 that the maintenance timing is not present, the print control unit 21 checks the modeling process to be performed based on the modeling job information 23 (S350). If the process to be performed is a structural material ejection process, the print control unit 21 executes a first printing process using the first ejection head 32 (S360). At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 , depending on the component height H, the print control unit 21 either executes a normal process in which the ejection distance Zs and the movement speed Vs are constant, or executes an adjustment process in which the movement speed V is adjusted depending on the ejection distance Z. Then, the print control unit 21 executes a flattening process using the flattening unit 29 and hardens the fluid using the first curing unit 34. Furthermore, if the process to be performed is a conductive material ejection process, the print control unit 21 executes a second printing process using the second ejection head 37 (S370). In the second printing process, either the normal process or the adjustment process is performed depending on the component height H. Then, the print control unit 21 executes a flattening process using the flattening unit 29 and hardens the fluid using the second curing unit 39. Furthermore, when the process to be executed is a dispenser process, the print control unit 21 executes the dispenser process using the application head 42 (S380). In the dispenser process, the print control unit 21 controls the dispenser 43 to apply the underfill U, the conductive material B, the filler F, and the like. The print control unit 21 also controls the pressing unit 47 to perform a hardening process of the liquid material. Furthermore, when the process to be executed is a mounting process of the components P, the print control unit 21 executes a carry-out process and a carry-in process of the pallet 60 to the mounting device 12 using the mounting transport unit 46 (S390). After carrying the pallet 60 into the mounting device 12, the mounting device 12 executes a placement process of the components P based on the modeling job information 23. Through this mounting process, the components P with the component height H are placed on the substrate S. After the mounting process, the print control unit 21 may heat and press the components P using the pressing unit 47 to fix them.

[0044] After S360, S370, S380, or S390, the print control unit 21 determines whether the production process is complete (S400). If the production process is not complete, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S310 onward. On the other hand, if the production process is complete in S400, this routine ends.

[0045] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The printing device 11 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of the printing device of the present disclosure, the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 37 correspond to an example of an ejection head, the support movement unit 27 corresponds to an example of a movement unit, the distance adjustment unit 28 corresponds to an example of a distance adjustment unit, the print control unit 21 corresponds to an example of a print control unit, the first ejection head 32 corresponds to an example of a structural fluid ejection head, and the second ejection head 37 corresponds to an example of a conductive fluid ejection head. Furthermore, the information processing device 80 corresponds to an example of an information processing device, the information control unit 81 corresponds to an example of an information control unit, the modeling job information 23 and the modeling job information 83 correspond to an example of modeling job information, the correspondence relationship information 24 and the correspondence relationship information 84 correspond to an example of correspondence relationship information, the ejection distance Z corresponds to an example of an ejection distance, the movement speed V corresponds to an example of a movement speed, and the allowable distance T corresponds to an example of an allowable distance. In this embodiment, the operation of the printing device 11 and the printing system 10 is described, thereby clarifying an example of the manufacturing method, printing device control method, and information processing method disclosed herein.

[0046] The printing device 11 of the present embodiment described above is a three-dimensional modeling device that ejects a fluid onto an object to form a shaped object. The printing device 11 includes a discharge head that ejects the fluid onto the object, a support movement unit 27 that moves the discharge head and the object relatively along a predetermined direction, i.e., a forward / backward direction, a distance adjustment unit 28 that adjusts a discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the object, and a print control unit 21 that executes an adjustment process to control the support movement unit 27 so that the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the object tends to slow as the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the object increases. By adjusting the movement speed V in accordance with the discharge distance Z, the printing device 11 can more effectively suppress changes in the impact position of the fluid that occur with changes in the discharge distance Z, thereby more appropriately forming the object.

[0047] Furthermore, the print control unit 21 controls the distance adjustment unit 28 and the support movement unit 27 so that the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object and the movement speed V are constant when the discharge distance Z is within a predetermined allowable distance T, and performs an adjustment process when the discharge distance Z exceeds the predetermined allowable distance T. In this printing device 11, by performing a process that does not take the discharge distance Z into account when the discharge distance Z is within the allowable distance T, it is possible to more efficiently and appropriately form a shaped object. Furthermore, the print control unit 21 performs the adjustment process based on the movement speed V determined using correspondence information 24 that associates the discharge distance Z with the movement speed V. In this printing device 11, it is possible to more simply and appropriately form a shaped object using the correspondence information 24. Furthermore, the print control unit 21 executes the modeling job information 23 that is set so that the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the target object tends to decrease as the discharge distance Z between the discharge head and the target object increases. In this printing device 11, it is possible to more simply and appropriately form a shaped object using the modeling job information 23.

[0048] The support movement unit 27 moves the pallet 60 as the target, and the distance adjustment unit 28 moves the target closer to or further away from the discharge head, which is a first discharge head 32 as a structural fluid discharge head that discharges a fluid that forms a model onto the target, and / or a second discharge head 37 as a conductive fluid discharge head that discharges a fluid that forms a conductive material onto the target. In this printing device 11, by moving the target on which the model is placed, it is possible to more appropriately form a model that forms a structure or conductive material.

[0049] The printing system 10 may also include the printing device 11 described above and a mounting device 12 that mounts components P on a shaped object. The distance adjustment unit 28 may be configured to control the dispensing distance Z to a length that exceeds a predetermined allowable distance T based on the component height H of the components P mounted by the mounting device 12. This printing system 10 can more appropriately form a shaped object in accordance with the component height H mounted by the mounting device 12. The printing system 10 also includes the printing device 11 described above and an information processing device 80 that includes an information control unit 81 that sets modeling job information 23 in which the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the target object tends to decrease as the dispensing distance Z between the discharge head and the target object increases. The printing control unit 21 executes the modeling job information 23 set by the information processing device 80. In this printing system 10, the information processing device 80 sets the modeling job information 23 in such a way that the relative movement speed V between the discharge head and the target object tends to decrease as the dispensing distance Z increases. This allows the printing device 11 that executes the modeling job information 23 to more effectively suppress changes in the landing position of the fluid that occur due to changes in the dispensing distance Z, thereby more appropriately forming a shaped object.

[0050] The information processing device 80 is a device used in a printing system 10 having a printing device 11 that ejects a fluid onto an object to form a model. The information processing device 80 includes an information control unit 81 that sets modeling job information 83 that adjusts the relative movement speed V between the ejection head and the object so that the longer the ejection distance Z between the ejection head and the object, the slower the relative movement speed V between the ejection head and the object. By setting the modeling job information 83 that adjusts the movement speed V according to the ejection distance Z, the printing device 11 that executes the modeling job information 83 can more effectively suppress changes in the fluid landing position that accompany changes in the ejection distance Z, thereby more appropriately forming a model. Furthermore, the information control unit 81 sets the modeling job information 83 that controls the ejection distance Z between the ejection head and the object to a constant value and the movement speed V to a constant value when the ejection distance Z is within a predetermined allowable distance T, and controls the support movement unit 27 with an adjustment tendency when the ejection distance Z exceeds the allowable distance T. The information processing device 80 performs processing without taking the ejection distance Z into account when the ejection distance Z is within the allowable distance T, thereby more efficiently and appropriately forming a model. Furthermore, the information control unit 81 sets the modeling job information 83 including the moving speed V determined using correspondence information 84 that associates the dispensing distance Z with the moving speed V. In this information processing device 80, a modeled object can be formed more simply and appropriately using the correspondence information 84.

[0051] It goes without saying that the printing device 11, information processing device 80, and printing system 10 of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the modeling job information 23, 83 is set to execute the adjustment process when the dispensing distance Z exceeds the allowable distance T, but this is not particularly limited, and the allowable distance T may not be taken into consideration. The printing device 11 and the information processing device 80 also adjust the movement speed V according to the dispensing distance Z, so that the model can be more appropriately formed.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the modeling job information 23, 83 is set using the correspondence information 84. However, this is not particularly limited, and the modeling job information 23, 83 may be set without using the correspondence information 84. In this case, the information control unit 81 may, for example, calculate the movement speed V corresponding to the discharge distance Z using a predetermined relational expression. Furthermore, the print control unit 21 may, for example, execute the modeling process at the movement speed V corresponding to the discharge distance Z using the predetermined relational expression.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the print control unit 21 executes the modeling process at the adjusted moving speed V by executing the modeling job information 23 including the adjustment process. However, this is not particularly limited. For example, the print control unit 21 may appropriately acquire the moving speed V during the modeling process and execute the adjustment process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of another object production process routine executed by the print control unit 21. This object production process routine is substantially the same as the modeling job setting process routine of FIG. 7 . The same steps are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the object production process routine of FIG. 12 , the print control unit 21 executes processes under the set conditions in steps S440, S470, S490, and S530. In this print control unit 21, by adjusting the moving speed V according to the dispensing distance Z, changes in the impact position of the fluid due to changes in the dispensing distance Z can be further suppressed, thereby enabling the object to be more appropriately formed.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the support movement unit 27 moves the support unit 26 back and forth to move the discharge head and the target relatively, but the support movement unit 27 may move the discharge head back and forth. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the distance adjustment unit 28 moves the support unit 26 up and down to move the discharge head and the target relatively closer to and farther from each other in the vertical direction, but the distance adjustment unit 28 may move the discharge head relatively closer to and farther from each other in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the discharge head includes the first discharge head 32, which is a structural fluid discharge head, and the second discharge head 37, which is a conductive fluid discharge head, but this is not particularly limited, and one of the heads may be omitted, or another discharge head may be included.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 80 is the information processing device that sets the modeling job information 83. However, this is not particularly limited, and the control device 20 may be the information processing device that sets the modeling job information 23. In this case, the printing system 10 may include the printing device 11 and the mounting device 12, but may not include the information processing device 80.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure has been described as the printing system 10, but is not particularly limited to this, and may be the printing device 11 alone, or the information processing device 80 alone. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing system 10, the printing device 11, and the information processing device 80 are described, but the present disclosure may be a method for manufacturing a shaped object, a method for controlling the printing device 11, an information processing method, or a program thereof.

[0058] The present disclosure may be configured as follows: For example, a manufacturing method disclosed herein is a manufacturing method executed by a computer of a printing device that ejects a fluid onto an object, the printing device including: an ejection head that ejects a fluid onto an object; a moving unit that moves the ejection head and the object relatively in a predetermined direction; and a distance adjustment unit that can adjust the ejection distance between the ejection head and the object, and that forms a shaped object by ejecting the fluid onto the object, the manufacturing method including: executing an adjustment process to control the moving unit so that the relative movement speed between the ejection head and the object tends to slow down as the ejection distance between the ejection head and the object increases.

[0059] In this manufacturing method, by adjusting the movement speed according to the dispensing distance, it is possible to further suppress changes in the impact position of the fluid that occur due to changes in the dispensing distance, and to more appropriately form a model. Note that this manufacturing method may employ various aspects of the printing device, information processing device, and printing system described above, or may include steps that realize the functions of any of the printing device, information processing device, and printing system described above.

[0060] The information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method used in a printing system having a printing device that ejects fluid onto an object to form a model, the printing system comprising: an ejection head that ejects fluid onto an object; a moving unit that moves the ejection head and the object relatively in a predetermined direction; and a distance adjustment unit that can adjust the ejection distance between the ejection head and the object to a smaller or larger value; and the information processing method includes a step of setting modeling job information such that the longer the ejection distance between the ejection head and the object, the slower the relative movement speed between the ejection head and the object becomes.

[0061] In this information processing method, by setting modeling job information that adjusts the movement speed according to the dispensing distance, it is possible to more effectively suppress changes in the impact position of the fluid that occur due to changes in the dispensing distance in the printing device that executes the modeling job information, thereby more appropriately modeling a model. Note that this information processing method may employ various aspects of the printing device, information processing device, and printing system described above, or may include steps that realize each function of the printing device, information processing device, and printing system described above.

[0062] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 4 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 5 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5" in claim 9 as originally filed, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5" in claim 10 as originally filed.

[0063] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices that eject fluids and manufacture shaped objects.

[0064] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Printing system, 11 Printing device, 12 Mounting device, 13 Transport processing unit, 14 Component supply unit, 15 Feeder, 16 Imaging unit, 17 Mounting unit, 18 Head moving unit, 19 Mounting head, 20 Control device, 21 Control unit, 22 Memory unit, 23 Forming job information, 24 Correspondence information, 25 Moving unit, 26 Support unit, 27 Pallet moving unit, 28 Distance adjustment unit, 29 Flattening unit, 30 First discharge unit, 32 First discharge head, 33 First maintenance unit, 34 First curing unit, 35 Second discharge unit, 37 Second discharge head, 38 Second maintenance unit, 39 Second curing unit, 40 Dispenser unit, 41 Application moving unit, 42 Application head, 43 Dispenser, 44 Imaging unit, 45 Height detection unit, 46 Mounting transport unit, 47 Pressing unit, 48 Pressing member, 49 Pressing and conveying unit, 51 First gantry, 52 Second gantry, 53 Third gantry, 54 Housing, 55 Inspection unit, 56 Inspection area, 57 Discharge amount detection unit, 58 Operation panel, 59 Communication unit, 60 Pallet, 61 Printing area, 80 Management server, 81 Information control unit, 82 Memory unit, 83 Printing job information, 84 Correspondence information, 89 Communication unit, B Conductive material, C Cavity, E Circuit, F Filler material, H Component height, O Printed object, P Component, S Base material, T Allowable distance, U Underfill, V Moving speed, Z Dispensing distance.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus for forming a shaped object by discharging a fluid onto an object, comprising: a discharge head for discharging the fluid onto the object; a moving unit for relatively moving the discharge head and the object along a predetermined direction; a distance adjustment unit for making the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object adjustable; and a printing control unit for executing an adjustment process of controlling the moving unit such that the relative moving speed between the discharge head and the object tends to be slower as the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object is longer, and discharging the fluid from the discharge head.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit controls the distance adjustment unit and the moving unit such that the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object is a constant value and the moving speed is a constant value when the discharge distance is within a predetermined allowable distance, and executes the adjustment process when the discharge distance exceeds the predetermined allowable distance.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing control unit executes the adjustment process based on the moving speed determined using correspondence relationship information associating the discharge distance with the moving speed.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing control unit executes shaping job information set such that the relative moving speed between the discharge head and the object tends to be slower as the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object is longer.

5. The moving unit moves the object, the distance adjustment unit moves the object closer to and away from the discharge head, and the discharge head is a structural fluid discharge head for discharging a fluid constituting the shaped object onto the object and / or a conductive fluid discharge head for discharging a fluid constituting a conductive material onto the object. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. An information processing apparatus used in a printing system having a printing apparatus for forming a shaped object by discharging a fluid onto an object, the printing apparatus comprising: a discharge head for discharging the fluid onto the object; a moving unit for relatively moving the discharge head and the object along a predetermined direction; and a distance adjustment unit for making the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object adjustable, the information processing apparatus comprising: an information control unit for setting shaping job information having an adjustment tendency such that the relative moving speed between the discharge head and the object tends to be slower as the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object is longer.

7. The information control unit sets the shaping job information for controlling the moving unit in the adjustment tendency when the discharge distance exceeds the predetermined allowable distance, and controlling the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object to a constant value and the moving speed to a constant value when the discharge distance is within the predetermined allowable distance. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The information control unit sets the shaping job information including the moving speed determined using the correspondence relationship information associating the discharge distance and the moving speed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A printing system comprising: the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2; and a mounting apparatus for mounting components on the shaped object, wherein the distance adjustment unit controls the discharge distance to a length exceeding the predetermined allowable distance based on the height of the components mounted by the mounting apparatus.

10. A printing system comprising: the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2; and an information processing apparatus including an information control unit that sets shaping job information such that the relative moving speed between the discharge head and the object tends to be slower as the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object becomes longer, wherein the printing control unit executes the shaping job information.

11. A manufacturing method executed by a computer of a printing apparatus for shaping an object by discharging a fluid onto the object, the printing apparatus comprising: a discharge head for discharging the fluid onto the object; a moving unit for relatively moving the discharge head and the object along a predetermined direction; and a distance adjustment unit capable of approaching and separating the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object, the method comprising: executing an adjustment process of controlling the moving unit such that the relative moving speed between the discharge head and the object tends to be slower as the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object becomes longer, and discharging the fluid from the discharge head.

12. An information processing method used in a printing system having a printing apparatus that includes a discharge head for discharging a fluid onto an object, a moving unit for relatively moving the discharge head and the object along a predetermined direction, and a distance adjustment unit capable of adjusting the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object, and that forms a shaped object by discharging the fluid onto the object, the method including: a step of setting shaping job information such that an adjustment tendency is that the relative movement speed between the discharge head and the object becomes slower as the discharge distance between the discharge head and the object becomes longer.

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