Printing apparatus and printing method using same

Abstract

In a printing apparatus and a printing method using same, the printing apparatus comprises a light source unit, a shaping unit, and a substrate fixing unit. The light source unit provides light to the substrate unit on which a coating material is formed. The shaping unit comprises a shaping plate on which the at least one coating material is formed according to the provision of the light. When the coating material is formed, the substrate fixing unit causes the substrate unit to come into contact with the shaping plate or releases the substrate unit from the shaping plate.

Description

Printing device and printing method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing method using the same, and more particularly, to a printing device that performs printing using a photocuring type laminated molding method and a printing method using the same.

[0002] 3D printing technology is expanding its scope of application due to its ability to produce diverse and complex structures relatively quickly and inexpensively. In particular, digital light processing (DPL) 3D printing technology, which produces objects by layering them using light curing, is also being introduced.

[0003] In the case of the 3D printing technology of the above DPL method, it can be used effectively, especially when performing layered molding using high-viscosity materials.

[0004] For example, through U.S. Patent No. 11141909, a 3D printing technology using the DPL method in a traditional manner is disclosed, and recently, as disclosed through Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2581232, a technology for performing DLP 3D printing on a substrate supplied in a roll-to-roll manner is also being developed.

[0005] Meanwhile, in performing such 3D printing, printing technology using multiple coating materials is also being developed. As in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022-0118692, a printing technology using multiple coating materials is being developed by applying multiple printing heads.

[0006] However, in the case of multi-coating material printing technology that applies multiple print heads, there is a problem that the heads must be moved and aligned for each lamination process, so the efficiency of the process is not high and there is a limitation that precise patterning or lamination is difficult.

[0007] Related prior art documents include U.S. Patent No. 11141909 and Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2581232.

[0008] Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention was conceived from this point, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a printing device that performs multi-coating material lamination using multi-coating materials when performing printing using a photo-curing method of laminated molding, performs multi-coating material lamination more precisely and effectively, performs multi-coating material patterning more precisely and effectively, enables effective recovery of residual materials for each multi-coating material, induces uniform contact between a molded object and a material, and induces complete and rapid mold release with minimal damage during the mold release process.

[0009] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a printing method using the above printing device.

[0010] A printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object includes a light source unit, a forming unit, and a substrate fixing unit. The light source unit provides light to a substrate portion on which a coating material is formed. The forming unit includes a forming plate on which at least one coating material is formed according to the provision of the light. When the coating material is formed, the substrate fixing unit causes the substrate portion to contact or release from the forming plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the substrate portion may further include a coating unit for selectively coating the coating material, and the coating unit may include a plurality of coating portions, each of which coats a different coating material and is spaced apart by a predetermined interval along the transport direction of the substrate portion, and a plurality of coating rolls arranged to face each of the coating portions and transport the substrate portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the coating materials coated on the substrate may be sequentially laminated on the forming plate to form a forming object, or may be spaced apart in a predetermined pattern on the forming plate to form a forming object.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method further comprises a removal unit for removing at least one coating material transferred to the molding plate and remaining on the substrate portion, wherein the removal unit may include a plurality of removal units, each of which removes a different coating material and is spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the transport direction of the substrate portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the removal unit may include a removal module that removes the coating material remaining on the substrate by bonding to the coating material, or hardens the coating material remaining on the substrate so that it is transferred to a removal substrate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the coating material is laminated in multiple layers, and when the coating material is laminated in each layer, the substrate portion can be continuously brought into contact with or released from one side of the molding plate to the other side.

[0016] In one embodiment, the substrate fixing unit may include a fixing plate that contacts the substrate portion and is formed with a predetermined area, and a release roll that is disposed on one side of the fixing plate and releases the substrate portion from the fixing plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fixed plate may include a mask portion formed at the center and selectively allowing light to pass through to form a predetermined pattern on the coating material, and a fixed frame formed at the periphery of the mask portion and in contact with the substrate portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extrusion roll is aligned vertically with one side of the fixed frame and can move vertically to extrude the substrate portion from the fixed plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the light source unit and the fixing plate may be positioned on the upper portion of the substrate portion, and the shape roll and the shaping unit may be positioned on the lower portion of the substrate portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the substrate fixing unit may further include a variable unit that varies the tension applied to the substrate portion as the posture of the substrate fixing unit varies.

[0021] In one embodiment, the variable unit may include a tension roll whose position is variable according to the change in the posture of the substrate fixing unit, and a pressure roll that comes into contact with or is separated from the substrate portion as the position of the tension roll is variable.

[0022] In one embodiment, the tension roll may be actively actuated by an external drive or passively actuated by an external force applied by an elastic member.

[0023] A printing method according to one embodiment for realizing another object of the present invention includes the steps of coating a selected first coating material on a substrate, providing light to the substrate coated with the first coating material to form the first coating material on a forming plate, removing the first coating material remaining on the substrate, and, when a change of the coating material is required, coating a second coating material different from the first coating material on the substrate.

[0024] In one embodiment, the step of coating the first coating material may include coating the first coating material on the substrate using a first coating portion, and the step of coating the second coating material may include coating the second coating material on the substrate using a second coating portion that is arranged to be spaced apart from the first coating portion by a predetermined distance along the transport direction of the substrate portion.

[0025] A printing method according to one embodiment for realizing another object of the present invention includes a step of continuously contacting a substrate portion on which a coating material is formed from one side of a molding plate to the other side, a step of providing light to the substrate portion, a step of laminating the coating material in layers on the upper surface of the molding plate according to the provision of the light, and a step of releasing the substrate portion from the other side of the molding plate to one side.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of contacting the substrate portion may include a step of raising a movable end of a horizontally arranged fixed plate so that the fixed plate is arranged to be inclined, a step of raising the shaping plate, and a step of lowering the movable end of the fixed plate so that the substrate portion contacts the other side of the shaping plate.

[0027] In one embodiment, the step of releasing the substrate portion may include a step of raising a movable end of a horizontally arranged fixed plate so that the fixed plate is arranged to be inclined, a step of raising a release roll toward the movable end so as to release the substrate portion from the other side of the forming plate to one side, and a step of lowering the forming plate.

[0028] In one embodiment, when the fixed plate is arranged to be inclined, the tension roll and the pressure roll provided on the substrate portion can approach each other to reduce the tension applied to the substrate portion.

[0029] In one embodiment, when the fixed plate is placed horizontally, the tension roll and the pressure roll provided on the substrate portion move away from each other, which can increase the tension applied to the substrate portion.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, 3D printing is performed by selectively coating at least one coating material on a substrate, and then forming the coating material on the substrate on a molding plate. By varying the coating material coated on the substrate, 3D printing using multiple coating materials can be performed.

[0031] At this time, a laminated product having multiple coating materials applied can be manufactured by sequentially coating the substrate with multiple coating materials and laminating them on the molding plate, and a product in which multiple coating materials are formed in different patterns can be manufactured by forming them at predetermined intervals on the molding plate. Through this, a 3D product using multiple coating materials can be manufactured with various laminated structures or various pattern structures.

[0032] In this case, in order to coat the substrate with multiple coating materials, it is sufficient to configure a coating unit that coats multiple coating materials by arranging multiple coating parts spaced apart from each other, thereby improving the configuration of the device or the ease of the process.

[0033] In addition, when manufacturing a sculpture by coating multiple coating materials, it is necessary to remove the multiple coating materials separately, and similarly to the coating parts, multiple removal parts are arranged spaced apart from each other to remove each of the multiple coating materials separately, thereby enabling the separate removal of multiple coating materials and efficient recovery of the coating materials.

[0034] Meanwhile, for more effective removal of the coating material, a removal substrate can be used. In this case, the removal substrate can be an adhesive film that directly adheres the coating material to the removal substrate and removes it. Alternatively, the coating material can be removed by curing and transferring it to the removal substrate, so that optimal removal of the coating material considering the characteristics of the coating material is possible through various removal processes.

[0035] In addition, by continuously contacting the substrate portion on which the coating material is formed with the molding plate from one side to the other, the coating material and the molding plate come into more uniform contact during the contact process of the substrate portion, enabling more precise laminate manufacturing in the subsequent lamination process through the light curing process.

[0036] In addition, by continuously releasing the substrate portion from one side to the other on the molding plate, stable and rapid releasing can be achieved while minimizing damage to the laminated structure during the releasing process of the substrate portion.

[0037] Accordingly, even when utilizing a layered manufacturing process using a high-viscosity coating material, more precise and faster 3D printing can be performed on a high-viscosity coating material.

[0038] Meanwhile, a fixed plate is applied to change the position of the substrate portion, and a mask portion is formed at the center of the fixed plate so that patterning for light curing and change in the position of the substrate portion can be performed simultaneously.

[0039] In particular, in order to continuously release the substrate portion from the molding plate, a release roll is additionally provided to perform a continuous release operation from one side to the other side, so that the continuous release can be implemented through a relatively simple driving operation.

[0040] In addition, since the tension applied to the substrate portion varies depending on the change in the posture of the substrate portion, the tension of the substrate portion can be controlled through the positional movement of the tension roll and pressure roll included in the variable unit, thereby enabling stable substrate transport regardless of the change in the posture of the substrate portion.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing the coating unit of Figure 1.

[0043] Figures 3a to 3c are enlarged views showing a coating unit and its operation in a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 4a is an example of a laminated structure using the coating unit of Figs. 3a to 3c, and Fig. 4b is another example of a laminated structure using the coating unit of Figs. 3a to 3c.

[0045] Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the removal unit in the printing device described in Figure 3a.

[0046] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a removal unit in a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a printing method using the printing device of Figure 3a.

[0048] Figure 8 is a flowchart specifically illustrating the steps of printing on the shaping plate of Figure 7.

[0049] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating the fixed plate of Fig. 1.

[0051] Figures 11a to 11i are process diagrams illustrating a printing method using the printing device of Figure 9.

[0052] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] <Explanation of symbols>

[0055] 10, 11, 12, 13: Printing device 100: Substrate

[0056] 200, 201: Supply unit 290: Measuring roll

[0057] 300, 301, 305: Coating unit 310, 315, 312: Coating section

[0058] 311, 321, 331: Coating roll 312, 322, 332: Coating material

[0059] 400: Light source unit 500: Shaping unit

[0060] 550: Sculpture 600: Board fixing unit

[0061] 610: Fixed plate 620: Deformed roll 700, 701, 702: Removal unit 710, 720, 730: Removal section 711, 721, 731: Removal roll 750: Removal module 760: Removal board 800: Recovery unit

[0062] 900, 901, 902: Variable unit 910, 911, 912: Tension roll

[0063] 930: Elasticity

[0064] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and takes various forms, and thus embodiments are described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components throughout the description of each drawing. While terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms.

[0065] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "consists of" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0066] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, the printing device (10) according to the present embodiment is a printing device that provides light to a coating material coated on a continuously provided substrate portion, thereby light-curing the coating material and laminating it into a three-dimensional laminated structure.

[0069] At this time, in the printing device (10), the three-dimensional laminated structure is laminated one by one, and each layer is laminated to finally form a three-dimensional laminated structure. In addition, in the process of laminating each of these layers, the printing device exemplified through Fig. 1 is configured to provide light from above to perform light curing on the coating material located below, and thus can be defined as a so-called top-down printing device.

[0070] Alternatively, although not illustrated, the printing device may be configured as a so-called bottom-up printing device that provides light from below to perform light curing on a coating material positioned above. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the configuration of the top-down printing device illustrated in Fig. 1, and only the differences in the bottom-up printing device will be described.

[0071] More specifically, the printing device (10) includes a substrate section (100), a supply unit (200), a coating unit (300), a light source unit (400), a shaping unit (500), a substrate fixing unit (600), a removal unit (700), and a recovery unit (800).

[0072] The above substrate portion (100) is a continuously provided substrate and may be a flexible substrate continuously supplied through the supply unit (200). In this case, the substrate portion (100) may be a flexible substrate, and its material or properties are not particularly limited.

[0073] The above substrate portion (100) can be divided into an upper surface (110) and a lower surface (120). When the printing device (10) according to the present embodiment is configured as a so-called top-down printing device, a coating material (312) is coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100). In contrast, when the printing device (10) is configured as a bottom-up printing device, a coating material (312) is coated on the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100).

[0074] Accordingly, during the process of being transported, the substrate portion (100) is transported in a state where the coating material (312) is coated on the lower surface (120) and is formed into a laminated structure.

[0075] As shown, the supply unit (200) is located at one end and supplies the coiled substrate portion (100) toward the forming unit (500). At this time, the recovery unit (800) is located at a different end from the supply unit (200) and recovers and winds the substrate portion (100) that has passed through the forming unit (500).

[0076] That is, in the present embodiment, the substrate portion (100) is transported in one direction between the supply unit (200) and the recovery unit (800). At this time, it is obvious that the supply unit (200) and the recovery unit (800) can be arranged in various positions other than the illustrated position, and it is sufficient for the substrate portion (100) to be transported once in one direction by passing through the shaping unit (500).

[0077] Meanwhile, although not shown, when the substrate portion (100) is transported in one direction between the supply unit (200) and the recovery unit (800), various conversion rolls and drive rolls may be additionally provided to provide the substrate portion (100) to the forming unit (500) or to recover it from the forming unit (500).

[0078] Furthermore, in addition to the above-described switching rolls and driving rolls, a tension roll for measuring the tension applied during the process of transporting the substrate portion (100), a tension control roll for controlling the tension to a constant level, etc. may also be additionally provided.

[0079] In addition, in FIG. 1, the substrate portion (100) is exemplified as being transported once in one direction between the supply unit (200) and the recovery unit (800), but the substrate portion recovered by the recovery unit (800) may be additionally transported by the supply unit (200). Furthermore, the substrate portion (100) may be transported between the supply unit (200) and the recovery unit (800), so that the substrate portion (100) may be continuously transported while forming a closed loop. This structure will be described with reference to the subsequent drawings.

[0080] The above coating unit (300) coats the coating material (312) on the substrate portion (100), and this will be described in detail with reference to the subsequent drawings.

[0081] Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, since the shaping unit (500) is located at the lower portion of the substrate portion (100), the coating unit (300) coats the coating material (312) on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100), that is, the surface facing the shaping unit (500).

[0082] When the coating material (312) passes through the forming unit (500) while being coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100), the coating material (312) is laminated as a single layer on the forming unit (500). However, not all of the coating material (312) coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) is used in the lamination process, and thus, the coating material remaining after the lamination process is performed exists on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100).

[0083] Accordingly, the removal unit (700) removes and recovers the remaining coating material (312) from the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100). Thus, the substrate portion (100) recovered by the recovery unit (800) is in a state in which the coating material has been completely removed.

[0084] At this time, the detailed configuration of the removal unit (700) is also described with reference to the drawings described later.

[0085] Meanwhile, through FIG. 1, it is exemplified that the supply unit (200) supplies the substrate portion (100), the recovery unit (800) recovers the substrate portion (100), the coating unit (300) coats the coating material (312), and the removal unit (700) removes the coating material.

[0086] However, the supply unit (200) and the recovery unit (800) can switch operations with each other to perform recovery and supply of the substrate portion, respectively. In addition, in this case, in a situation where the substrate portion is supplied by the recovery unit (800), the coating unit (300') coats the substrate portion (100) with a coating material (312), the removal unit (700') removes the coating material, and the supply unit (200) can recover the substrate portion.

[0087] That is, the coating and removal of the coating material can be performed on the substrate portion that is transported in one direction by the operation of the coating unit (300)-removal unit (700) illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 1, and the coating and removal of the coating material can be performed on the substrate portion that is transported in the other direction by the operation of the coating unit (300')-removal unit (700') illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 1. In addition, the switching of the transport direction of the substrate portion can be selected as needed, and further, the transport direction of the substrate portion can be switched to reciprocating, so that coating and removal can be repeatedly performed in a state where the substrate portion is transported reciprocally. However, for the convenience of explanation, in the following, it is described that the substrate portion is transported in the direction of the removal unit (700) from the coating unit (300) in FIG. 1.

[0088] The above light source unit (400) provides light to the substrate portion (100) and is located above the substrate portion (100). That is, the printing device (10) of the present embodiment is a so-called top-down printing device, and the light source unit (400) is configured to provide light (410) in a downward direction.

[0089] To this end, the light source unit (400) is positioned above the substrate portion (100) being transported, and the light source unit (400) is positioned to face the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100).

[0090] The light (410) provided from the light source unit (400) penetrates the substrate fixing unit (600) and is provided to the substrate portion (100), thereby performing selective shaping on the coating material (312) coated on the substrate portion (100). That is, the coating material (312) is hardened by receiving the light (410), and the hardened coating material (312) is laminated on the shaping unit (500) to form one layer of a three-dimensional structure.

[0091] In order to implement the printing process of such a three-dimensional structure, the light (410) provided from the light source unit (400) may be light provided instantaneously each time one layer is formed, and the provision of such light may be controlled through a separate control unit.

[0092] As described above, the above-mentioned forming unit (500) is located at the lower portion of the substrate portion (100) and is positioned to face the coating material (312) coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100).

[0093] The above-mentioned shaping unit (500) includes a shaping plate (510) on the upper side, and a shaping object (550) is laminated on the upper surface of the shaping plate (510), thereby forming a finally designed three-dimensional structure.

[0094] The above-mentioned shape (550) is formed by laminating one layer at a time on the upper surface of the shape plate (510), and is formed by the coating material (312) coated on the substrate (100).

[0095] That is, when the substrate portion (100) coated with the coating material (312) is positioned on the molding plate (510), and light (410) is provided from the light source unit (400), the coating material (312) is cured according to the provision of light and is laminated as one layer of a predetermined molding (550) on the molding plate (510).

[0096] In addition, as described below, the molding plate (510) is repeatedly brought into contact with and released from the substrate (100) each time each layer of coating material is laminated. Accordingly, as this process is repeated multiple times, a molding object (550), which is a three-dimensional structure, is ultimately formed on the upper surface of the molding plate (510).

[0097] The above substrate fixing unit (600) induces contact between the above-described forming plate (510) and the substrate portion (100), and includes a fixing plate (610) and a different-shaped roll (620).

[0098] That is, each time a layer constituting the above-mentioned shape (550) is formed, the coating material (312) coated on the substrate (100) must be positioned on the upper surface of the shape plate (510). However, it is not easy for the coating material (312) and the shape plate (510) to be stably adhered to each other by simply moving the shape plate (510) toward the upper surface (110) of the substrate (100) and bringing it into contact with the lower surface (120) of the substrate (100).

[0099] Accordingly, the substrate fixing unit (600) is additionally provided on the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100), thereby inducing stable adhesion between the coating material (312) and the forming plate (510).

[0100] The above fixed plate (610) is positioned so as to face the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100) and is located between the light source unit (400) and the substrate portion (100). Therefore, the light (410) provided from the light source unit (400) must pass through the fixed plate (610) and be provided to the coating material (312) of the substrate portion (100).

[0101] In particular, in the case of the coating material (312), in order to be formed into each layer of the shape (550), each layer must be selectively cured in consideration of the structure of the shape (550) and formed on the shape plate (510).

[0102] Accordingly, although not shown, a mask portion that selectively provides the light (410) may be formed on the fixed plate (610), and the coating material (312) may be selectively cured, that is, with a predetermined pattern, by the light selectively provided through the mask portion to be formed into each layer of the shaped object (550).

[0103] The mask portion may ultimately include a pattern for selectively curing the coating material (312), and the coating material (312) may be cured in a different pattern for each layer. Accordingly, the pattern formed on the mask portion may be varied to have a different pattern for each layer, taking into account the structural characteristics of the structure (550) in each layer.

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fixed plate (610) is fixed on one side by a fixed end (613), but the other side includes a movable end (614) so ​​that its position is variable. That is, the fixed end (613) on one side of the fixed plate (610) is fixed in position so as to be adjacent to the upper surface (110) of the substrate (100), and the fixed plate (610) rotates with the fixed end (613) as the rotational center axis.

[0105] Thus, the fixed plate (610) has a fixed end (613) on one side as a rotational center axis, and the movable end (614) on the other side can be positioned in the up-and-down direction as shown by the arrow. Accordingly, the fixed plate (610) can be positioned in a horizontal direction parallel to the transport direction of the substrate part (100), or can be positioned so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the transport direction of the substrate part (100).

[0106] Thus, when the curing process is performed on the coating material (312) of the substrate portion (100), the fixed plate (610) is positioned horizontally to contact the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100), and when the curing process is completed, it is positioned in an inclined direction away from the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100).

[0107] Furthermore, since the posture change of the fixed plate (610) is performed in a form of rotation around the fixed end (613), it is implemented so that it continuously contacts or releases from one side of the substrate portion (100) to the other side. Accordingly, more precise and uniform contact or release with respect to the substrate portion (100) can be performed.

[0108] For this uniform contact or separation, the separation roll (620) is provided. That is, the separation roll (620) assists in the change of the posture of the fixed plate (610) described above, and in the case of the present embodiment, the separation roll (620) assists in the separation of the fixed plate (610) from the substrate portion (100).

[0109] The above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) is positioned to face the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) and is positioned to be aligned with the moving end (614) in the vertical direction. That is, the moving end (614) and the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) are positioned on different sides with respect to the substrate portion (100), but are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0110] In addition, the position of the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) is changed in the up-and-down direction as shown by the arrows, that is, in the direction toward the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) and in the direction away from the lower surface (120). Depending on the change in the position of the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620), the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) is brought into contact with or separated from the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100).

[0111] Thus, the above-described deformation roll (620) serves to maintain the state in which the substrate portion (100) is in contact with the fixed plate (610) or to deform the substrate portion (100) from the fixed plate (610). In addition, in order for the deformation roll (620) to move its position in the vertical direction as described above, a separate driving unit for moving the deformation roll (620) may be provided, although not shown.

[0112] As described above, the printing device (10) is a so-called top-down printing device, and a light source unit (400) and a fixing plate (610) are positioned at the top, and a shaping unit (500) and a shape roll (620) are positioned at the bottom, with the substrate portion (100) as the center, to perform lamination.

[0113] In contrast, although not shown, the printing device (10) may be configured as an upward printing device, and in this upward printing device, a light source unit (400) and a fixed plate (610) are positioned at the bottom, and a shaping unit (500) and a release roll (620) are positioned at the top, with the substrate portion (100) as the center. In addition, even in this upward printing device, the fixed plate (610) is continuously brought into contact with or released from the substrate portion (100) from one side to the other, and this continuous contact or release of the fixed plate (610) may be assisted by the release roll (620).

[0114] The specific operation of the above-described heterogeneous roll (620) and the above-described fixed plate (610) will be described with reference to the drawings described below.

[0115] Hereinafter, the coating unit (300) and the removal unit (700) will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0116] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing the coating unit of Figure 1.

[0117] First, referring to FIG. 2, the coating unit (300) includes a first coating unit (310) and a first coating roll (311). Thus, the first coating unit (310) coats the lower surface (120) of the substrate unit (100) with a first coating material (312), and the first coating roll (311) transports the coated substrate unit (100).

[0118] At this time, the first coating unit (310) may perform coating using a blade, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] As described above, only the first coating material (312) is coated on the substrate part (100) through the first coating part (310), and as described above, the first coating material (312) is ultimately laminated on the upper surface of the molding plate (510) and manufactured into the molding (550). However, since only one first coating material (312) is provided as described above, when the molding (550) is laminated in multiple layers, all layers are configured to include the first coating material (312).

[0120] Figures 3a to 3c are enlarged views showing a coating unit and its operation in a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] In the case of the printing device according to the present embodiment, except for the coating unit (301), it is substantially the same as the printing device (10) described with reference to FIG. 1, so only the coating unit (301) is described in detail and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0122] First, referring to FIG. 3a, in the printing device according to the present embodiment, the coating unit (301) selectively coats a plurality of coating materials onto the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100).

[0123] To this end, the coating unit (301) includes a plurality of coating parts (310, 315, 316) and a plurality of coating rolls (311, 321, 331). At this time, the plurality of coating parts (310, 315, 316) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the transport direction in which the substrate part (100) is transported. Accordingly, the coating rolls (311, 321, 331) arranged on each of the coating parts (310, 315, 316) are also arranged to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the transport direction in which the substrate part (100) is transported.

[0124] As described above, when coating a specific coating material on the substrate (100) in a state where a plurality of the coating parts (310, 315, 316) and the coating rolls (311, 321, 331) are arranged, the coating part providing the coating material approaches the lower surface (120) of the substrate (100) to perform the coating process.

[0125] That is, as shown in Fig. 3a, the first coating portion (310) approaches the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) and coats the first coating material (312) on the substrate portion (100). As described above, after the first coating portion (310) performs coating, the first coating portion (310) is lowered again and positioned away from the substrate portion (100).

[0126] Accordingly, in a state where the first coating material (312) is coated on the substrate portion (100), the substrate portion (100) is transferred so that the first coating material (312) is finally formed on the forming plate (510).

[0127] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3b, if the first coating material (312) and the second coating material (322), which is a different coating material from the first coating material (312), are to be sequentially laminated on the molding plate (510), after the first coating material (312) is coated on the substrate (100), the second coating part (315) approaches the lower surface (120) of the substrate (100) and coats the second coating material (322) on the substrate (100). Thereafter, when the second coating material (322) is coated, the second coating part (315) is lowered again and positioned away from the substrate (100).

[0128] Thus, as illustrated, the first coating material (312) is coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) to a predetermined length, and the second coating material (322) is coated on a predetermined length at a position spaced apart from the first coating material (312). Accordingly, after the first coating material (312) is laminated on the molding plate (510), the substrate portion (100) is transported so that the second coating material (322) can be additionally laminated on the molding plate (510). Through this, the first and second coating materials (312, 322), which are different heterogeneous coating materials, can be sequentially laminated on the molding plate (510).

[0129] At this time, the drawing illustrates that the first and second coating materials (312, 322) are formed simultaneously and spaced apart from each other on the substrate portion (100), but, unlike this, only the first coating material (312) may be formed during the process in which the substrate portion (100) is transferred once, and only the second coating material (322) may be formed during the process in which the substrate portion (100) is recovered and then transferred again.

[0130] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 3c, if the first coating material (312), the second coating material (322), and the third coating material (332), which is another heterogeneous coating material, are to be sequentially laminated on the molding plate (510), after the first coating material (312) and the second coating material (322) are sequentially coated on the substrate portion (100), the third coating portion (316) approaches the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) to coat the third coating material (332) on the substrate portion (100). Thereafter, when the third coating material (332) is coated, the third coating portion (316) is lowered again and positioned away from the substrate portion (100).

[0131] Thus, as illustrated, on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100), the first coating material (312) is coated to a predetermined length, the second coating material (322) is coated to a predetermined length at a position spaced apart from the first coating material (312), and the third coating material (332) is coated to a predetermined length at a position spaced apart from the second coating material (322). Accordingly, after the first coating material (312) and the second coating material (322) are sequentially laminated on the molding plate (510), the substrate portion (100) is transferred so that the third coating material (332) can be additionally laminated on the molding plate (510). Through this, the first, second and third coating materials (312, 322, 332), which are different heterogeneous coating materials, can be sequentially laminated on the molding plate (510).

[0132] Furthermore, other heterogeneous coating materials, such as a fourth coating material and a fifth coating material, are additionally formed on the substrate (100) using the coating portion and coating roll as described above, and ultimately, heterogeneous coating materials, such as the fourth coating material and the fifth coating material, can be sequentially laminated on the forming plate (510).

[0133] In particular, through FIGS. 3a to 3c, the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) are sequentially coated and sequentially laminated, but the order of lamination can be selected in various ways, and it is sufficient to select the coating materials according to the order of lamination and coat the corresponding coating materials on the substrate (100).

[0134] Furthermore, although the drawing illustrates that the substrate portion (100) performs one transfer and the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) are formed simultaneously and spaced apart from each other, in contrast, only the first coating material (312) may be formed in the process in which the substrate portion (100) is transferred once, only the second coating material (322) may be formed in the process in which the substrate portion (100) is transferred again after being recovered, and further, only the third coating material (332) may be formed in the process in which it is transferred again.

[0135] Fig. 4a is an example of a laminated structure using the coating unit of Figs. 3a to 3c, and Fig. 4b is another example of a laminated structure using the coating unit of Figs. 3a to 3c.

[0136] That is, referring to FIG. 4a, the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) can be sequentially laminated on the shaping plate (510) as described above with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c, thereby producing a predetermined shaping product (550).

[0137] In contrast, referring to FIG. 4b, the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) may be formed on the molding plate (510) in different patterns. That is, the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) may be formed on the molding plate (510) in one layer in different patterns, thereby forming one layer of the molded object (551).

[0138] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawing, the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) may be formed in a spaced pattern in which some are laminated and some are not laminated according to a lamination pattern, thereby forming one layer or multiple layers of the structure.

[0139] In addition, as described above, the number of the coating materials can be varied, and the order in which the coating materials are laminated to each other or the order in which they are formed into a pattern can also be combined in various ways.

[0140] Thus, in manufacturing the above-mentioned shape (550, 551), it is possible to manufacture a multi-layered structure, a patterned structure, etc. of various multi-coating materials using heterogeneous coating materials or multi-coating materials, and thus a 3D shape can be manufactured in a very diverse manner.

[0141] Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the removal unit in the printing device described in Figure 3a.

[0142] In the case where the above-described object (550) is manufactured by coating one coating material (312) on the substrate (100) using the coating unit (300) as in the above-described Figure 1, it is sufficient for the removal unit (700) to also be configured as one to remove the coating material (312).

[0143] However, in the case where the above-described object (550) is manufactured by selectively coating a plurality of different coating materials on the substrate (100) as in the printing device described with reference to FIG. 3a, it is necessary to distinguish and recover the different coating materials from each other, and thus a removal unit (701) as in FIG. 5 is required.

[0144] That is, referring to FIG. 5, the removal unit (701) includes a plurality of removal parts (710, 720, 730) and a plurality of removal rolls (711, 721, 731) positioned above each of the removal parts (710, 720, 730).

[0145] The above removal parts (710, 720, 730) are positioned so as to face the lower surface (120) of the substrate part (100) and remove the coating materials (312, 322, 332) remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate part (100). At this time, the removal rolls (711, 721, 731) transport the substrate part (100) while stably maintaining contact between the lower surface (120) of the substrate part (100) and the removal parts (710, 720, 730).

[0146] At this time, each of the removal parts (710, 720, 730) can be arranged to be spaced apart by a predetermined interval along the transport direction of the substrate part (100), and although three removal parts are exemplified through the drawing, the same number as the number of coating materials coated on the substrate part (100) can be provided.

[0147] As described above, the first to third coating materials (312, 322, 332) coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) are laminated onto the upper surface of the forming plate (510), but depending on the pattern, some of the coating materials remain on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100). At this time, the substrate portion (100) must be recovered by the recovery unit (800) and reused, or must be continuously provided to the supply unit (200) through the recovery unit (800).

[0148] Accordingly, the coating materials (312, 322, 332) remaining on the substrate portion (100) must all be removed from the substrate portion (100). In addition, since the coating materials removed in this manner can be recycled as needed, they must be distinguished and recovered according to the type of coating materials remaining on the substrate portion (100).

[0149] In the present embodiment, as in FIG. 5, for example, the first removal unit (710) can remove only the first coating material (312) from the substrate unit (100) and recover it separately. Similarly, the second removal unit (720) can remove only the second coating material (322) and recover it separately, and the third removal unit (730) can remove only the third coating material (332) and recover it separately.

[0150] Thus, after being coated on the substrate (100), the coating materials that are not transferred to the molding plate (510) can be recovered by separating them into individual coating materials through the removal unit (701), thereby facilitating recycling or subsequent processing.

[0151] At this time, each of the first to third removal units (710, 720, 730) may be a suction unit that sucks in the coating materials, and may have a structure such as a blade to remove the coating materials from the surface of the substrate portion (100).

[0152] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a removal unit in a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] In this embodiment, the removal unit (702) may be configured to further include a removal module (750) in addition to the removal unit (710) described above. Of course, the removal unit (710) may be omitted and only the removal module (750) may be provided.

[0154] If the above removal unit (710) is provided, the coating material on the substrate (100) is primarily removed through the removal unit (710), and the coating material remaining through this removal can be additionally removed from the substrate (100) through the removal module (750).

[0155] At this time, the removal unit (710) is only exemplified as one removal unit through FIG. 6, but as described with reference to FIG. 5, multiple removal units may be provided to perform removal and recovery for each coating material.

[0156] The above removal module (750) removes the coating material on the substrate (100) using the removal substrate (760), as illustrated in FIG. 6. More specifically, in addition to the removal substrate (760), it includes a removal substrate supply roll (751), a removal substrate recovery roll (754), a first pressure roll (752), a second pressure roll (753), a switching roll (757), and a removal light source (756).

[0157] The above-mentioned removal substrate supply roll (751) and the above-mentioned removal substrate recovery roll (754) are each used to provide the removal substrate (760) toward the substrate section (100) or to recover it from the substrate section (100), and it is sufficient if they are arranged adjacent to the transfer position of the substrate section (100).

[0158] The above-mentioned conversion roll (757) is provided to be in contact with the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100), changes the transport direction of the substrate portion (100), and transports the substrate portion (100).

[0159] The first pressure roll (752) presses the removal substrate (760) provided from the removal substrate supply roll (751) vertically toward the conversion roll (757). In addition, the second pressure roll (753) presses the removal substrate (760) horizontally toward the conversion roll (757) before it is recovered by the removal substrate recovery roll (754). Thus, between the first and second pressure rolls (752, 753), the removal substrate (760) comes into contact with the substrate portion (100) conveyed between the transfer rolls (757) with high adhesive strength.

[0160] At this time, the arrangement or pressing direction of the above-mentioned pressing rolls can be varied in various ways, and it is sufficient to induce the upper surface (761) of the removal substrate (760) and the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) to come into contact with each other for a predetermined period of time.

[0161] In this case, the removal light source (756) provides a predetermined amount of light to the area where the substrate portion (100) and the removal substrate (760) come into contact with each other, thereby hardening the coating material remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) so that it is transferred to the upper surface (761) of the removal substrate (760). Thus, the coating material remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) is transferred to the upper surface (761) of the removal substrate (760) according to the provision of the light, and all of the coating material remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) can be removed.

[0162] Thus, the removal substrate (760) is recovered by the removal substrate recovery unit (754) with the coating material remaining on the upper surface (761) attached thereto. At this time, although not shown, the coating material attached to the removal substrate (760) may be cleaned through a separate cleaning process and provided again to the removal substrate supply unit (751).

[0163] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the removal light source (756) may be omitted, and the removal substrate (760) itself may be configured as an adhesive substrate having high adhesive strength. Thus, a curing process through separate light provision is omitted, and as the removal substrate (760) is transported while in contact with the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) for a predetermined period of time, all of the coating material remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) may be adhered to the upper surface (761) of the removal substrate (760). Accordingly, all of the coating material remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) may be removed.

[0164] To this end, the removal substrate (760) must have its upper surface (761) formed to have a relatively high adhesive strength to the coating material, and for this purpose, a separate adhesive or the like may be formed in advance on the upper surface (761).

[0165] Below, a printing method using the printing device of Fig. 3a is specifically described.

[0166] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a printing method using the printing device of Fig. 3a. Fig. 8 is a flowchart specifically illustrating the steps of printing on the modeling plate of Fig. 7.

[0167] First, referring to Fig. 7, in the printing method using the printing device, a coating material to be laminated using the forming plate (510), i.e., a k-th coating material (k is a natural number), is selected (step S10). At this time, the k-th coating material to be selected means any one of the first to n-th coating materials (n is a natural number greater than or equal to k).

[0168] After this, the k coating material is coated on the substrate (100) using the k coating part that provides the k coating material (step S20).

[0169] After this, when the substrate portion (100) coated with the k-type coating material is positioned on the forming plate (510), the light source unit (400) is provided to form the k-type coating material on the forming plate (510) (step S30).

[0170] The step (step S30) of forming the K coating material on the above-mentioned molding plate (510) is described in more detail as follows.

[0171] That is, with additional reference to FIG. 8, the substrate portion (100) is continuously brought into contact with the molding plate (510) from one side to the other side (step S31). At this time, the process of continuously bringing it into contact has been specifically described through the description of the operating state of the substrate fixing unit (600) in FIG. 1 above.

[0172] After this, while the substrate portion (100) is in contact with the shaping plate (510), the light source unit (400) provides a predetermined light (410) to the substrate portion (100) (step S32).

[0173] Thus, according to the provision of the above light, the k-type coating material is printed on the shaping plate (510) (step S33). Meanwhile, when printing the k-type coating material, it may have a predetermined pattern and be printed on the shaping plate (510), and the pattern may be varied in various ways.

[0174] Thereafter, the substrate portion (100) is separated from the other side of the molding plate (510) to one side (step S34). At this time, the process of continuously separating the substrate portion (100) was also specifically described through the description of the operating state of the substrate fixing unit (600) in the preceding Figure 1.

[0175] Thus, the K coating material coated on the substrate portion (100) is printed onto the molding plate (510), and the substrate portion (100) is further transferred to position the removal unit (701).

[0176] Accordingly, referring to FIG. 7, in the removal unit (701), the k-type coating material is removed from the substrate portion (100) using a removal unit that removes the k-type coating material (step S40).

[0177] After this, it is determined whether the coating material to be printed on the above-mentioned molding plate (510) should be changed (step S50), and if the coating material should be changed, the k-th coating material can be selected by changing it to, for example, the l-th coating material (l is a natural number different from k) (steps S60 and S10).

[0178] Thus, the coating, lamination, and removal processes described above are performed on the newly selected first coating material. Of course, after all of the coating, lamination, and removal processes (steps S20, S30, and S40) are performed, the new first coating material may be selected. However, depending on the transfer position of the substrate portion (100), the coating process for the first coating material may be performed in advance even before the lamination and removal processes for the k-th coating material are performed.

[0179] Furthermore, the selection of these various coating materials and the lamination and removal processes for the coating materials can be performed continuously until printing is completed and the production of the above-mentioned object (550) is completed (step S70).

[0180] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating the fixing plate of Fig. 9.

[0181] The printing device (11) according to the present embodiment further includes a variable unit (900), and is substantially the same as the printing device (10) described with reference to FIG. 1, except that the supply unit (200), coating unit (300), removal unit (700), and recovery unit (800) are more specifically configured. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 9, the printing device (11) according to the present embodiment includes a substrate section (100), a supply unit (200), a coating unit (300), a light source unit (400), a shaping unit (500), a substrate fixing unit (600), a recovery unit (800), and a variable unit (900).

[0183] First, the supply unit (200) supplies the substrate portion (100) and includes a supply roll (210) and first and second switching rolls (220, 230), and the recovery unit (800) recovers the substrate portion (100) and includes a recovery roll (810), a third switching roll (830), an auxiliary roll (820), and a measuring roll (290).

[0184] As shown, the above supply roll (210) is positioned at one end and supplies the wound substrate portion (100) toward the forming unit (500). At this time, the recovery roll (810) is positioned at a different end from the supply roll (210) and recovers and winds the substrate portion (100) that has passed through the forming unit (500).

[0185] That is, in the present embodiment, the substrate portion (100) is transported in one direction between the supply roll (210) and the recovery roll (810). At this time, it is obvious that the supply roll (210) and the recovery roll (810) can be arranged in various positions other than the illustrated arrangement positions, and it is sufficient for the substrate portion (100) to be transported once in one direction by passing through the forming unit (500).

[0186] Meanwhile, when the substrate portion (100) is transported in one direction between the supply roll (210) and the recovery roll (810), the first to third conversion rolls (220, 230, 830) may be provided to provide the substrate portion (100) to the forming unit (500) or to recover it from the forming unit (500).

[0187] For example, the first switching roll (220) can change the direction of the substrate portion (100) provided from the supply roll (210) to a horizontal direction, and the second switching roll (230) can change the direction of travel of the substrate portion (100) back to a vertical direction. In addition, the third switching roll (830) can change the substrate portion (100) that has passed through the forming unit (500) to a vertical direction and provide it to the recovery roll (810).

[0188] At this time, it is obvious that the first to third conversion rolls (220, 230, 830) can be arranged in various ways other than as shown, and the number of conversion rolls can also be varied. Ultimately, the arrangement or number of conversion rolls is sufficient to induce the substrate portion (100) to pass horizontally when passing through the forming unit (500).

[0189] The auxiliary roll (820) is arranged between the recovery roll (810) and the third switching roll (830), and is intended to change the transport direction of the substrate portion (100) according to the positional movement of the variable unit (900) described later.

[0190] That is, as described below, the variable unit (900) changes its position in the horizontal direction to change the tension of the substrate portion (100). In order to enable such a change in position in the horizontal direction, it is necessary for the substrate portion (100) to also change its transport direction so that it moves in the horizontal direction when passing through the variable unit (900). Accordingly, the transport direction of the substrate portion (100), which is transported in the vertical direction through the third conversion roll (830) via the first auxiliary roll (821) of the auxiliary rolls (820), is changed to the horizontal direction, and thereafter, the substrate portion (100), which is transported in the horizontal direction through the second auxiliary roll (822) of the auxiliary rolls (820), is changed back to the vertical direction and provided to the recovery roll (810).

[0191] The above measuring roll (290) has a roller shape with the same structure as the first to third switching rolls (220, 230, 830), and measures the tension applied to the substrate portion (100) while changing the transport direction of the substrate portion (100).

[0192] That is, in the present embodiment, as illustrated, the measuring roll (290) is arranged between the second switching roll (230) and the forming unit (500), and changes the direction of the substrate portion (100) being transported in a vertical direction so that it is transported in a horizontal direction toward the forming unit (500). At the same time, the measuring roll (290) can measure the tension applied to the substrate portion (100), and may include a load cell for measuring such tension.

[0193] Thus, based on information about the tension of the substrate portion (100) measured by the measuring roll (290), the position of the variable unit (900) described below is varied, thereby maintaining the tension of the substrate portion (100) constant. Furthermore, as the tension of the substrate portion (100) is maintained constant, uniform lamination of the substrate portion (100) passing through the forming unit (500) can be realized.

[0194] The coating unit (300) coats the coating material (330) on the substrate portion (100), and the removal unit (700) removes the coating material (330) remaining on the substrate portion (100).

[0195] In the present embodiment, as illustrated, the coating portion (310) is positioned between the first transition roll (220) and the second transition roll (230) to coat the coating material (330), but it is sufficient to perform coating on the substrate portion (100) before it is provided to the forming unit (500).

[0196] Meanwhile, when the coating material (330) passes through the forming unit (500) while being coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100), the coating material (300) is laminated as a single layer on the forming unit (500). However, not all of the coating material (300) coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) is used in the lamination process, and thus, the coating material remaining after the lamination process is performed exists on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100).

[0197] Accordingly, the removal unit (700) removes and recovers the remaining coating material (330) from the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100). Thus, the substrate portion (100) recovered by the recovery roll (810) is in a state where the coating material has been removed.

[0198] The above removal unit (70)0 may be sufficiently placed between the forming unit (500) and the recovery roll (810), but may be placed at the front end of the variable unit (900) that performs tension control on the substrate portion (100) as in the present embodiment. That is, in order to perform more precise tension control on the substrate portion (100), it is effective that the coating material remaining on the surface of the substrate portion (100) is removed, and therefore the removal unit (700) may be positioned between the variable unit (900) and the forming unit (500).

[0199] Meanwhile, the substrate portion (100), the light source unit (400), the shaping unit (500), and the substrate fixing unit (600) are as described with reference to the preceding FIG. 1. At this time, the fixing plate (610), referring to FIG. 10, has a square frame shape, a mask portion (611) is formed in the center, and a fixing frame (612) is formed along the periphery of the mask portion (611).

[0200] In the case of the above fixed plate (610), it is positioned so as to face the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100) and is located between the light source unit (400) and the substrate portion (100). Therefore, the light (410) provided from the light source unit (400) must penetrate the fixed plate (610) and be provided to the coating material (330) of the substrate portion (100).

[0201] In particular, in the case of the coating material (330), in order to be formed into each layer of the shape (550), each layer must be selectively cured in consideration of the structure of the shape (550) and formed on the shape plate (510).

[0202] Accordingly, the mask portion (611) to which the light (410) is selectively provided is formed at the center of the fixed plate (610), and the coating material (330) can be selectively cured, that is, with a predetermined pattern, by the light selectively provided through the mask portion (611) to form each layer of the shaped object (550).

[0203] The mask portion (611) should ultimately include a pattern that selectively hardens the coating material (330), and the coating material (330) can be hardened in a different pattern for each layer. Accordingly, the pattern formed on the mask portion (611) can be varied to have a different pattern for each layer in consideration of the structural characteristics of the shape (550) in each layer.

[0204] The above fixed frame (612) is a frame structure formed along the outer periphery of the mask portion (611), and the provision of the light (410) is blocked through the fixed frame (612). In addition, the fixed frame (612) is formed as a relatively rigid structure, and the position of the fixed plate (610) can be changed.

[0205] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the fixed frame (612) is fixed on one side by a fixed end (613), but the other side includes a movable end (614), so that its position is variable. That is, the fixed end (613) on one side of the fixed frame (612) is fixed in position so as to be adjacent to the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100), and the fixed frame (612) rotates with the fixed end (613) as the rotational center axis. In addition, as the fixed frame (612) rotates, the mask portion (611) formed integrally therewith also rotates.

[0206] Thus, the fixed plate (610) has a fixed end (613) on one side as a rotational center axis, and the movable end (614) on the other side can be positioned in the up-and-down direction as shown by the arrow. Accordingly, the fixed plate (610) can be positioned in a horizontal direction parallel to the transport direction of the substrate part (100), or can be positioned so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the transport direction of the substrate part (100).

[0207] At this time, although not shown, a separate driving unit is provided at the fixed end (613) to drive the change in posture of the fixed plate (610) in the horizontal direction and the inclined direction.

[0208] As described above, when the curing process is performed on the coating material (330) of the substrate portion (100), the fixed plate (610) is positioned horizontally to contact the upper surface of the substrate portion (100), and when the curing process is completed, it is positioned in an inclined direction away from the upper surface of the substrate portion (100).

[0209] Furthermore, since the posture change of the fixed plate (610) is performed in a form of rotation centered on the fixed end (613), it is implemented so as to continuously contact or release from one side of the substrate portion (100) to the other side, as described below. Accordingly, more precise and uniform contact or release with respect to the substrate portion (100) can be performed, which will be described below.

[0210] Meanwhile, as described above, the above-described heteromorphic roll (620) assists in changing the posture of the fixed plate (610), and in particular, the above-described heteromorphic roll (620) assists in the separation of the substrate portion (100) from the forming plate (510).

[0211] The above variable unit (900) varies the tension of the substrate portion (100) and includes a tension roll (910) and a pressure roll (920). As described above, the tension of the substrate portion (100) can be varied during the transport process, and the tension of the substrate portion (100) is measured through the measuring roll (290).

[0212] Accordingly, based on information about the tension of the substrate portion (100) measured by the measuring roll (290), the variable unit (900) is driven to maintain the tension of the substrate portion (100) at a constant level.

[0213] In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, as described below, the fixed plate (610) is in contact with or deformed from the substrate portion (100), and further, its posture changes while in contact with the substrate portion (100), so that the substrate portion (100) is exposed to various tension change states.

[0214] Accordingly, by controlling various tension changes of the substrate portion (100) through the variable unit (900), the substrate portion (100) is transported between the supply roll (210) and the recovery roll (810) with a constant tension.

[0215] Specifically, the tension roll (910) controls the tension of the substrate portion (100) by varying its position in the horizontal direction as shown by the arrow, and similarly, the pressure roll (920) controls the tension of the substrate portion (100) by varying its position in the horizontal direction.

[0216] In the case of the tension roll (910), as its position changes in the horizontal direction, the distance between the auxiliary roll (820) and the tension roll (910) changes. Accordingly, when the distance between the tension roll (910) and the auxiliary roll (820) increases, the tension applied to the substrate portion (100) relatively increases. Conversely, when the distance between the tension roll (910) and the auxiliary roll (820) decreases, the tension applied to the substrate portion (100) relatively decreases.

[0217] In particular, the fixed plate (610) is positioned in a horizontal direction or an inclined direction while in contact with the substrate portion (100). Therefore, when the fixed plate (610) is positioned in a horizontal direction, the tension applied to the substrate portion (100) decreases, and accordingly, the position of the tension roll (910) is varied so that the gap between the tension roll (910) and the auxiliary roll (820) increases, thereby compensating for the decrease in tension. In contrast, when the fixed plate (610) is positioned in an inclined direction, the tension applied to the substrate portion (100) increases, and accordingly, the position of the tension roll (910) is varied so that the gap between the tension roll (910) and the auxiliary roll (820) decreases, thereby compensating for the increase in tension.

[0218] In addition, regardless of the change in position of the fixed plate as described above, the position of the tension roll (910) may be changed based on the tension information measured through the measuring roll (290).

[0219] In the case of the above pressure roll (920), its position is changed in the horizontal direction in consideration of the change in the position of the tension roll (910). That is, the pressure roll (920) is arranged adjacent to the second auxiliary roll (822), and the substrate part (100) can be transported while passing through the space between the second auxiliary roll (822) and the pressure roll (920).

[0220] Accordingly, the pressure roll (920) can be moved toward the second auxiliary roll (822) to come into contact with the substrate portion (100), or alternatively, can be moved away from the second auxiliary roll (822) to be released from the substrate portion (100).

[0221] In particular, when the tension roll (910) is moved to reduce the tension of the substrate portion (100), i.e., when the tension roll (910) is moved to come close to the auxiliary roll (820), the pressure roll (920) is moved toward the second auxiliary roll (822) to come into contact with the substrate portion (100) and perform a predetermined pressure on the substrate portion (100).

[0222] Through this, the tension of the substrate part (100) is prevented from rapidly decreasing as the tension roll (910) moves, thereby preventing the transport state of the substrate part (100) from becoming unstable, and the substrate part (100) can be assisted in being transported stably while in contact between the pressure roll (920) and the second auxiliary roll (822).

[0223] In contrast, when the tension roll (910) is moved to increase the tension of the substrate portion (100), that is, when the tension roll (910) is moved away from the auxiliary roll (820), the pressure roll (920) is also moved away from the second auxiliary roll (822), and the contact state with the substrate portion (100) is canceled. This is because, if the tension of the substrate portion (100) increases, the substrate portion (100) can be stably transported with a sufficiently large tension even if the pressure roll (920) does not apply pressure to the substrate portion (100) between itself and the second auxiliary roll (822).

[0224] Hereinafter, a printing method for laminating the above-described object (550), i.e., a three-dimensional structure, using the above-described printing device (11) described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described in detail. Meanwhile, in the case of the above-described printing method described below, for the convenience of explanation, a process for forming one layer is described, and by repeating the process for describing one layer, it is possible to manufacture the above-described object (550) laminated into multiple layers.

[0225] Figures 11a to 11i are process diagrams illustrating a printing method using the printing device of Figure 9.

[0226] First, referring to FIG. 11a, the coating material (330) remaining on the substrate portion (100) in the previously performed lamination process is recovered through the removal unit (700), and a new substrate portion (100) is provided through the supply roll (210).

[0227] At this time, the lower surface (120) of the substrate (100) is coated with the coating material (330) by the coating portion (310) and provided to the molding unit (500) along with the transport of the substrate (100).

[0228] Meanwhile, before the substrate portion (100) is provided to the molding unit (500), the fixed plate (610) is positioned horizontally by rotating the movable end (614) counterclockwise around the fixed end (613), as shown by the arrow. That is, the fixed plate (610) is positioned horizontally and comes into contact with the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100).

[0229] In addition, the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) moves upward and comes into contact with the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100), and accordingly, the moving end (614) of the fixed plate (610) and the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) come into contact with each other with the substrate portion (100) therebetween.

[0230] Thereafter, referring to FIG. 11b, the above-described heterogeneous roll (620) further rises upward, applying an external force in the upward direction to the moving end (614) of the fixed plate (610), whereby the fixed plate (610) rotates clockwise around the fixed end (613) and is arranged in an inclined direction.

[0231] In addition, since the substrate part (100) is transferred between the above-described heterogeneous roll (620) and the moving end (614), the substrate part (100) is also placed in an inclined direction in the same posture as the fixed plate (610) while in contact with the fixed plate (610).

[0232] Meanwhile, as the fixed plate (610) changes its posture from a horizontal state to an inclined state as described above, the tension of the base member (100) increases, and in order to compensate for the increased tension of the base member (100), the variable unit (900) is driven.

[0233] That is, the tension roll (910) moves in a direction approaching the auxiliary roll (820), and at the same time, the pressure roll (920) moves toward the second auxiliary roll (822) so as to come into contact with the substrate portion (100).

[0234] After this, referring to FIG. 11c, the shaping unit (500) is moved upward while the fixed plate (610) and the substrate portion (100) in contact therewith are arranged in an inclined direction as described above.

[0235] Thus, the molding plate (510) is positioned at a printing position toward the substrate (100). At this time, the printing position of the molding plate (510) means a state in which the upper surface of the molded object (550) comes into contact with the coating material (330) of the substrate (100) when the substrate (100) is positioned in a horizontal direction.

[0236] After this, referring to FIG. 11d, the fixed plate (610) rotates clockwise with respect to the fixed end (613), so that the moving end (614) moves downward, and thus the fixed plate (610) is positioned in a horizontal direction.

[0237] At this time, the above-mentioned heterogeneous roll (620) moves downward along with the downward movement of the moving end (614), and similarly, the substrate portion (100) in contact with the lower surface of the fixed plate (610) is positioned in the horizontal direction like the fixed plate (610).

[0238] Thus, the coating material (330) on the lower surface (120) of the substrate (100) is positioned in contact with the upper surface of the shaped object (550).

[0239] The contact of the coating material (330) with the upper surface of the shape (550) according to the horizontal position of the substrate portion (100) is performed continuously from one side to the other.

[0240] That is, since the fixed end (613) of the fixed plate (610) is fixed and the movable end (614) rotates counterclockwise, the fixed plate (610) and the substrate part (100) attached to the lower surface thereof are sequentially lowered from the fixed end (613) side to the movable end (614) side. Accordingly, the coating material (330) coated on the lower surface (120) of the substrate part (100) is also sequentially continued from one side to the other and comes into contact with the upper surface of the sculpture (550).

[0241] Through this sequential and continuous contact from one side to the other, the contact can be performed more uniformly compared to the case where the entire surface of the coating material (330) of the substrate (100) contacts the upper surface of the shape (550) at once, and in this process, more stable and continuous contact can be induced between the coating material (330) and the shape (550).

[0242] Meanwhile, as the fixed plate (610) changes its posture from an inclined state to a horizontal state as described above, the tension of the base portion (100) decreases, and to compensate for the decrease in the tension of the base portion (100), the variable unit (900) is driven.

[0243] That is, the tension roll (910) moves away from the auxiliary roll (820), and at the same time, the pressure roll (920) moves away from the second auxiliary roll (822) so as to be spaced apart from the substrate portion (100).

[0244] After this, referring to FIG. 11e, the above-described heteromorphic roll (620) moves further downward and returns to the initial position at a predetermined distance from the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100), thereby forming one layer on the shaped object (550).

[0245] That is, the light (410) provided from the light source unit (400) penetrates the mask portion (611) and is provided to the coating material (330), and accordingly, the coating material (330) is selectively light-cured to have a predetermined pattern according to the pattern included in the mask portion (611). Thus, the light-cured pattern is laminated as one layer on the structure (550).

[0246] After this, referring to FIG. 11f, after lamination for one layer is completed, the fixed plate (610) is released from the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100). That is, the fixed plate (610) rotates clockwise around the fixed end (613), and thus the fixed plate (610) is positioned in an inclined direction and released from the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100).

[0247] In this case, the substrate portion (100) is still in contact with the upper surface of the shape (550), and the tension of the substrate portion (100) does not change.

[0248] Thereafter, referring to FIG. 11g, the substrate portion (100) is released from the upper surface of the shape (550). That is, the release roll (620) moves upward from a lower position and contacts the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100). Thereafter, the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) is further moved upward, and the substrate portion (100) is released from the upper surface of the shape (550).

[0249] That is, the above-mentioned deformation roll (620) moves further upward from the state of being in contact with the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) and moves toward the moving end (614) of the fixed plate (610), and finally, the above-mentioned deformation roll (620) moves until the upper surface (110) of the substrate portion (100) comes into contact with the moving end (614). Thus, according to the continuous movement of the above-mentioned deformation roll (620), the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) is deformed from the upper surface of the shaped object (550).

[0250] As the above-mentioned heteromorphic roll (620) continuously moves, the lower surface (120) of the substrate (100) is separated from the above-mentioned molding (550), which is continuously performed from one side to the other.

[0251] That is, when the above-mentioned deformation roll (620) is positioned at the lower side of the other side of the fixed plate (610), and an upward force is applied to the lower surface (120) of the substrate part (100), the substrate part (100) begins to be deformed from the other side of the shape (550). Thus, when the above-mentioned deformation roll (620) continuously moves upward to the moving end (614) of the fixed plate (610), the substrate part (100) is sequentially and continuously deformed from the shape (550) from the other side to one side (i.e., the fixed end side of the fixed plate (610).

[0252] Accordingly, the substrate portion (100) is finally in contact with the lower surface of the fixed plate (610) and is positioned in an inclined direction together with the fixed plate (610).

[0253] Through this sequential and continuous separation from one side to another, the substrate portion (100) can be separated more stably than when the entire surface is separated from the shape (550) at once, and in this process, damage to the shape (550), which is a laminated structure, can be minimized and more stable separation can be induced.

[0254] Meanwhile, in the above-described deformation process, the substrate portion (100) changes its posture from a horizontal state to an inclined state, and the tension of the substrate portion (100) increases. Therefore, in order to compensate for the increased tension of the substrate portion (100), the variable unit (900) is driven, and as described above, the tension roll (910) moves in a direction approaching the auxiliary roll (820), and at the same time, the pressure roll (920) moves toward the second auxiliary roll (822) so as to come into contact with the substrate portion (100).

[0255] After this, referring to FIG. 11h, the shaping unit (500) is moved downward, and the contact state with the substrate portion (100) is completely released.

[0256] After this, referring to FIG. 11i, the above-described heterogeneous roll (620) is lowered again to return to the initial position, and at the same time, the fixed plate (610) is also rotated counterclockwise to be positioned in the horizontal direction again.

[0257] Through this, the substrate portion (100) is also positioned in a horizontal direction, and the coating material (330) remaining on the lower surface (120) of the substrate portion (100) is recovered through the removal unit (700).

[0258] Meanwhile, as the fixed plate (610) changes its posture from an inclined state to a horizontal state, the tension of the substrate portion (100) decreases, and in order to compensate for the decrease in the tension of the substrate portion (100), the variable unit (900) is driven. That is, the tension roll (910) moves away from the auxiliary roll (820), and at the same time, the pressure roll (920) moves away from the second auxiliary roll (822) so as to be spaced apart from the substrate portion (100).

[0259] Through the above process, lamination of one layer of the above-mentioned object (550) is performed through the above-mentioned printing device (11). Thereafter, the processes of FIGS. 11a to 11i are repeated to perform lamination of multiple layers, and through this, the production of the above-mentioned object (550), which is a three-dimensional structure, is finally completed.

[0260] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0261] The printing device (12) according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the printing device (11) described with reference to FIG. 9, except that the substrate portion (101) is continuously formed into a closed loop and transported. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0262] Referring to Fig. 12, in the printing device (12) according to the present embodiment, the substrate portion (101) is continuously transported. To this end, the arrangement and operating status of the supply unit (201), the recovery unit (801), the coating unit (305), and further the variable unit (901) are different, and this will be mainly explained.

[0263] First, the supply unit (201) includes first and second conversion rolls (211, 221) and a measuring roll (290), and the recovery unit (801) includes the drive roll (811) and the third conversion roll (821). However, the supply unit (201) and the recovery unit (801) are named for convenience of explanation, and overall correspond to a transport unit that transports the substrate portion (101).

[0264] The above drive roll (811) is a roller located on one side of the substrate portion (101) and provides driving force in one direction of the substrate portion (101), and the first to third switching rolls (211, 221, 821) change the driving direction of the substrate portion (101).

[0265] That is, as shown, the substrate portion (101) forms a closed loop as a whole and has a square frame structure and is transported, and the first to third conversion rolls (211, 221, 821) can be provided at each corner, etc.

[0266] That is, the first switching roll (211) is located at the bottom of the coating section (310) described later for stable coating, and the second switching roll (221) switches the transport direction of the substrate section (101) at the first corner of the square frame structure formed by the substrate section (101). In addition, the third switching roll (821) also switches the transport direction of the substrate section (101) at the third corner of the square frame structure formed by the substrate section (101).

[0267] In addition, the measuring roll (290) measures the tension of the substrate portion (101) along with the change in the transport direction of the substrate portion (101). That is, the measuring roll (290) changes the transport direction of the substrate portion (101) at the second corner of the square frame structure formed by the substrate portion (101) and measures the tension applied to the substrate portion (101) including the load cell.

[0268] Furthermore, as described above, the driving roll (811) provides driving force to the substrate portion (101) and can change the transport direction of the substrate portion (101) at the fourth corner of the square frame structure formed by the substrate portion (101).

[0269] Of course, in the case of the above supply unit (201), the number and arrangement of included rollers can be varied, and it is sufficient to implement the substrate portion (101) so that it is transported while forming a closed loop.

[0270] The above coating unit (305) coats the coating material (330) on the lower surface (121) of the substrate portion (101), and includes a coating portion (310) and a storage portion (340).

[0271] As described above, the coating portion (310) coats the coating material (330) on the lower surface (121) of the substrate portion (101), thereby performing blade coating.

[0272] The storage unit (340) stores the coating material (330) and supplies the coating material (330) to the coating unit (310). Considering the transport direction of the substrate unit (101), the storage unit (340) is located at the front end of the coating unit (310).

[0273] In addition, the storage unit (340) recovers and stores the coating material (330) that has been light-cured through the molding unit (500) and remains on the substrate unit (101). For this purpose, although not shown, a separate recovery unit for recovering the coating material (330) may be provided at the front end of the storage unit (340), and the coating material (330) recovered through the recovery unit may be provided to the storage unit (340).

[0274] At this time, the storage unit (340) is configured to recover and store the coating material (330) remaining on the substrate unit (101) and then provide it back to the substrate unit (101), and the detailed configuration can be changed in design. Furthermore, although not shown, a separate additional processing unit for reusing the recovered coating material may also be included.

[0275] The above variable unit (901) controls the tension of the substrate portion (101) and includes a tension roll (911) and a pressure roll (921).

[0276] The functions and operations of the tension roll (911) and the pressure roll (921) are as described with reference to FIG. 9, so in this embodiment, the differences are explained with a focus on the arrangement and movement direction.

[0277] First, the tension roll (911) controls the tension of the substrate portion (101) by varying its position in the horizontal direction as shown by the arrow. Since the substrate portion (101) forms a closed loop, tension control is possible simply by varying its position in the horizontal direction.

[0278] That is, the tension roll (911) is a roller that is disposed between the third switching roll (821) and the drive roll (811) and always rotates in contact with the upper surface (111) of the substrate portion (101). However, as shown in the drawing, when the tension roll (911) moves the substrate portion (101) outward, the tension of the substrate portion (101) increases overall, and when the substrate portion (101) moves inward, the tension of the substrate portion (101) decreases overall.

[0279] At this time, the outer side means a direction in which the length of the substrate portion (101) extending between the third switching roll (821) and the driving roll (811) increases, and the inner side means a direction in which the length decreases.

[0280] As described above, the change in position of the tension roll (911) is performed according to the change in the position of the fixed plate (610) and the substrate portion (100).

[0281] In addition, the tension roll (911) can be driven by a separate driving unit so that its position in the horizontal direction can be varied.

[0282] The position of the above pressure roll (921) is variable in consideration of the positional variation of the tension roll (911), and in the present embodiment, the position is variable in the vertical direction. In addition, the pressure roll (921) is positioned adjacent to the drive roll (811), and optionally, is positioned to come into contact with the drive roll (811) with the substrate portion (101) therebetween.

[0283] That is, when the tension roll (911) moves outward and the tension of the substrate portion (101) increases, the pressure roll (921) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the drive roll (811) by a predetermined distance, and does not apply a separate force to the substrate portion (101).

[0284] However, when the tension roll (911) moves inward and the tension of the substrate portion (101) decreases, the pressure roll (921) moves toward the drive roll (811) to contact the lower surface (121) of the substrate portion (101) and pressurizes the substrate portion (101).

[0285] Through this, the tension of the substrate part (100) is prevented from rapidly decreasing as the tension roll (911) moves, thereby preventing the transport state of the substrate part (101) from becoming unstable, and the substrate part (101) can be assisted in being transported stably while in contact between the pressure roll (921) and the drive roll (811).

[0286] Meanwhile, in the case of the printing method for stacking the above-described object (550), i.e., the three-dimensional structure, using the printing device (12) according to the present embodiment, it is substantially the same as the printing method described with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11i, except that the substrate portion (101) is continuously provided to form a closed loop.

[0287] In particular, in this embodiment, as in the previous printing method, driving of the substrate fixing unit (600) and continuous contact from one side to the other side of the substrate portion (101) through this, and continuous release from the other side to one side are performed.

[0288] However, in the process of changing the position of the fixed plate (610) and the substrate (101) from a horizontal state to an inclined state, the driving state of the variable unit (901) is different.

[0289] That is, when the substrate portion (101) changes from a horizontal state to an inclined state, the tension applied to the substrate portion (101) increases, so that the tension roll (911) moves inward to compensate for this, and at the same time, the pressure roll (921) moves toward the substrate portion (101) and comes into contact with the substrate portion (101). Thus, the extension length of the substrate portion (101) between the third switching roll (821) and the driving roll (811) decreases.

[0290] In contrast, when the substrate portion (101) changes from an inclined state to a horizontal state, the tension applied to the substrate portion (101) decreases, so that to compensate for this, the tension roll (911) moves outward, and at the same time, the pressure roll (921) moves away from the substrate portion (101). Thus, the extension length of the substrate portion (101) between the third switching roll (821) and the driving roll (811) increases.

[0291] That is, except for the driving state of the variable unit (901) as described above, the printing method using the printing device (12) according to the present embodiment is the same as the printing method described with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11i, and any duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0292] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0293] The printing device (13) according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the printing device (12) described with reference to FIG. 12, except for the variable unit (902), and therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0294] Referring to Fig. 13, in the printing device (13) according to the present embodiment, the variable unit (902) includes a tension roll (912), a pressure roll (921), and an elastic part (930).

[0295] The above pressure roll (921) is the same as the pressure roll (921) in Fig. 12 in terms of its arrangement and operation.

[0296] However, in the case of the tension roll (912), driving is performed by being connected to the elastic part (930). That is, horizontal movement of the tension roll (912) is not implemented through a separate driving part, and the tension roll (912) is driven through the elastic part (930).

[0297] That is, the elastic part (930) provides a predetermined elastic force toward the tension roll (912), and at this time, the elastic force provided by the elastic part (930) causes a force to be applied outwardly to the tension roll (912). As described above, the outward side means a direction in which the length of the substrate part (101) extending between the third switching roll (821) and the driving roll (811) increases, and the inward side means a direction in which the length decreases.

[0298] Accordingly, the elastic part (930) basically provides elasticity so that a predetermined force is applied to the tension roll (912) toward the outside, and thus, the substrate part (101) can be transported while maintaining a constant tension by the elastic part (930).

[0299] That is, when the substrate portion (101) is transported while maintaining a horizontal state, the tension roll (912) presses the substrate portion (101) extending between the drive roll (811) and the third switching roll (821) outward by the elastic force applied in the outward direction from the elastic portion (930). Thus, the substrate portion (101) is transported while maintaining a constant tension.

[0300] In contrast, when the substrate portion (101) changes from a horizontal state to an inclined state, the tension applied to the substrate portion (101) increases, so that the tension roll (912) receives force from the substrate portion (101) and moves inward, and as a result, the elastic portion (930) is compressed. At the same time, the pressure roll (921) moves toward the substrate portion (101) and comes into contact with the substrate portion (101). Thus, the extension length of the substrate portion (101) between the third switching roll (821) and the driving roll (811) decreases.

[0301] Furthermore, when the substrate portion (101) changes from an inclined state to a horizontal state, the tension applied to the substrate portion (101) decreases, and thus the tension roll (912) moves outward due to the elastic recovery force of the elastic portion (930). At the same time, the pressure roll (921) moves away from the substrate portion (101), and the contact state with the substrate portion (101) is released. Thus, the extension length of the substrate portion (101) between the third switching roll (821) and the driving roll (811) increases.

[0302] That is, the variable unit (902) described above is driven, and except for the driving state of the variable unit (902), the printing method using the printing device (13) according to the present embodiment is the same as the printing method described with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11i, and any duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0303] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, 3D printing is performed by selectively coating at least one coating material on a substrate, and then forming the coating material on the substrate on a molding plate. However, by varying the coating material coated on the substrate, 3D printing using multiple coating materials can be performed.

[0304] At this time, a laminated product having multiple coating materials applied can be manufactured by sequentially coating the substrate with multiple coating materials and laminating them on the molding plate, and a product in which multiple coating materials are formed in different patterns can be manufactured by forming them at predetermined intervals on the molding plate. Through this, a 3D product using multiple coating materials can be manufactured with various laminated structures or various pattern structures.

[0305] In this case, in order to coat the substrate with multiple coating materials, it is sufficient to configure a coating unit that coats multiple coating materials by arranging multiple coating parts spaced apart from each other, thereby improving the configuration of the device or the ease of the process.

[0306] In addition, when manufacturing a sculpture by coating multiple coating materials, it is necessary to remove the multiple coating materials separately, and similarly to the coating parts, multiple removal parts are arranged spaced apart from each other to remove each of the multiple coating materials separately, thereby enabling the separate removal of multiple coating materials and efficient recovery of the coating materials.

[0307] Meanwhile, for more effective removal of the coating material, a removal substrate can be used. In this case, the removal substrate can be an adhesive film that directly adheres the coating material to the removal substrate and removes it. Alternatively, the coating material can be removed by curing and transferring it to the removal substrate, so that optimal removal of the coating material considering the characteristics of the coating material is possible through various removal processes.

[0308] In addition, by continuously contacting the substrate portion on which the coating material is formed with the molding plate from one side to the other, the coating material and the molding plate come into more uniform contact during the contact process of the substrate portion, enabling more precise laminate manufacturing in the subsequent lamination process through the light curing process.

[0309] In addition, by continuously releasing the substrate portion from one side to the other on the molding plate, stable and rapid releasing can be achieved while minimizing damage to the laminated structure during the releasing process of the substrate portion.

[0310] Accordingly, even when utilizing a layered manufacturing process using a high-viscosity coating material, more precise and faster 3D printing can be performed on a high-viscosity coating material.

[0311] Meanwhile, a fixed plate is applied to change the position of the substrate portion, and a mask portion is formed at the center of the fixed plate so that patterning for light curing and change in the position of the substrate portion can be performed simultaneously.

[0312] In particular, in order to continuously release the substrate portion from the molding plate, a release roll is additionally provided to perform a continuous release operation from one side to the other side, so that the continuous release can be implemented through a relatively simple driving operation.

[0313] In addition, since the tension applied to the substrate portion varies depending on the change in the posture of the substrate portion, the tension of the substrate portion can be controlled through the positional movement of the tension roll and pressure roll included in the variable unit, thereby enabling stable substrate transport regardless of the change in the posture of the substrate portion.

[0314] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

A light source unit that provides light to a substrate portion on which a coating material is formed; A molding unit including a molding plate on which at least one coating material is formed according to the provision of the light; and A printing device including a substrate fixing unit that contacts or releases the substrate portion from the forming plate when forming the coating material. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a coating unit for selectively coating the coating material on the substrate, The above coating unit, A plurality of coating sections, each coated with a different coating material and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the transport direction of the substrate section; and A printing device characterized by including a plurality of coating rolls arranged to face each of the coating portions and transporting the substrate portion. In the first paragraph, the coating materials coated on the substrate are It is produced as a sculpture by sequentially stacking on the above-mentioned shaping plate, or A printing device characterized in that a shape is produced by being spaced apart in a predetermined pattern on the above-mentioned shape plate. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a removal unit for removing at least one coating material transferred to the above-mentioned molding plate and remaining on the substrate, The above removal unit, A printing device characterized in that it includes a plurality of removal sections, each of which removes a different coating material and is spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the transport direction of the substrate section. In the fourth paragraph, the removal unit, A printing device characterized by including a removal module that removes the coating material remaining on the substrate by bonding the coating material to the substrate or hardens the coating material remaining on the substrate so that it is transferred to a removal substrate. In the first paragraph, The above coating material is laminated in multiple layers, A printing device characterized in that, when laminating the coating material for each layer, the substrate part is continuously brought into contact with or released from one side of the forming plate to the other side. In the sixth paragraph, the substrate fixing unit, A fixed plate that is in contact with the above substrate and is formed with a predetermined area; and A printing device characterized by including a release roll disposed on one side of the fixed plate to release the substrate portion from the fixed plate. In the seventh paragraph, the fixed plate, A mask portion formed in the center and selectively passing light to form a predetermined pattern on the coating material; and A printing device characterized by including a fixed frame formed on the outer surface of the mask portion and in contact with the substrate portion. In the 8th paragraph, the heterogeneous roll, A printing device characterized in that it is aligned vertically with one side of the fixed frame and moves vertically to release the substrate portion from the fixed plate. In paragraph 7, The above light source unit and the above fixing plate are located on the upper part of the substrate, A printing device characterized in that the above-mentioned heterogeneous roll and the above-mentioned forming unit are located at the lower portion of the substrate portion. In the first paragraph, A printing device further comprising a variable unit that varies the tension applied to the substrate portion as the posture of the substrate fixing unit varies. In the 11th paragraph, the variable unit, A tension roll whose position changes according to the change in the posture of the above substrate fixing unit; and A printing device characterized by including a pressure roll that comes into contact with or is separated from the substrate portion as the position of the tension roll is changed. In the 12th paragraph, the tension roll, A printing device characterized in that it is actively operated by an external drive or passively operated by an external force applied by an elastic member. A step of coating a selected first coating material on a substrate; A step of providing light to a substrate portion coated with a first coating material to form the first coating material on a molding plate; A step of removing the first coating material remaining on the substrate; and A printing method comprising a step of coating a second coating material different from the first coating material on the substrate when a change in the coating material is required. In Article 14, The step of coating the first coating material comprises coating the first coating material on the substrate using the first coating portion, A printing method characterized in that the step of coating the second coating material comprises coating the second coating material on the substrate using a second coating part that is arranged to be spaced apart from the first coating part by a predetermined distance along the transport direction of the substrate part. A step of continuously contacting a substrate portion on which a coating material is formed from one side of a molding plate to the other side; A step of providing light to the above substrate; A step of laminating the coating material in each layer on the upper surface of the molding plate according to the provision of the above light; and A printing method comprising a step of releasing the substrate portion from the other side of the forming plate to one side. In the 16th paragraph, the step of contacting the substrate portion is: A step in which the moving end of a horizontally arranged fixed plate is raised so that the fixed plate is arranged to be inclined; a step of raising the above-mentioned forming plate; and A printing method characterized by including a step of lowering the moving end of the fixed plate to bring the substrate portion into contact with the other side of the forming plate. In the 16th paragraph, the step of releasing the substrate portion is: A step in which the moving end of a horizontally arranged fixed plate is raised so that the fixed plate is arranged to be inclined; A step of causing the molding roller to rise toward the moving end, thereby molding the substrate portion from the other side of the molding plate to one side; and A printing method characterized by including a step of lowering the above-mentioned forming plate. In Article 17 or 18, When the above fixed plate is placed so as to be inclined, A printing method characterized in that the tension roll and the pressure roll provided on the substrate portion approach each other to reduce the tension applied to the substrate portion. In Article 17 or 18, When the above fixed plate is placed horizontally, A printing method characterized in that the tension roll and the pressure roll provided on the substrate part move away from each other, thereby increasing the tension applied to the substrate part.

Images