Injection molding apparatus and method using 3D printing

The injection molding device and method using 3D printing with a water-soluble mold addresses dimensional and structural challenges, reducing costs and environmental impact while enhancing safety and precision in producing complex, high-performance components and customized products.

WO2026014569A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-15BARAH INNOVATION CO
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/009990
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-11
Filing Date
2024-07-12
Publication Date
2026-01-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Ceramic 3D printing technologies face issues with dimensional accuracy, mechanical properties, and complex structure limitations, leading to defects and high manufacturing costs, while traditional injection molding struggles with complex designs and material waste, posing challenges in producing customized products efficiently and safely.

Method used

An injection molding device and method using 3D printing that employs a water-soluble mold manufactured from UV-curable resin, allowing for the production of complex designs by injecting and hardening materials within the mold, then dissolving it to obtain the final product, with integrated post-processing for surface treatment.

Benefits of technology

This approach reduces manufacturing time, material usage, and costs, enhances product precision, and improves safety by minimizing chemical exposure and environmental impact, enabling production of high-performance components and customized medical devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure KR2024009990_15012026_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure KR2024009990_15012026_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Disclosed are an injection molding apparatus and method using 3D printing. An injection molding apparatus using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a mold manufacturing unit for manufacturing a water-soluble mold for injection molding on the basis of a 3D model having a predetermined shape by using 3D printing; an injection molding unit for injecting a predetermined injection material into the water-soluble mold and then curing the injection material; and a mold removal unit for dissolving the water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution to obtain an injection-molded product cured in the shape.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Injection molding device and method using 3D printing

[0001] The present invention relates to 3D printing and injection molding technology, and more particularly, to injection molding technology using 3D printing.

[0002] In general, ceramic 3D printing technology mainly uses Stereolithography (SLA) and Powder bed methods. SLA technology uses a suspension containing a high content of powder as a material, and contains many failure factors due to differences in ceramic particle content, particle size, material properties, etc., which can lead to defects in parts such as shrinkage, porosity, and sintered part vulnerability in the final stage.

[0003] In particular, the light scattering characteristics of ceramic powder may lower the printing success rate and dimensional accuracy, and may cause uncertainty in the dimensions and mechanical properties of the final printed part during the washing and degreasing process in the post-processing process.

[0004] Additionally, traditional injection molding techniques have limitations in producing parts with complex internal structures or delicate surface patterns, and the process can be difficult or impossible when they need to be removed from the mold.

[0005] When manufacturing parts with difficult shapes, the structure of the mold becomes very complex, which requires very high processing costs and may increase the verification and manufacturing period.

[0006] Furthermore, it may be very difficult to meet the personalized needs that are currently trending, and this limitation may be particularly prominent in the field of biomedical devices.

[0007] To obtain injection-molded products using conventional processing methods, significant waste of raw materials occurs in the process of removing material from large blocks, which can reduce production efficiency.

[0008] Milling and post-processing steps (e.g. surface treatment) in mechanical processing can cause micro-cracks in the material, which can negatively affect the mechanical properties of the final product, reducing durability and functionality.

[0009] Recycling of remaining blocks is difficult, and equipment is required to ensure worker safety as a lot of dust is generated during the manufacturing process. Cutting tools must be purchased periodically for processing, and manufacturing time and production volume may be determined depending on the size of the workpiece.

[0010] Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 10-1814723, “Method for Manufacturing Ceramic Prosthesis,” discloses a method for manufacturing a ceramic prosthesis by creating a tooth model corresponding to the appearance of a natural tooth, filling a space to be restored in the tooth model with ceramic sludge to form a core, and pressurizing the sludge-filled tooth model in which the core and the tooth model are combined.

[0011] The present invention aims to shorten the manufacturing time of injection molded products from 3D design to actual product production.

[0012] In addition, the present invention aims to manufacture an injection molded article that is compatible with various materials such as thermoplastic plastics and rubber, silicone, ceramics, and metals.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to manufacture injection molded articles using highly specialized materials that can be used in applications requiring high performance specifications, such as aerospace and defense components, as well as customized medical devices.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to realize a design that is difficult to implement with existing technologies by offsetting the existing constraints such as undercuts, angles of inclination, complex parting lines, and the need for ejector pin design.

[0015] In addition, the present invention aims to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to reducing environmental pollution compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

[0016] In addition, the present invention aims to reduce manufacturing costs associated with the manufacture of prototypes and products by reducing the use of materials and increasing process speed.

[0017] Additionally, the present invention aims to reduce physical risks and exposure to chemicals that occur in existing technologies.

[0018] In addition, the present invention aims to improve workplace safety and increase workers' job satisfaction, thereby making more people prefer jobs in the manufacturing (root) industry.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-described object, an injection molding device using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a mold manufacturing unit that manufactures a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing; an injection molding unit that injects a predetermined injection material into the water-soluble mold and then hardens it; and a mold removal unit that dissolves the water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution to obtain an injection molded article hardened to the shape.

[0020] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured using an ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin.

[0021] At this time, the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin may include at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, and tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate.

[0022] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured by laminating and printing the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin using the 3D printing.

[0023] At this time, the UV-curable soluble resin may be at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

[0024] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured into a porous structure.

[0025] At this time, the porous structure can have a porosity determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

[0026] At this time, the injection material may be mixed to include at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

[0027] At this time, the injection material can be mixed using a fluidity improver in which polyethylene glycol and stearic acid are mixed in a predetermined ratio.

[0028] At this time, the injection molding device using the 3D printing may further include a post-processing unit for heat-treating the surface of the injection molded product.

[0029] In addition, an injection molding method using 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above purpose includes a step of manufacturing a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing in an injection molding device using 3D printing; a step of injecting a predetermined injection material into the water-soluble mold and then curing it; and a step of dissolving the water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution to obtain an injection molded article cured to the shape.

[0030] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured using an ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin.

[0031] At this time, the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin may include at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, and tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate.

[0032] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured by laminating and printing the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin using the 3D printing.

[0033] At this time, the UV-curable soluble resin may be at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

[0034] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured into a porous structure.

[0035] At this time, the porous structure can have a porosity determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

[0036] At this time, the injection material may be mixed to include at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

[0037] At this time, the injection material can be mixed using a fluidity improver in which polyethylene glycol and stearic acid are mixed in a predetermined ratio.

[0038] At this time, the injection molding method using 3D printing may further include a step of heat treating the surface of the injection molded product.

[0039] The present invention can shorten the manufacturing time of injection molded products from 3D design to actual product manufacturing.

[0040] In addition, the present invention can produce injection molded articles that are compatible with various materials such as thermoplastic plastics, rubber, silicone, ceramics, and metals.

[0041] In addition, the present invention can manufacture injection molded articles using highly specialized materials that can be used in applications requiring high performance specifications, such as aerospace and defense components, as well as customized medical devices.

[0042] In addition, the present invention can realize detailed and complex designs that are difficult to implement with existing technologies by offsetting the need for existing constraints such as undercuts, slope angles, complex parting lines, and ejector pin designs.

[0043] In addition, the present invention can reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to reducing environmental pollution compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

[0044] Additionally, the present invention can reduce manufacturing costs associated with manufacturing prototypes and products by reducing the use of materials and increasing process speed.

[0045] Additionally, the present invention can reduce physical risks and exposure to chemicals that occur in existing technologies.

[0046] Additionally, the present invention can improve workplace safety and increase worker job satisfaction, thereby making more people prefer jobs in the manufacturing (root) industry.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an injection molding device using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing an injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a process for creating a 3D model according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings showing a mold manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 is a drawing showing an injection molding process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a mold removal process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a post-processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are drawings showing a mold having a geometric porous structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional view of a mold according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figures 12 to 14 are drawings showing a mold with a porous structure according to the diameter of the pores according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an injection molded article according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Herein, repetitive descriptions, well-known functions that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, and detailed descriptions of configurations are omitted. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0060] Throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0061] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an injection molding device using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1, an injection molding device using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a mold manufacturing unit (110), an injection molding unit (120), a mold removal unit (130), and a post-processing unit (140).

[0064] The mold manufacturing unit (110) can manufacture a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing.

[0065] At this time, the mold manufacturing unit (110) can design a 3D model of a product for injection molding through scanning.

[0066] At this time, the mold manufacturing unit (110) may use the generated 3D model or may input a 3D model of a predetermined shape through an external storage device or interface.

[0067] At this time, the 3D model can be utilized for various products such as customized medical devices such as dental prostheses, as well as aerospace and defense parts, and in the present invention, dental prostheses are described as an example for convenience of explanation.

[0068] For example, a 3D model of a dental prosthesis can be designed using images obtained through a user's oral scan. The 3D model can then be used as a template in the mold manufacturing process.

[0069] For example, a 3D model can be designed using artificial intelligence technology based on images obtained through scanning.

[0070] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured using an ultraviolet (UV) photocurable soluble resin.

[0071] At this time, the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin is polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (DEGDMA), triethylene glycol diacrylate (TEGDA), triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), tetraethylene glycol diacrylate (TTEGDA), tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). It may contain at least one of Diacrylate Dimethacrylate: TTEGDMA.

[0072] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured by laminating and printing the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin using the 3D printing.

[0073] For example, the laminate thickness of a water-soluble mold can be adjusted according to the size or shape of the mold, and can generally be set to 0.025 to 0.150 mm.

[0074] At this time, the above UV photocurable soluble resin can be made of various resin materials, which can provide high precision and durability.

[0075] At this time, the UV-curable soluble resin may be at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

[0076] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured into a porous structure.

[0077] At this time, the porous structure can be manufactured in a form in which each pore is a unit unit of the same shape that is continuously repeated.

[0078] For example, the size of the unit unit can be selected according to the shape and size of the mold and can be selected from 2 to 20 mm.

[0079] At this time, the water-soluble mold is manufactured with a porous structure, which reduces the amount of mold material used and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0080] For example, the porous structure can be formed in a geometric structure such as a honeycomb, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc., and can also be formed in a lattice structure (lattice) and a box lattice (BCC) shape.

[0081] At this time, a water-soluble mold with a porous structure can achieve both strength and weight reduction of the mold while withstanding the pressure generated during injection.

[0082] For example, the size of a water-soluble mold for manufacturing a dental prosthesis can be designed as a square cube shape with a diameter of 30~35 x 30~35 x 30~35 mm in each of the x, y, and z axes, taking into account the size of the prosthesis and the export after sintering of the ceramic material.

[0083] At this time, the porous structure can have a porosity determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

[0084] At this time, the dissolution rate of the water-soluble mold changes depending on the size and porosity of the pores, and the larger the unit size or the higher the porosity %, the faster the dissolution rate can be.

[0085] For example, a water-soluble mold having a square cube shape with a diameter of 30~35 x 30~35 x 30~35 mm in each of the x, y, and z axes can be dissolved within about 24 hours when the porosity is 50~60%, within about 36 hours when the porosity is 25~40%, within about 48 hours when the porosity is 10~25%, and within about 60 hours or more when the porosity is 0~10%.

[0086] The injection molding part (120) can inject a predetermined injection material into the water-soluble mold and then harden it.

[0087] For example, the injection molding unit (120) can inject plastic or other injection-moldable injection materials (ceramics, metals, etc.) into a water-soluble mold. The injection material can harden inside the mold to form the shape of the final product.

[0088] At this time, various materials such as thermoplastic plastic, rubber, silicone, ceramic, and metal can be used as the injection material.

[0089] At this time, the injection material may be mixed to include at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

[0090] For example, the ceramic powder may be at least one of alumina (Al2O₃), zirconia (ZrO2), silicon nitride (Si3N₄), silicon carbide (SiC), and aluminum nitride (AlN).

[0091] For example, the thermoplastic polymer may be at least one of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0092] For example, the wax may be at least one of paraffin wax, carnauba wax, and polyethylene wax.

[0093] At this time, the injection material can be mixed using a plasticizer mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and stearic acid at a predetermined ratio.

[0094] The mold removal unit (130) can obtain an injection molded product hardened into the shape by dissolving the water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution.

[0095] At this time, the mold removal unit (130) can obtain an injection molded product by gently removing the mold by immersing it in an aqueous solution after the injection material injected into the water-soluble mold has completely hardened (melts and disappears like soap).

[0096] The post-processing unit (140) can heat treat the surface of the injection molded product.

[0097] At this time, the post-processing unit (140) may perform heat treatment (sintering), sanding (polishing), color implementation, or other surface treatment as needed to remove residue from the surface of the injection-molded product.

[0098] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing an injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2, an injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention can design a 3D model (S210).

[0100] That is, step (S210) can design a 3D model of a product for injection molding through scanning.

[0101] For example, a 3D model of a dental prosthesis can be designed using images obtained through a user's oral scan. The 3D model can then be used as a template in the mold manufacturing process.

[0102] For example, a 3D model can be designed using artificial intelligence technology based on images obtained through scanning.

[0103] In addition, the injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention can manufacture a mold using 3D printing (S220).

[0104] That is, step (S220) can manufacture a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing.

[0105] At this time, step (S220) may use the 3D model generated in step (S210) or may input a 3D model of a predetermined shape through an external storage device or interface.

[0106] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured using an ultraviolet (UV) photocurable soluble resin.

[0107] At this time, the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin is polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (DEGDMA), triethylene glycol diacrylate (TEGDA), triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), tetraethylene glycol diacrylate (TTEGDA), tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). It may contain at least one of Diacrylate Dimethacrylate: TTEGDMA.

[0108] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured by laminating and printing the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin using the 3D printing.

[0109] For example, the laminate thickness of a water-soluble mold can be adjusted according to the size or shape of the mold, and can generally be set to 0.025 to 0.150 mm.

[0110] At this time, the above UV photocurable soluble resin can be made of various resin materials, which can provide high precision and durability.

[0111] At this time, the UV-curable soluble resin may be at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

[0112] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured into a porous structure.

[0113] At this time, the porous structure can be manufactured in a form in which each pore is a unit unit of the same shape that is continuously repeated.

[0114] For example, the size of the unit unit can be selected according to the shape and size of the mold and can be selected from 2 to 20 mm.

[0115] At this time, the water-soluble mold is manufactured with a porous structure, which reduces the amount of mold material used and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0116] For example, the porous structure can be formed in a geometric structure such as a honeycomb, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc., and can also be formed in a lattice structure (lattice) and a box lattice (BCC) shape.

[0117] At this time, a water-soluble mold with a porous structure can achieve both strength and weight reduction of the mold while withstanding the pressure generated during injection.

[0118] For example, the size of a water-soluble mold for manufacturing a dental prosthesis can be designed as a square cube shape with a diameter of 30~35 x 30~35 x 30~35 mm in each of the x, y, and z axes, taking into account the size of the prosthesis and the export after sintering of the ceramic material.

[0119] At this time, the porous structure can have a porosity determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

[0120] At this time, the dissolution rate of the water-soluble mold changes depending on the size and porosity of the pores, and the larger the unit size or the higher the porosity %, the faster the dissolution rate can be.

[0121] For example, a water-soluble mold having a square cube shape with a diameter of 30~35 x 30~35 x 30~35 mm in each of the x, y, and z axes can be dissolved within about 24 hours when the porosity is 50~60%, within about 36 hours when the porosity is 25~40%, within about 48 hours when the porosity is 10~25%, and within about 60 hours or more when the porosity is 0~10%.

[0122] In addition, the injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform an injection molding process (S230).

[0123] That is, step (S230) can inject a predetermined injection material into the water-soluble mold and then harden it.

[0124] For example, step (S230) may inject a plastic or other injection-moldable injection material (ceramic, metal, etc.) into a water-soluble mold. The injection material may harden inside the mold to form the shape of the final product.

[0125] At this time, various materials such as thermoplastic plastic, rubber, silicone, ceramic, and metal can be used as the injection material.

[0126] At this time, the injection material may be mixed to include at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

[0127] For example, the ceramic powder may be at least one of alumina (Al2O₃), zirconia (ZrO2), silicon nitride (Si3N₄), silicon carbide (SiC), and aluminum nitride (AlN).

[0128] For example, the thermoplastic polymer may be at least one of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0129] For example, the wax may be at least one of paraffin wax, carnauba wax, and polyethylene wax.

[0130] At this time, the injection material can be mixed using a plasticizer mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and stearic acid at a predetermined ratio.

[0131] In addition, the injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a mold removal process (S240).

[0132] That is, step (S240) can obtain an injection molded product hardened into the shape by dissolving the water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution.

[0133] At this time, in step (S240), after the injection material injected into the water-soluble mold is completely hardened, the mold is gently removed by immersing it in an aqueous solution to obtain an injection-molded product (it melts and disappears like soap).

[0134] In addition, the injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a post-processing process (S250).

[0135] That is, step (S250) can perform a post-processing process of heat-treating the surface of the injection-molded product.

[0136] At this time, step (S250) may perform heat treatment (sintering), sanding (polishing), color implementation, or other surface treatment as needed to remove residue from the surface of the injection molded product.

[0137] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a process for creating a 3D model according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to Fig. 3, a 3D model of a dental prosthesis (11) for a natural tooth (10) can be designed using an image obtained through scanning the user's oral cavity. The 3D model can be used as a template in the mold manufacturing process.

[0139] For example, a 3D model can be designed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology based on images obtained through scanning.

[0140] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings showing a mold manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a mold manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention can manufacture a water-soluble mold (20) for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape.

[0142] At this time, the water-soluble mold (20) can be manufactured by laminating and printing an ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin (21) using 3D printing.

[0143] For example, the laminate thickness of the water-soluble mold (20) can be adjusted according to the size or shape of the mold, and can generally be set to 0.025 to 0.150 mm.

[0144] The ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin (21) can be cured using an ultraviolet light source (22).

[0145] At this time, the above ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin (21) can be made of various resin materials, which can provide high precision and durability.

[0146] At this time, the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin (21) may be at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

[0147] Figure 6 is a drawing showing an injection molding process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 6, an injection molding process according to one embodiment of the present invention can inject a predetermined injection material (40) into a mold (20) through an injection part (31) using an injection machine (30) and then harden it.

[0149] The injection material (40) can form the shape of the final product while being hardened inside the mold.

[0150] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a mold removal process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the mold removal process according to one embodiment of the present invention obtains an injection molded product (50) by gently removing the mold by immersing the injection material (40) injected into the mold (20) in an aqueous solution after it has been completely hardened (melts and disappears like soap).

[0152] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a post-processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the post-processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention performs heat treatment (sintering), sanding (polishing), color implementation, or other surface treatment as needed to remove residue from the surface of the injection-molded product.

[0154] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are drawings showing a mold having a geometric porous structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, it can be seen that a mold having a geometric porous structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0156] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional view of a mold according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to Fig. 11, it can be seen that the cross-section of a mold including the shape of a dental prosthesis into which an injection material is to be injected and a porous structure is shown.

[0158] Figures 12 to 14 are drawings showing a mold with a porous structure according to the diameter of the pores according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] Referring to Fig. 12, it can be seen that a mold having a porous structure with a pore diameter of 20 mm is shown.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 13, it can be seen that a mold having a porous structure with a pore diameter of 10 mm is shown.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 14, it can be seen that a mold having a porous structure with a pore diameter of 5 mm is shown.

[0162] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an injection molded article according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 15, it can be seen that an injection molded product (50) manufactured using an injection molding method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0164] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 16, an injection molding device (100) using 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in a computer system (1100) such as a computer-readable recording medium. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the computer system (1100) may include one or more processors (1110), a memory (1130), a user interface input device (1140), a user interface output device (1150), and storage (1160) that communicate with each other via a bus (1120). In addition, the computer system (1100) may further include a network interface (1170) connected to a network (1180). The processor (1110) may be a central processing unit or a semiconductor device that executes processing instructions stored in the memory (1130) or storage (1160). The memory (1130) and storage (1160) may be various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory may include ROM (1131) or RAM (1132).

[0166] An injection molding device using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more processors (1110); and a memory (1130) storing at least one program executed by the one or more processors (1110), wherein the at least one program can manufacture a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing, inject a predetermined injection material into the water-soluble mold and then harden it, and dissolve the water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution to obtain an injection molded article hardened to the shape.

[0167] At this time, at least one of the above programs can design a 3D model of a product for injection molding through scanning.

[0168] At this time, at least one of the programs may use the generated 3D model or may input a 3D model of a predetermined shape through an external storage device or interface.

[0169] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured using an ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin.

[0170] At this time, the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin may include at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, and tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate.

[0171] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured by laminating and printing the ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin using the 3D printing.

[0172] At this time, the UV-curable soluble resin may be at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

[0173] At this time, the water-soluble mold can be manufactured into a porous structure.

[0174] At this time, the porous structure can have a porosity determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

[0175] At this time, the injection material may be mixed to include at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

[0176] At this time, the injection material can be mixed using a fluidity improver in which polyethylene glycol and stearic acid are mixed in a predetermined ratio.

[0177] At this time, the at least one program can heat treat the surface of the injection molded product.

[0178] As described above, the injection molding device and method using 3D printing according to one embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made.

Claims

1. A mold manufacturing unit that manufactures a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing; An injection molding section that injects a predetermined injection material into the above-mentioned water-soluble mold and then hardens it; and A mold removal unit that dissolves the above-mentioned water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution to obtain an injection molded product hardened into the above-mentioned shape; An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized by including:

2. In claim 1, The above water-soluble mold An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that it is manufactured using an ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin.

3. In claim 2, The above UV photocurable soluble resin An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that it comprises at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, and tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate.

4. In claim 2, The above water-soluble mold An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that the above ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin is printed in a layered manner using the above 3D printing.

5. In claim 4, The above UV photocurable soluble resin An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized by at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

6. In claim 1, The above water-soluble mold An injection molding device using 3D printing characterized in that it is manufactured with a porous structure.

7. In claim 6, The above porous structure An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that the porosity is determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

8. In claim 1, The above injection material is An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that it comprises a mixture comprising at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

9. In claim 8, The above injection material is An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that polyethylene glycol and stearic acid are mixed in a predetermined ratio using a fluidity improving agent.

10. In claim 1, The above injection molding device using 3D printing An injection molding device using 3D printing, characterized in that it further includes a post-processing unit for heat-treating the surface of the injection molded product.

11. In an injection molding method using 3D printing of an injection molding device using 3D printing, A step of manufacturing a water-soluble mold for injection molding based on a 3D model of a predetermined shape using 3D printing; A step of injecting a predetermined injection material into the above-mentioned water-soluble mold and then curing it; and A step of dissolving the above-mentioned water-soluble mold in a predetermined aqueous solution to obtain an injection-molded product hardened into the above-mentioned shape; An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that it includes.

12. In claim 11, The above water-soluble mold An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that it is manufactured using an ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin.

13. In claim 12, The above UV photocurable soluble resin An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that it comprises at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, and tetraethylene glycol diacrylate dimethacrylate.

14. In claim 12, The above water-soluble mold An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that the above ultraviolet photocurable soluble resin is manufactured by printing in a layered manner using the above 3D printing.

15. In claim 14, The above UV photocurable soluble resin An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized by at least one of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, a monomer, a curable oligomer, a monomer, an epoxy, and an acrylate resin.

16. In claim 11, The above water-soluble mold An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that it is manufactured with a porous structure.

17. In claim 16, The above porous structure An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that the porosity is determined based on a predetermined time for the water-soluble mold to dissolve in the aqueous solution.

18. In claim 11, The above injection material is An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that the mixture comprises at least one of ceramic powder, thermoplastic polymer, and wax.

19. In claim 18, The above injection material is An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that polyethylene glycol and stearic acid are mixed in a predetermined ratio using a fluidity improving agent.

20. In claim 11, The injection molding method using the above 3D printing An injection molding method using 3D printing, characterized in that it further includes a step of heat treating the surface of the injection molded product.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Resin composition for producing resin mold and resin mold

    JP2020044711A

  • Binder for powder injection molding and method of the production of powder injection molded products using the same

    KR100166436B1

  • Method of manufacturing a mould using FDM-3d printing, method of manufacturing molding product using the same and the mould manufactured by that

    KR1020180118850A

  • Process for producing a moulding using a water-soluble casting mould and material system for the production thereof

    KR102048732B1

  • Slip mixture for 3D printed molds and 3D printing ceramic material

    US20160023375A1