Processing head, additive manufacturing device, and additive manufacturing method

Abstract

A processing head (100) includes: a first laser source (2) that radiates a first laser beam (L1); a branching mirror (3) that reflects the first laser beam (L1) radiated by the first laser source (2) in a plurality of different directions, splits the first laser beam into a plurality of branched laser beams (Lb), and transmits the branched laser beams; a plurality of folding mirrors (4) that reflect the branched laser beams (Lb), which have been branched and transmitted by the branching mirror (3), and transmit the branched laser beams toward a processing area (P); and a second laser source (5) that radiates a second laser beam (L2) toward the processing area (P) from a direction different from that of branched laser beams (Lb).

Description

Processing head, additive manufacturing apparatus, and additive manufacturing method

[0001] This disclosure relates to a processing head, an additive manufacturing apparatus, and an additive manufacturing method.

[0002] Conventionally, a technique called additive manufacturing is known as a method for manufacturing objects from metal materials. One example of additive manufacturing is Directed Energy Deposition (DED). Directed Energy Deposition is a method of forming a three-dimensional object by supplying an additive material to a workpiece while irradiating the workpiece and the additive material with directional energy, such as a laser, electron beam, or arc discharge, which serves as a heat source, causing the additive material to melt and solidify. For example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to irradiate a metal wire, which is the additive material supplied from the vertical direction, with a laser beam emitted from a laser light source. The laser beam emitted from the laser light source is diverged in three directions by a multi-segment mirror to become three split beams, and these three split beams are focused into a melting spot by a focusing system and irradiated around the metal wire from three directions.

[0003] Special table 2009-515709 publication

[0004] However, simply irradiating a metal wire with three split beams, as in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, may result in anisotropy in the irradiation area of ​​the split beams, for example, if the shape of the split beams is circular. If anisotropy occurs in the irradiation area of ​​the split beams, there is a risk that some parts of the metal wire will not be sufficiently irradiated by the split beams. This can lead to variations in how the metal wire melts, potentially reducing the processing accuracy of the workpiece.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a processing head that can suppress the anisotropy of the irradiation area of ​​the laser light irradiated onto the additional material and improve the processing accuracy of the workpiece.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the processing head according to this disclosure processes a workpiece by irradiating an additional material supplied from a material supply unit toward the processing area with laser light. The processing head includes a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam, a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in multiple different directions to split and transmit it into multiple branched laser beams, a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area, and a plurality of second laser sources arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the direction in which the additional material is supplied from the material supply unit toward the processing area, and irradiates a second laser beam toward the processing area from a direction different from the branched laser beams.

[0007] The processing head according to this disclosure has the effect of suppressing the anisotropy of the irradiation area of ​​the laser light irradiated onto the added material, thereby improving the processing accuracy of the workpiece.

[0008] A schematic overall diagram showing the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. An explanatory diagram showing the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, with the processing area of ​​the stage viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. A schematic overall diagram showing the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. An explanatory diagram showing the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2, with the processing area of ​​the stage viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. An explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2, with the processing area of ​​the stage viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. A schematic overall diagram showing a modified example 2 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. A schematic overall diagram showing a modified example 3 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. A schematic overall diagram showing the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 An explanatory diagram schematically showing the processing area of ​​the stage as viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied, in an additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 3. Modification 1 of the additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 3, schematically showing the processing area of ​​the stage as viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. An overall diagram schematically showing modification 2 of the additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 3. An overall diagram schematically showing modification 3 of the additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 3. An overall diagram schematically showing the additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 4. An explanatory diagram schematically showing the processing area of ​​the stage as viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied, in an additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 4. A modified version of the additive manufacturing apparatus relating to Embodiment 4, schematically showing the processing area of ​​the stage as viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied.

[0009] The processing head, additive manufacturing apparatus, and additive manufacturing method according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a schematic overall view of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 is a machine tool that manufactures a molded object by adding an additive material W, which has been melted by irradiation with laser light, a heat source, to a workpiece 201 placed on a stage 200. The additive manufacturing apparatus 300 is a DED (Deposition Emission Deposition) type. The additive manufacturing apparatus 300 forms a bead by supplying the additive material W to the processing area P and irradiating the additive material W and the workpiece 201 with laser light. The bead is a solidified product obtained when the molten additive material W solidifies on the workpiece 201. The additive manufacturing apparatus 300 manufactures a molded object by sequentially stacking the beads.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 100 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 to the processing area P with laser light.

[0012] The stage 200 is used to set and fix the workpiece 201. The stage 200 has a processing area P for processing the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1. The stage 200 is movable relative to the processing head 100 by a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit includes, for example, a motor and a transmission mechanism such as a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor to the stage 200. The drive unit is configured to change the position and angle of the processing head 100 relative to the stage 200 by, for example, moving the stage 200 up, down, left, and right, or rotating it. As a result, the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 can manufacture objects of a desired shape. Note that the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 is not limited to a configuration in which the stage 200 is moved; it is sufficient if the position of the processing head 100 is moved relative to the stage 200. Specifically, the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 may be configured such that the position of the stage 200 is fixed, and a drive unit such as a robot is provided on the processing head 100 to move or rotate the processing head 100, thereby changing the position and angle of the processing head 100 relative to the stage 200.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the processing head 100 in Embodiment 1 includes a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4, a second laser source 5, and a housing 10. In the processing head 100 in Embodiment 1, a part of the material supply unit 1, a part of the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the folding mirror 4, and a part of the second laser source 5 are arranged inside the box-shaped housing 10. Note that the processing head 100 in Embodiment 1 is not limited to a configuration with a housing 10, and a configuration without a housing 10 may also be used.

[0014] The material supply unit 1 is, for example, a material supply pipe that supplies additional material W to the processing area P of the stage 200. The additional material W is, for example, a powder or wire-shaped metal material. The material supply unit 1 is, for example, positioned vertically with respect to the stage 200 and supplies the additional material W to the processing area P from the vertical direction. Note that the vertical direction only needs to be approximately vertical and does not need to be strictly vertical. Part of the material supply unit 1 is held inside the housing 10, and the supply port for supplying the additional material W is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. Note that the material supply unit 1 may be provided as part of the processing head 100, or as a separate component from the processing head 100.

[0015] The first laser source 2 includes a first laser oscillator 20, a first optical fiber 21, and a first optical output unit 22. The first laser source 2 emits a first laser beam L from the first laser oscillator 20. １ The first laser light L emitted from the first laser source 2 is emitted through the first optical fiber 21 and irradiated from the first optical output unit 22, which is the output port. １ The light passes through the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A and enters the branching mirror 3. The collimating lens 6A receives the first laser beam L irradiated from the first laser source 2. １ The light is then shaped into approximately parallel light. The collimating lens 6A may consist of one lens or multiple lenses. The first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １When it is already substantially parallel light, the collimating lens 6A may be omitted. The condensing lens 7A condenses the first laser beam L made substantially parallel by the collimating lens 6A １ onto the branching mirror 3.

[0016] The branching mirror 3 has a plurality of reflecting surfaces, and reflects the first laser beam L irradiated by the first laser source 2 １ in a plurality of different directions to split it into a plurality of branched laser beams L ｂ for transmission. The branching mirror 3 is, as an example, a triangular pyramid mirror. The branching mirror 3 reflects the first laser beam L irradiated from the first laser source 2 and condensed by the condensing lens 7A １ in different directions for each reflecting surface to split it into three branched laser beams L ｂ . As a result, the optical path of one first laser beam L emitted from the first laser source 2 １ is branched into three optical paths by the branching mirror 3. In FIG. 1, for the sake of illustration, only two branched laser beams L ｂ are shown, and the third branched laser beam L ｂ is omitted. The branching mirror 3 is arranged such that one apex of the triangular pyramid mirror coincides with the center of the first light output portion 22 of the first laser source 2. As a result, the first laser beam L from the first laser source 2 １ is reflected by the three surfaces adjacent to the apex of the triangular pyramid mirror. Note that the branching mirror 3 is not limited to a configuration having three reflecting surfaces, and may have a configuration having two or four or more reflecting surfaces.

[0017] The folding mirror 4 reflects the branched laser beam L ｂ transmitted from the branching mirror 3 and transmits it toward the processing area P. That is, the folding mirror 4 adjusts the traveling direction of the branched laser beam L ｂ in each branched optical path. The folding mirror 4 has a reflecting surface that is planar as an example. The folding mirror 4 is parabolic as an example. Three folding mirrors 4 are arranged at intervals in rotational symmetry about the axis A in the direction in which the additional material W is supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P. The folding mirror 4 reflects the plurality of branched laser beams L ｂOne mirror is placed in each of the optical paths. Note that in Figure 1, for illustrative purposes only, only the two folding mirrors 4 are shown, and the third folding mirror 4 is omitted.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, showing the processing area of ​​the stage as viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. As shown in Figure 2, the folding mirror 4 is used to direct each branched laser beam L ｂ The laser beams L are branched from three different directions toward the processing area P, with rotational symmetry around axis A. ｂ It transmits the following: that is, each branched laser beam L that is branched by the branching mirror 3. ｂ The branched laser beam L transmitted from the branched mirror 4 is transmitted to the processing area P by the corresponding folding mirror 4 and irradiated onto the added material W and the workpiece 201. ｂ The signals are transmitted from different directions toward the processing area P.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the second laser source 5 is arranged in three positions with rotational symmetry around axis A, which is the direction in which the additional material W is supplied from the material supply unit 1, and as shown in Figure 2, the branched laser beam L is directed towards the processing area P. ｂ The second laser beam L comes from three different directions. ２ The laser is irradiated. Note that in Figure 1, for illustrative purposes only, only two second laser sources 5 are shown, and the third second laser source 5 is omitted. The second laser source 5 includes a second laser oscillator 50, a second optical fiber 51, and a second optical output unit 52. The second laser source 5 emits a second laser beam L from the second laser oscillator 50. ２ The second laser light L is emitted from the second optical output unit 52, which is the output port, through the second optical fiber 51 and irradiates. ２ The light passes through the collimating lens 6B and the focusing lens 7B, and is emitted from the outlet 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P. The collimating lens 6B receives the second laser beam L emitted from the second laser source 5. ２ The light is then shaped into approximately parallel light. The collimating lens 6B may consist of one lens or multiple lenses. The second laser light L irradiated from the second laser source 5２ If the light is already nearly parallel, the collimating lens 6B may be omitted. The focusing lens 7B focuses the second laser beam L, which has been made nearly parallel by the collimating lens 6B. ２ The laser is focused onto the processing area P. Note that the second laser source 5 is not limited to a configuration in which three laser sources are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis A in the direction in which the additional material W is supplied from the material supply unit 1; it may also be configured with two or four or more laser sources arranged rotationally symmetrically.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a second laser oscillator 50 is provided for each second laser source 5, and the second laser light L is emitted from each second laser source 5. ２ It may be configured to oscillate, or it may be configured as a single unit and have multiple second laser sources 5 in common the second laser light L ２ A configuration that causes oscillation is also acceptable.

[0021] In the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1, the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ The beam is reflected in multiple different directions by the branching mirror 3, resulting in multiple branched laser beams L. ｂ It is divided and transmitted, and the branched laser light L ｂ The beam is reflected by the mirror 4 and transmitted towards the processing area P, and the branched laser beam L is directed to the additional material W and the workpiece 201. ｂ The second laser light L emitted by the second laser source 5 is also irradiated. ２ The branched laser beam L is directed towards the processing area P. ｂ The additive material W and the workpiece 201 are irradiated from a different direction. In the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1, the branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２ The workpiece 201 is processed in this manner to manufacture a molded object.

[0022] As described above, the processing head 100 in Embodiment 1 uses the first laser beam L １ A first laser source 2 that irradiates, and the first laser light L irradiated by the first laser source 2 １ By reflecting the light in multiple different directions, multiple branched laser beams L ｂ A branching mirror 3 divides and transmits the signal, and the branched laser light L is transmitted after being branched by the branching mirror 3. ｂMultiple folding mirrors 4 reflect the light and transmit it toward the processing area P, and multiple mirrors are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis A of the direction in which the additional material W is supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P, and branch laser beam L is directed toward the processing area P. ｂ From a different direction, the second laser beam L ２ It includes a second laser source 5 that irradiates with branched laser light L. ｂ and the second laser light L ２ As a result, the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be irradiated from multiple directions, so that the irradiation can surround the additional material W. In this way, the processing head 100 in Embodiment 1 can suppress the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area, thereby suppressing variations in the melting of the additional material W and improving the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the processing head 100 may be configured such that the first laser oscillator 20 emits laser light of a first wavelength, and the second laser oscillator 50 emits laser light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. For example, the first laser oscillator 20 emits an infrared laser, and the second laser oscillator 50 emits a blue laser. In the first embodiment, by mixing different wavelengths, for example, an infrared laser and a blue laser, the processing head 100 can easily fabricate metal materials such as gold, silver, or copper, which are difficult to fabricate with a single wavelength. Metal materials such as gold, silver, or copper, which are highly reflective, reflect infrared lasers with a wavelength of about 1 μm very well. Generally, the laser absorption rate of metal materials increases as the temperature rises. In particular, if a metal material can be heated to the point of melting, the laser absorption rate increases in stages. Even metal materials such as gold, silver, or copper, which are highly reflective, and which are difficult to melt with the wavelength of an infrared laser, can be melted with an infrared laser by increasing the laser absorption rate. Generally, infrared lasers are less expensive and more powerful than blue lasers. Therefore, by first heating a metal material with a blue laser until it melts, and then using an infrared laser to melt a larger portion of the metal, processing costs can be reduced and processing can be performed more efficiently.

[0024] Embodiment 2. Next, the additive manufacturing apparatus 301, 302, and 303 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Note that components identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The additive manufacturing apparatus 301, 302, and 303 according to Embodiment 2 receive branched laser light L transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ The configuration is characterized by having an elliptical shape. Figure 3 is a schematic overall view of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the additive manufacturing apparatus 301 according to Embodiment 2 comprises a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 101 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P with laser light. The configuration of the stage 200 is the same as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] The processing head 101 in Embodiment 2 comprises a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folded mirror 4A, and a housing 10. The configuration of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, and the housing 10 is the same as that of the processing head 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0027] The folding mirror 4A is composed of a cylindrical mirror with a concave spherical reflective surface. The folding mirror 4A is, for example, parabolic in shape. The folding mirror 4A receives the branched laser light L transmitted after branching from the branching mirror 3. ｂ This is transmitted toward the processing area P. In other words, the folding mirror 4A transmits the branched laser light L in each of the branched optical paths. ｂ The direction of travel is adjusted. Three folding mirrors 4A are arranged at intervals in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the axis A, which is the direction in which the additional material W is supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P. The folding mirrors 4A adjust the direction of travel of the three branched laser beams L ｂOne is placed in each optical path. Note that in Figure 3, for illustrative purposes, only the two folding mirrors 4A are shown, and the third folding mirror 4A is omitted. Each branched laser beam L is branched by the branching mirror 3 and transmitted by the folding mirror 4A. ｂ The material is ejected from the injection port 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P.

[0028] The folded mirror 4A, in rotational symmetry with respect to axis A, directs branched laser beams L from three different directions toward the processing area P. ｂ It transmits the following: that is, each branched laser beam L that is branched by the branching mirror 3. ｂ The beams are transmitted to the processing area P by the corresponding folding mirrors 4A and irradiated onto the additive material W and the workpiece 201. Figure 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the processing area of ​​the stage as viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied, in an additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 4, each branched laser beam L transmitted by the folding mirrors 4A ｂ The light is formed into an elliptical shape by a folded mirror 4A made of cylindrical mirrors, and is irradiated so as to surround the periphery of the additional material W supplied to the processing area P.

[0029] In the additive manufacturing apparatus 301 according to Embodiment 2, the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ The beam is reflected in multiple different directions by the branching mirror 3, resulting in multiple branched laser beams L. ｂ It is divided and transmitted, and the branched laser light L ｂ The beam is folded back and reflected by mirror 4A to form an elliptical branched laser beam L ｂ The signal is transmitted towards the processing area P, and the branched laser beam L is directed to the additional material W and the workpiece 201. ｂ The laser beam L is irradiated. In the additive manufacturing apparatus 301 according to Embodiment 2, an elliptical branched laser beam L is irradiated. ｂ The workpiece 201 is processed to manufacture a molded object.

[0030] As described above, in the second embodiment, the processing head 101 has a folding mirror 4A which is made of a cylindrical mirror, so the branched laser beam L ｂThe shape can be made elliptical. As a result, in Embodiment 2, the processing head 101 has branched laser beam L so as to surround the periphery of the additional material W supplied to the processing area P. ｂ Since it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2, in which the processing area of ​​the stage is viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. As shown in Figure 5, branched laser light L is transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ The elliptical arc may be configured such that at least a portion of it extends outward. Figure 5 shows, as an example, a shape in which the elliptical arc is extended radially with respect to the center O of the added material W. Branched laser beam L ｂ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, for example, coma aberration may be utilized by making the reflective surface of the folding mirror 4A a non-parabolic surface or by tilting it, or an aspherical lens or an asymmetric lens may be used for the folding mirror 4A. This will allow the branched laser beam L ｂ The irradiation area can be expanded, and the area surrounding the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be expanded. ｂ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A, or other techniques may be used. The processing head 101 uses a diffractive optical element to split the laser beam L ｂ The beam shape can be changed to any desired shape.

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic overall view showing a modified example 2 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 6, the additive manufacturing apparatus 302 includes a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 102 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P with laser light. The configuration of the stage 200 is the same as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] The processing head 102 comprises a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4, a cylindrical lens 8A, and a housing 10. The configuration of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the folding mirror 4, and the housing 10 is the same as that of the processing head 100 in the first embodiment described above.

[0034] The cylindrical lens 8A receives the branched laser beam L from the branching mirror 3 to the processing area P. ｂ Each cylindrical lens 8A is positioned in its respective optical path. For example, the cylindrical lens 8A is parabolic in shape. Figure 6 shows, as an example, a configuration in which the cylindrical lens 8A is positioned in the optical path between the folding mirror 4 and the processing area P. Although not shown in the figure, the cylindrical lens 8A may also be positioned in the optical path between the branching mirror 3 and the folding mirror 4. Three cylindrical lenses 8A are positioned, corresponding to the number of folding mirrors 4. Note that in Figure 6, for illustrative purposes, only two cylindrical lenses 8A are shown, and the third cylindrical lens 8A is omitted.

[0035] Each branched laser beam L is branched by the branching mirror 3 and transmitted by the folding mirror 4. ｂ The branched laser beam L, which has become elliptical after passing through the cylindrical lens 8A, is emitted from the outlet 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the branched laser beam L has become elliptical after passing through the cylindrical lens 8A. ｂ The light is irradiated so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P.

[0036] As described above, the processing head 102 in the modified example 2 of Embodiment 2 uses branched laser light L from the branched mirror 3 to the processing area P. ｂ Since cylindrical lens 8A is positioned in the optical path of the branched laser beam L ｂ The shape can be made elliptical. This allows the processing head 102 to surround the added material W supplied to the processing area P with branched laser beam L. ｂSince it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0037] In addition, in the modification 2 of Embodiment 2, the processing head 102 also transmits branched laser light L to the processing area P. ｂ For example, as shown in Figure 5, the shape may be one in which at least a part of the elliptical arc extends outward. Branched laser beam L ｂ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, for example, coma aberration may be utilized by making the cylindrical lens 8A a non-parabolic surface or by tilting it, or an aspherical lens or an asymmetric lens may be used for the cylindrical lens 8A. This will allow the branched laser beam L ｂ The irradiation area can be expanded, and the area surrounding the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be expanded. ｂ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A, or other techniques may be used.

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic overall view showing a modified example 3 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 7, the additive manufacturing apparatus 303 includes a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 103 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P with laser light. The configuration of the stage 200 is the same as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] The processing head 103 comprises a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4, a diffractive optical element 9, and a housing 10. The configuration of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the folding mirror 4, and the housing 10 is the same as that of the processing head 100 in the first embodiment described above.

[0040] The diffractive optical element 9 receives the first laser light L emitted from the first laser source 2. １is elliptical. The diffractive optical element 9 is, for example, disposed between the collimating lens 6A and the condensing lens 7A. Although not shown, the diffractive optical element 9 may be disposed at other positions as long as it is on the optical path between the first laser source 2 and the branching mirror 3. The first laser beam L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ passes through the collimating lens 6A, the diffractive optical element 9, and the condensing lens 7A in this order and enters the branching mirror 3. In addition, in the processing head 103 in the third modification of the second embodiment, by using the diffractive optical element 9, the first laser beam L １ can be changed to an elliptical shape. In addition to this, the first laser beam L １ can be branched into a plurality of laser beams, and may be configured to form a ring shape as an aggregate of the plurality of branched laser beams L ｂ in the processing area P. As a result, a large amount of the first laser beam L １ is irradiated onto each plane of the branching mirror 3, and the first laser beam L １ hitting the apexes and corners of the branching mirror 3 can be suppressed, so that the utilization efficiency of the first laser beam L １ can be increased.

[0041] In the processing head 103, the first laser beam L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ becomes elliptical by the diffractive optical element 9 and is split by the branching mirror 3 into three branched laser beams L ｂ . Then, each branched laser beam L ｂ is transmitted by the folding mirror 4 and is irradiated so as to surround the periphery of the additional material W supplied to the processing area P, for example, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0042] As described above, in the processing head 103 in the third modification of the second embodiment, since the diffractive optical element 9 is disposed on the optical path of the first laser beam L from the first laser source 2 to the branching mirror 3, the shape of the branched laser beam L １ can be made elliptical. As a result, the processing head 103 can surround the periphery of the additional material W supplied to the processing area P with the branched laser beam L ｂ . ｂSince it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0043] Furthermore, in the modification 3 of Embodiment 2, the processing head 103 also transmits branched laser light L to the processing area P. ｂ For example, as shown in Figure 5, the shape may be one in which at least a part of the elliptical arc extends outward. Branched laser beam L ｂ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, for example, the diffractive optical element 9 may be subjected to processing, or other techniques may be used.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the branched laser beam L transmitted to the processing area P ｂ The means of making the shape elliptical is not limited to the configuration using the folded mirror 4A, cylindrical lens 8A, and diffractive optical element 9. ｂ Other techniques may be used if it is possible to make it elliptical in shape. For example, the end face of the first light output section 22 of the first laser source 2 may be made elliptical in shape.

[0045] Embodiment 3. Next, the additive manufacturing apparatus 304, 305, and 306 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Note that components identical to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The additive manufacturing apparatus 304, 305, and 306 according to Embodiment 3 receive branched laser light L transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ Then, the second laser beam L is irradiated onto the processing area P. ２ The configuration is characterized by having an elliptical shape. Figure 8 is a schematic overall view of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, the additive manufacturing apparatus 304 according to Embodiment 3 includes a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 104 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P with laser light. The configuration of the stage 200 is the same as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1.

[0047] In Embodiment 3, the processing head 104 includes a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4A, a second laser source 5, a cylindrical lens 8B, and a housing 10. The configurations of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the second laser source 5, and the housing 10 are the same as those of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the second laser source 5, and the housing 10 that constitute the processing head 100 in the above Embodiment 1.

[0048] The folding mirror 4A has the same configuration as the folding mirror 4A that constitutes the processing head 101 in the above Embodiment 2. That is, the folding mirror 4A is composed of a cylindrical mirror with a concave spherical reflecting surface. The folding mirror 4A transmits the branched laser beam L ｂ transmitted from the branching mirror 3 toward the processing area P. Three folding mirrors 4A are arranged at intervals symmetrically about the axis A in the direction in which the additional material W is supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P. The folding mirror 4A is arranged one by one in the optical path of each of the three branched laser beams L ｂ branched. In FIG. 8, only two folding mirrors 4A are shown for the sake of illustration, and the third folding mirror 4A is omitted. Each branched laser beam L ｂ branched by the branching mirror 3 and transmitted by the folding mirror 4A is emitted from the emission port 10a of the housing 10 and enters the processing area P.

[0049] The cylindrical lenses 8B are positioned in each optical path from the second laser source 5 to the processing area P. Figure 8 shows, as an example, a configuration in which the cylindrical lens 8B is positioned in the optical path between the focusing lens 7B and the processing area P. Although not shown in the figure, the cylindrical lens 8B can be positioned in any configuration within the optical path from the second laser source 5 to the processing area P; for example, it may be positioned between the collimating lens 6B and the focusing lens 7B. Three cylindrical lenses 8B are positioned, corresponding to the number of second laser sources 5. Note that in Figure 8, for illustrative purposes, only two cylindrical lenses 8B are shown, and the third cylindrical lens 8B is omitted. The second laser light L is irradiated from the second laser source 5. ２ The material passes through the collimating lens 6B, the focusing lens 7B, and the cylindrical lens 8B in that order, and is ejected from the outlet 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P.

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3, where the processing area of ​​the stage is viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. As shown in Figure 9, each branched laser beam L transmitted by the folding mirror 4A ｂ The beam, formed by a folded mirror 4A made of a cylindrical mirror, becomes elliptical in shape and is irradiated so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P. In addition, the second laser beam L irradiated from the second laser source 5 and passing through the cylindrical lens 8B ２ is a branched laser beam L ｂ The branched laser beam L has an almost identical elliptical shape. ｂ The light overlaps with the added material W supplied to the processing area P and is irradiated in a way that surrounds it.

[0051] In the additive manufacturing apparatus 304 according to Embodiment 3, the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ The beam is reflected in multiple different directions by the branching mirror 3, resulting in multiple branched laser beams L. ｂ It is divided and transmitted, and the branched laser light L ｂ The beam is folded back and reflected by mirror 4A to form an elliptical branched laser beam L ｂThe signal is transmitted towards the processing area P, and the branched laser beam L is directed to the additional material W and the workpiece 201. ｂ The laser is irradiated. In addition, the second laser beam L, which is irradiated from the second laser source 5 and has an elliptical shape, is irradiated. ２ The branched laser beam L is directed towards the processing area P. ｂ The additive material W and the workpiece 201 are irradiated from a different direction. In the additive manufacturing apparatus 304 according to Embodiment 3, an elliptical branched laser beam L ｂ And the elliptical second laser beam L ２ The workpiece 201 is processed in this manner to manufacture a molded object.

[0052] As described above, in the third embodiment, the processing head 104 has a folding mirror 4A which is composed of a cylindrical mirror, and a cylindrical lens 8B is arranged in the optical path from the second laser source 5 to the processing area P, so the branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２ The shape can be made elliptical. As a result, in Embodiment 3, the processing head 104 will surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P with branched laser light L ｂ and the second laser light L ２ Since it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0053] In the third embodiment, the processing head 104, like the processing head 100 in the first embodiment, emits a first laser beam L of a first wavelength from the first laser oscillator 20. １ The second laser oscillator 50 emits a second laser beam L with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. ２ The configuration may also be such that a branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２Both the laser and the laser beam are elliptical in shape, allowing for a consistent irradiation range. In other words, after irradiating with a blue laser to increase absorption, an infrared laser can be irradiated over the area irradiated with the blue laser, making it easier to fabricate metallic materials such as gold, silver, or copper.

[0054] Figure 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3, in which the processing area of ​​the stage is viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. As shown in Figure 10, branched laser light L is transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ Then, the second laser beam L is irradiated onto the processing area P. ２ This means that the shape may be such that at least a portion of the elliptical arc extends outward. Figure 10 shows, as an example, a shape in which the elliptical arc is extended radially with respect to the center O of the added material W. Branched laser beam L ｂ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, for example, coma aberration may be utilized by making the reflective surface of the folding mirror 4A a non-parabolic surface or by tilting it, or an aspherical lens or an asymmetric lens may be used for the folding mirror 4A. This will allow the branched laser beam L ｂ The irradiation area can be expanded, and the area surrounding the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be expanded. ｂ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; for example, a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A, or other techniques may be used.

[0055] Also, the second laser beam L ２ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, for example, coma aberration may be utilized by making the cylindrical lens 8B a non-parabolic surface or by tilting it, or an aspherical lens or an asymmetric lens may be used for the cylindrical lens 8B. This will allow the second laser beam L ２ The irradiation area can be expanded, and the area surrounding the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be expanded. ２The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; for example, a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6B and the focusing lens 7B, or other techniques may be used.

[0056] Figure 11 is a schematic overall view showing a modified example 2 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 11, the additive manufacturing apparatus 305 includes a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 105 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P with laser light. The configuration of the stage 200 is the same as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1.

[0057] The processing head 105 comprises a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4, a second laser source 5, cylindrical lenses 8A and 8B, and a housing 10. The configuration of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the folding mirror 4, the second laser source 5, and the housing 10 is the same as that of the processing head 100 in the first embodiment described above.

[0058] The cylindrical lens 8A has the same configuration as the cylindrical lens 8A that constitutes the processing head 102 in the modified example 2 of the above embodiment 2. That is, the cylindrical lens 8A receives the branched laser light L from the branching mirror 3 to the processing area P. ｂ Each is positioned in its respective optical path. Figure 11 shows, as an example, a configuration in which the cylindrical lens 8A is positioned in the optical path between the folding mirror 4 and the processing area P. Although not shown in the figure, the cylindrical lens 8A may also be positioned in the optical path between the branching mirror 3 and the folding mirror 4. Three cylindrical lenses 8A are arranged, corresponding to the number of folding mirrors 4. Note that in Figure 11, for illustrative purposes only, only two cylindrical lenses 8A are shown, and the third cylindrical lens 8A is omitted. Each branched laser beam L is branched by the branching mirror 3 and transmitted by the folding mirror 4. ｂThe material passes through the cylindrical lens 8A and is ejected from the outlet 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P.

[0059] The cylindrical lens 8B has the same configuration as the cylindrical lens 8B shown in Figure 8. Three cylindrical lenses 8B are arranged to match the number of second laser sources 5. Note that in Figure 11, for illustrative purposes only, only two cylindrical lenses 8B are shown, and the third cylindrical lens 8B is omitted. The second laser light L is irradiated from the second laser source 5. ２ The material passes through the collimating lens 6B, the focusing lens 7B, and the cylindrical lens 8B in that order, and is ejected from the outlet 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P.

[0060] The branched laser light L is transmitted by the folding mirror 4 and passes through the cylindrical lens 8A. ｂ As shown in Figure 9, for example, the beam becomes elliptical after passing through the cylindrical lens 8A and is irradiated so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P. In addition, the second laser beam L irradiated from the second laser source 5 and passing through the cylindrical lens 8B ２ For example, as shown in Figure 9, the branched laser beam L ｂ The branched laser beam L has an almost identical elliptical shape. ｂ The light overlaps with the added material W supplied to the processing area P and is irradiated in a way that surrounds it.

[0061] As described above, the processing head 105 in the modified example 2 of Embodiment 3 uses branched laser light L from the branched mirror 3 to the processing area P. ｂ Since a cylindrical lens 8A is positioned in the optical path of the branched laser beam L, and a cylindrical lens 8B is positioned in the optical path from the second laser source 5 to the processing area P, the branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２ The shape can be made elliptical. This allows the processing head 105 to surround the added material W supplied to the processing area P with branched laser beam L. ｂ and the second laser light L ２Since it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0062] In addition, in the processing head 105 of the modified example 2 of Embodiment 3, the first laser oscillator 20 emits a first laser beam L of a first wavelength. １ The second laser oscillator 50 emits a second laser beam L with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. ２ A configuration that causes oscillation may also be used.

[0063] Furthermore, in the processing head 105 of the modified example 2 of Embodiment 3, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the branched laser light L is transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ Then, the second laser beam L is irradiated onto the processing area P. ２ This means that the elliptical arc may be configured such that at least a portion of it is extended outwards. As a means of extending the elliptical arc outwards, coma aberration may be utilized by making the cylindrical lenses 8A and 8B non-parabolic or tilting them, or aspherical lenses or asymmetric lenses may be used for the cylindrical lenses 8A and 8B. This will result in the branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２ The irradiation area can be expanded, and the area surrounding the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be expanded. ｂ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A, or other techniques may be used. Also, the second laser beam L ２ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6B and the focusing lens 7B, or other techniques may be used.

[0064] Figure 12 is a schematic overall view showing a modified example 3 of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 12, the additive manufacturing apparatus 306 includes a stage 200 on which the workpiece 201 is placed, and a processing head 106 that processes the workpiece 201 by irradiating the additive material W supplied from the material supply unit 1 toward the processing area P with laser light. The configuration of the stage 200 is the same as that of the additive manufacturing apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 1.

[0065] The processing head 106 comprises a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4, a second laser source 5, a cylindrical lens 8B, a diffractive optical element 9, and a housing 10. The configuration of the material supply unit 1, the first laser source 2, the branching mirror 3, the folding mirror 4, the second laser source 5, and the housing 10 is the same as that of the processing head 100 in the first embodiment described above.

[0066] The diffractive optical element 9 has the same configuration as the diffractive optical element 9 that constitutes the processing head 103 in the modified example 3 of the second embodiment described above. That is, the diffractive optical element 9 receives the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2. １ This causes the beam to be elliptical. The diffractive optical element 9 is, for example, placed between the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A. Although not shown in the diagram, the diffractive optical element 9 may be placed at any other position in the optical path between the first laser source 2 and the branching mirror 3. The first laser light L is irradiated from the first laser source 2. １ The first laser beam L passes through the collimating lens 6A, the diffractive optical element 9, and the focusing lens 7A in that order before entering the branching mirror 3. In the modified example 3 of Embodiment 3, the processing head 106 uses the diffractive optical element 9 to... １ In addition to being able to change the shape of the first laser beam L １ The laser beam is split into multiple laser beams L in the processing area P. ｂ The assembly may be arranged in a ring shape. This allows the first laser beam L to be projected onto each plane of the branched mirror 3. １The first laser beam L is irradiated in large quantities and hits the vertices and corners of the branched mirror 3. １ Because it can suppress the first laser beam L １ This can improve utilization efficiency.

[0067] The cylindrical lens 8B has the same configuration as the cylindrical lens 8B shown in Figures 8 and 11. Three cylindrical lenses 8B are arranged to match the number of second laser sources 5. Note that in Figure 12, for illustrative purposes only, only two cylindrical lenses 8B are shown, and the third cylindrical lens 8B is omitted. The second laser light L is irradiated from the second laser source 5. ２ The material passes through the collimating lens 6B, the focusing lens 7B, and the cylindrical lens 8B in that order, and is ejected from the outlet 10a of the housing 10 and incident on the processing area P.

[0068] In the processing head 106, the first laser beam L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ However, it becomes elliptical due to the diffractive optical element 9, and is divided into three branched laser beams L by the branching mirror 3. ｂ And so it becomes. Then, each branched laser beam L ｂ The light is transmitted by the folding mirror 4 and irradiated so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P, for example, as shown in Figure 9. In addition, the second laser light L irradiated from the second laser source 5 and passing through the cylindrical lens 8B ２ For example, as shown in Figure 9, the branched laser beam L ｂ The branched laser beam L has an almost identical elliptical shape. ｂ The light overlaps with the added material W supplied to the processing area P and is irradiated in a way that surrounds it.

[0069] As described above, the processing head 106 in the modified example 3 of Embodiment 3 receives the first laser beam L from the first laser source 2 to the branching mirror 3. １ Since a diffractive optical element 9 is placed in the optical path of the branched laser beam L, and a cylindrical lens 8B is placed in the optical path from the second laser source 5 to the processing area P, the branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２The shape can be made elliptical. This allows the processing head 106 to surround the added material W supplied to the processing area P with branched laser beam L. ｂ and the second laser light L ２ Since it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0070] In addition, in the modification 3 of Embodiment 3, the processing head 106 also emits a first laser beam L of a first wavelength from the first laser oscillator 20. １ The second laser oscillator 50 emits a second laser beam L with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. ２ A configuration that causes oscillation may also be used.

[0071] Furthermore, in the modification 3 of Embodiment 3, the processing head 106 also, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the branched laser light L is transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ Then, the second laser beam L is irradiated onto the processing area P. ２ This may be configured such that at least a portion of the elliptical arc is extended outwards. Branched laser beam L ｂ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, for example, the diffractive optical element 9 may be subjected to processing, or other techniques may be used. Also, the second laser beam L ２ As a means of expanding the elliptical arc outward, coma aberration may be utilized by making the cylindrical lens 8B a non-parabolic surface or by tilting it, or an aspherical lens or an asymmetric lens may be used for the cylindrical lens 8B. This will allow the branched laser beam L ｂ and the second laser light L ２ The irradiation area can be expanded, and the area surrounding the additional material W supplied to the processing area P can be expanded. ｂ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration, and other techniques may be used. Also, the second laser beam L ２ The means for expanding the elliptical arc outward is not limited to the above configuration; for example, a diffractive optical element may be provided between the collimating lens 6B and the focusing lens 7B, or other techniques may be used.

[0072] In Embodiment 3, the branched laser beam L transmitted to the processing area P ｂ The means of making the shape elliptical is not limited to the configuration using the folded mirror 4A, cylindrical lens 8A, and diffractive optical element 9. ｂ Other techniques may be used if it is possible to make it elliptical in shape. For example, the end face of the first light output section 22 of the first laser source 2 may be made elliptical in shape.

[0073] Similarly, in Embodiment 3, the second laser beam L irradiated onto the processing area P ２ The means of making the second laser beam L elliptical is not limited to the configuration using the cylindrical lens 8B described above. For example, a diffractive optical element may be placed between the collimating lens 6B and the focusing lens 7B, or the end face of the second optical output section 52 of the second laser source 5 may be made elliptical. ２ The shape is not limited to an elliptical shape; it may be rectangular by making the end face of the second optical output section 52 of the second laser source 5 rectangular.

[0074] Embodiment 4. Next, the additive manufacturing apparatus 307 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Note that components identical to those in Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Figure 13 is a schematic overall view of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 4.

[0075] As shown in Figure 13, the additive manufacturing apparatus 307 according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration as the additive manufacturing apparatus 303 shown in Figure 7, except for the configuration of the diffractive optical element 9A. The processing head 107 in Embodiment 4 includes a material supply unit 1, a first laser source 2, a branching mirror 3, a folding mirror 4, a diffractive optical element 9A, and a housing 10.

[0076] The diffractive optical element 9A receives the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2. １ The first laser light L is irradiated from the first laser source 2. １The element is processed to form a ring shape. The diffractive optical element 9A is, for example, placed between the collimating lens 6A and the focusing lens 7A. Although not shown in the diagram, the diffractive optical element 9A may be placed at any other position in the optical path between the first laser source 2 and the branching mirror 3. The first laser light L is irradiated from the first laser source 2. １ The light passes through the collimating lens 6A, the diffractive optical element 9A, and the focusing lens 7A in that order before entering the branching mirror 3.

[0077] In the processing head 107 of Embodiment 4, the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2 １ However, the diffractive optical element 9A forms a ring shape, and the branching mirror 3 divides it into three fan-shaped branched laser beams L ｂ And so it becomes. Then, each branched laser beam L ｂ The light is transmitted by the folding mirror 4 and irradiated onto the additional material W supplied to the processing area P.

[0078] Figure 14 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 4, where the processing area of ​​the stage is viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. As shown in Figure 14, each branched laser beam L is transmitted to the processing area P by the folding mirror 4. ｂ It is said to be fan-shaped. And three branched laser beams L ｂ The combined aggregate L is in the shape of a ring and is irradiated so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P.

[0079] In the additive manufacturing apparatus 307 according to Embodiment 4, the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2 and passing through the diffractive optical element 9A １ The beam is reflected in multiple different directions by the branching mirror 3, resulting in multiple branched laser beams L. ｂ It is divided and transmitted, and the branched laser light L ｂ The beam is folded back and reflected by mirror 4 to create a branched laser beam L. ｂ The signal is transmitted toward the processing area P, and the branched laser light L, which is diffractive in a ring shape by the optical element 9A, is directed toward the added material W and the workpiece 201. ｂ The aggregate L is irradiated. In the additive manufacturing apparatus 307 according to Embodiment 4, the branched laser light Lｂ The assembly L processes the workpiece 201 to manufacture a molded object.

[0080] As described above, the processing head 107 in Embodiment 4 receives the first laser beam L from the first laser source 2 to the branching mirror 3. １ The branched laser beam L transmitted to the processing area P in the optical path ｂ A diffractive optical element 9A is arranged to form a ring shape around the aggregate L. As a result, in Embodiment 4, the processing head 107 emits branched laser light L so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P. ｂ Since it is possible to irradiate with laser light, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved.

[0081] Figure 15 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 4, where the processing area of ​​the stage is viewed from the direction in which the additive material is supplied. As shown in Figure 15, the diffractive optical element 9A receives the first laser light L irradiated from the first laser source 2. １ The laser beam is split into multiple laser beams, and the split laser beams L are transmitted to the processing area P. ｂ The aggregate L may be configured to form a ring shape. In Figure 15, the circular branched laser beam L ｂ A ring shape is formed by an assembly L made up of 12 of these, and it is irradiated so as to surround the additional material W supplied to the processing area P. ｂ The number is not limited to the 12 shown in the illustration, but may be any other number.

[0082] In the modified processing head of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 4, the anisotropy of the laser beam irradiation area can be suppressed, and the processing accuracy of the workpiece 201 can be improved. １ The laser beam is split into multiple laser beams L in the processing area P. ｂ Since the assembly L is configured in a ring shape, the first laser beam L is directed to each plane of the branching mirror 3. １ The first laser beam L is irradiated in large quantities and hits the vertices and corners of the branched mirror 3. １ This can suppress the first laser light L１ It can also improve utilization efficiency.

[0083] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be combined with other known technologies, or the embodiments themselves can be combined. Furthermore, it is possible to omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0084] 1 Material supply unit, 2 First laser source, 3 Branch mirror, 4, 4A Folding mirror, 5 Second laser source, 6A, 6B Collimating lens, 7A, 7B Focusing lens, 8A, 8B Cylindrical lens, 9, 9A Diffractive optical element, 10 Housing, 10a Output port, 20 First laser oscillator, 21 First optical fiber, 22 First optical output unit, 50 Second laser oscillator, 51 Second optical fiber, 52 Second optical output unit, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 Processing head, 200 Stage, 201 Workpiece, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 Additive manufacturing apparatus, L Assembly, L １ First laser beam, L ２ Second laser beam, L ｂ Branched laser beam, P: processing area, W: added material.

Claims

1. A processing head for processing a workpiece by irradiating an additional material supplied from a material supply unit toward a processing area with laser light, comprising: a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam; a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in a plurality of different directions to divide and transmit it into a plurality of branched laser beams; a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area; and a plurality of second laser sources arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the direction in which the additional material is supplied from the material supply unit toward the processing area, and irradiating a second laser beam toward the processing area from a direction different from the branched laser beams.

2. The processing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the first laser source irradiates with first laser light of a first wavelength, and the second laser source irradiates with second laser light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

3. The processing head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the branched laser beam transmitted to the processing area is elliptical in shape, and the second laser beam irradiated onto the processing area is elliptical in shape.

4. The processing head according to claim 3, characterized in that the folding mirror is composed of a cylindrical mirror with a concave spherical reflective surface, and the branched laser light transmitted to the processing area is made elliptical by the folding mirror.

5. The processing head according to claim 3, further comprising a first cylindrical lens positioned in the optical path of the branched laser light from the branching mirror to the processing area, wherein the branched laser light transmitted to the processing area is elliptical in shape by the first cylindrical lens.

6. The processing head according to claim 3, further comprising a diffractive optical element arranged in the optical path of the first laser beam from the first laser source to the branching mirror, wherein the branching laser beam transmitted to the processing area is shaped into an elliptical form by the diffractive optical element.

7. The processing head according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a second cylindrical lens positioned in the optical path of the second laser beam from the second laser source to the processing area, wherein the second laser beam irradiated onto the processing area is elliptical in shape by the second cylindrical lens.

8. The processing head according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the branched laser beam transmitted to the processing area has a shape in which at least a portion of the arc of an ellipse is extended outward, and the second laser beam irradiated onto the processing area has a shape in which at least a portion of the arc of an ellipse is extended outward.

9. A processing head for processing a workpiece by irradiating an additional material supplied from a material supply unit toward a processing area with laser light, comprising: a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam; a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in a plurality of different directions to divide and transmit it into a plurality of branched laser beams; and a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area, wherein the branched laser beams transmitted toward the processing area are elliptical in shape.

10. The processing head according to claim 9, characterized in that the folding mirror is composed of a cylindrical mirror with a concave spherical reflective surface, and the branched laser light transmitted to the processing area is made elliptical by the folding mirror.

11. The processing head according to claim 9, further comprising a cylindrical lens positioned in the optical path of the branched laser light from the branching mirror to the processing area, wherein the branched laser light transmitted to the processing area is elliptical in shape by the cylindrical lens.

12. The processing head according to claim 9, further comprising a diffractive optical element arranged in the optical path of the first laser beam from the first laser source to the branching mirror, wherein the branching laser beam transmitted to the processing area is shaped into an elliptical form by the diffractive optical element.

13. The processing head according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the branched laser beam transmitted to the processing area has a shape in which at least a portion of the elliptical arc is extended outwards.

14. A processing head for processing a workpiece by irradiating an additional material supplied from a material supply unit toward a processing area with laser light, comprising: a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam; a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in a plurality of different directions to divide and transmit it into a plurality of branched laser beams; a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area; and a diffractive optical element arranged in the optical path of the first laser beam from the first laser source to the branching mirror, which forms a ring shape with the aggregate of branched laser beams transmitted toward the processing area.

15. Additive manufacturing apparatus comprising: a stage on which a workpiece is placed; and a processing head that processes the workpiece by irradiating an additive material supplied from a material supply unit toward the processing area of ​​the stage with laser light, wherein the processing head includes: a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam; a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in a plurality of different directions to divide and transmit it into a plurality of branched laser beams; a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area; and a plurality of second laser sources arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the direction in which the additive material is supplied from the material supply unit toward the processing area, and irradiating a second laser beam toward the processing area from a direction different from the branched laser beams.

16. Additive manufacturing apparatus comprising: a stage on which a workpiece is placed; and a processing head that processes the workpiece by irradiating an additive material supplied from a material supply unit toward the processing area of ​​the stage with laser light, wherein the processing head comprises: a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam; a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in a plurality of different directions to divide and transmit it into a plurality of branched laser beams; and a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area, wherein the branched laser beams transmitted toward the processing area are elliptical in shape.

17. Additive manufacturing apparatus comprising: a stage on which a workpiece is placed; and a processing head that processes the workpiece by irradiating an additive material supplied from a material supply unit toward the processing area of ​​the stage with laser light, wherein the processing head comprises: a first laser source that irradiates a first laser beam; a branching mirror that reflects the first laser beam irradiated by the first laser source in a plurality of different directions to divide and transmit it into a plurality of branched laser beams; a plurality of folding mirrors that reflect the branched laser beams transmitted by the branching mirror toward the processing area; and a diffractive optical element arranged in the optical path of the first laser beam from the first laser source to the branching mirror, which forms a ring shape with respect to the aggregate of branched laser beams transmitted toward the processing area.

18. Additive manufacturing method for manufacturing a molded object by irradiating an additive material supplied from a material supply unit toward a processing area with laser light to process a workpiece, comprising the steps of: reflecting a first laser beam emitted from a first laser source in multiple different directions using a branching mirror to divide it into multiple branched laser beams and transmit them; reflecting the branched laser beams using a return mirror and transmitting them toward the processing area to irradiate the additive material and the workpiece with the branched laser beams; and irradiating the additive material and the workpiece with a second laser beam emitted from a second laser source toward the processing area from a direction different from that of the branched laser beams, wherein the workpiece is processed by the branched laser beams and the second laser beams to manufacture a molded object.

19. Additive manufacturing method for manufacturing a molded object by irradiating an add-on material supplied from a material supply unit toward a processing area with laser light to process a workpiece, comprising the steps of: reflecting a first laser beam irradiated from a first laser source in multiple different directions using a branching mirror to divide it into multiple branched laser beams and transmit them; reflecting the branched laser beams using a folding mirror to transmit the elliptical-shaped branched laser beams toward the processing area; and irradiating the add-on material and the workpiece with the branched laser beams, thereby manufacturing a molded object by processing the workpiece with the elliptical-shaped branched laser beams.

20. Additive manufacturing method for manufacturing a molded object by irradiating an additive material supplied from a material supply unit toward a processing area with laser light to process a workpiece, comprising the steps of: irradiating a first laser beam from a first laser source, passing through a diffractive optical element, reflecting the first laser beam in multiple different directions using a branching mirror to split it into multiple branched laser beams and transmitting them; reflecting the branched laser beams using a return mirror to transmit the branched laser beams toward the processing area to irradiate the additive material and the workpiece with an aggregate of branched laser beams that has been formed into a ring shape by the diffractive optical element; and manufacturing a molded object by processing the workpiece with the aggregate of branched laser beams.

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