Information processing device, method for controlling information processing device, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, a method for controlling the information processing device, and a program that are capable of easily and appropriately producing an additively manufactured product which includes an intentional defect at a target position.　An information processing device 10 controls a 3D printer 1 that melts a wire material 6 directly or indirectly by a directional energy deposition method to produce an additively manufactured product 5. The information processing device 10 includes a defect formation control processing unit 40 that executes control for intentionally forming a defect inside the additively manufactured product 5. The defect formation control processing unit 40 generates control information that changes a fabrication parameter of the 3D printer 1 so that a defect 60 is formed at a target position of the additively manufactured product 5.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Control Method of Information Processing Apparatus, and Program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method of the information processing apparatus, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, a technique of melting a metal by a heat source device such as a laser and laminating and shaping it into a desired shape is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes this type of technique. Patent Document 1 relates to a shaping apparatus including at least a beam irradiation unit including an optical system that emits an energy beam, and a material supply unit that supplies a shaping material to the irradiation position of the energy beam, and a shaping control unit that controls the shaping of a structure by the shaping unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2025-069158

[0004] By the way, in various technical fields such as material evaluation, structural integrity verification, fracture behavior analysis, and verification of non-destructive inspection techniques, a test piece including a specified defect is required. In particular, in the verification of non-destructive inspection techniques, it is necessary to prepare a structure having a defect. From the viewpoints of cultivating non-destructive inspection technicians and technological development, a test piece including a specified defect is indispensable. However, obtaining a test piece with an ideal defect is costly. There is no choice but to rely on a skilled technician who can intentionally break the test piece, but many technicians who can create defects are also aging and retiring in a few years. It takes more than five years for technology inheritance. Although it is conceivable to use a test piece with a simulated defect at a low cost, it is unclear whether the specified defect is appropriately simulated. There was room for improvement in the conventional technology from the viewpoint of manufacturing a test piece including a defect with low cost and good reproducibility. For the development of these technical fields, a technique for manufacturing a test piece having physical and metallurgical characteristics equivalent to those of an actual defect with good reproducibility is required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method of the information processing apparatus, and a program that can easily and appropriately manufacture a laminated shaped object including an intentional defect at a target position.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for controlling a 3D printer that manufactures an additively formed object by melting wire material using directed energy deposition, comprising a defect generation control means for generating control information for intentionally generating defects inside the additively formed object, wherein the defect generation control means generates the control information for changing the molding parameters of the 3D printer so as to generate the defects at target positions in the additively formed object.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an information processing device for controlling a 3D printer that manufactures an additively formed object by melting wire material using directed energy deposition, the method comprising a defect generation control step of generating control information for intentionally generating defects inside the additively formed object, wherein the defect generation control step generates control information for changing the molding parameters of the 3D printer so as to generate the defects at target locations in the additively formed object.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a computer program for controlling a 3D printer that manufactures an additively formed object by melting wire material using directed energy deposition, wherein the computer executes a control process that includes a defect generation control step which generates control information for intentionally generating defects inside the additively formed object, and the defect generation control step which generates control information for changing the molding parameters of the 3D printer so as to generate the defects at target locations in the additively formed object.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a control method for the information processing device, and a program that can easily and appropriately manufacture additively manufactured objects containing intentional defects at target locations.

[0010] This figure shows a three-dimensional structure manufacturing system to which an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the specific types of defects. This is a plan view showing an additively manufactured object and jig containing defects in the first example. This is a side view showing an additively manufactured object and jig containing defects in the first example. This is a schematic diagram explaining the bead pattern and bead spacing that change according to the number of layers. This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section of a defect formed by repeating the layering pattern. This is a plan view showing an additively manufactured object and jig containing defects in the second example. This is a side view showing an additively manufactured object and jig containing defects in the second example. This is a schematic diagram explaining the generation of defects in the removal portion of the first example. This is a schematic diagram explaining the generation of defects in the removal portion of the second example. This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the additive manufacturing process of the information processing device according to this embodiment.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <System Configuration> First, the overall system configuration will be explained. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional structure manufacturing system 100 to which an information processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. The three-dimensional structure manufacturing system 100 of this embodiment comprises a 3D printer 1 and an information processing device 10.

[0013] 3D printer 1 manufactures additively constructed objects 5 by melting wire material 6 using Direct Energy Deposition (DED) and stacking them three-dimensionally. Direct Energy Deposition, a method of melting wire material 6 with a heat source, has several advantages, including a wide variety of wire material types available, suitability for large-scale fabrication, the ability to add to existing products, a relatively low level of skill to learn, and low material and equipment costs. Examples of heat sources include lasers, arc discharges, and electron beams.

[0014] The 3D printer 1 of this embodiment is a wire-arc additive manufacturing device that performs WAAM (Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing) using arc discharge. The 3D printer 1 comprises a header 2 for melting wire material 6 and a moving device 3 for moving the header 2 in three dimensions. The header 2 comprises a heat source device 7 for performing arc discharge to melt the wire material 6 and an air supply unit 8 for injecting shielding gas. The moving device 3 is, for example, a robot that can move the header 2 in three dimensions.

[0015] The information processing device 10 controls the 3D printer 1 based on information input from the user and manufactures an additively fabricated object 5 of the shape desired by the user using the wire-depositional deposition modeling (DED) method. The information processing device 10 in this embodiment has a defect generation function that intentionally generates defects 60 inside the additively fabricated object 5. This defect generation function will be described later.

[0016] <Hardware Configuration> Here, an example of the hardware constituting the information processing device 10 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0017] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0018] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 consists of a display, speakers, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 17 consists of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and inputs various information. The storage unit 18 consists of a hard disk, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices via a network, including the Internet.

[0019] A removable media 21, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted on the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18, just like the storage unit 18.

[0020] The hardware configuration described here is merely an example. The information processing device 10 may have a different configuration than that shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be composed of two or more computers.

[0021] <Functional Configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 includes a built-up object setting unit 31, an operation control unit 32, and a defect generation control unit 40 as functional units implemented on the processor (CPU 11).

[0023] The additive manufacturing object setting unit 31 executes a process to obtain information about the additive manufacturing object 5 that the user wants to manufacture from the user. The information about the additive manufacturing object 5 is three-dimensional data that shows the shape and appearance of the additive manufacturing object 5. The user inputs the information about the additive manufacturing object 5, for example, through the input unit 17, removable media 21, or an external computer via the communication unit 19.

[0024] The motion control unit 32 controls the operation of the header 2 and the moving device 3 of the 3D printer 1 based on the information of the additively manufactured object 5 acquired by the additively manufactured object setting unit 31. The 3D printer 1 operates based on the control information from the motion control unit 32 and manufactures the additively manufactured object 5 according to predetermined rules and settings.

[0025] The operation control unit 32 may directly control the 3D printer 1, or it may indirectly control it by generating control information for controlling the 3D printer 1. The control information may be, for example, a control program in G-code format, toolpath information, or control data including molding parameters. When generating control information, the generated control information is provided by saving it to the storage unit 18, outputting it to the removable media 21, or transmitting it to an external 3D printer 1 or other information processing device via the communication unit 19. The information processing device 10 may be located on a cloud server and provide control information via a network.

[0026] The defect generation control processing unit 40 is a defect generation control means that performs control to intentionally generate defects 60 inside the additively manufactured object 5. The defect generation control processing unit 40 in this embodiment includes a defect specification information acquisition unit 41 and a parameter setting unit 42.

[0027] The defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires defect specification information including at least one of the location, size, and shape of the defect 60. The location of the defect 60 corresponds to the target location where the defect 60 will be generated, and the size and shape of the defect 60 indicate the size and shape of the defect 60 formed at the target location. The defect specification information is acquired by user input or selection through the input unit 17.

[0028] The defect specification information includes the defect type as defined in the classification standard for internal defects in 3D printer 1. The defect type is at least one of the following, for example: cracks, longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, gas pores, gas cavities, uniformly distributed porosity, clustered porosity, shrinkage cavities, slag inclusions, oxide film inclusions, unmelted, inter-bead fusion failure, inter-layer fusion failure, re-opening failure, and sputtering. The defect type can be set based on a standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) for evaluating the quality and performance of materials, products, systems, and services, or a specified standard such as the defect classification standard in directed energy deposition (DED classification).

[0029] The parameter setting unit 42 changes the printing parameters of the 3D printer 1 so as to generate a defect 60 at the target location in the additively manufactured object 5. In this embodiment, the parameter setting unit 42 changes the printing parameters at the target location based on the defect specification information. The parameter setting unit 42 starts changing the printing parameters from the vicinity. The vicinity is, for example, the area in front of or around the target location.

[0030] In this embodiment, the control elements used to change the molding parameters are defined as follows. Energy density is the effective heat per unit length introduced into the molten pool, and is calculated as the output divided by the moving velocity. Arc efficiency is taken into consideration in this calculation. Internal space formation refers to the voids that remain as volume defects after solidification. Gas control refers to the control of the flow rate, velocity distribution, or turbulence of the shielding gas, and changing the gas composition is not mandatory. Material surplus or deficit refers to the mismatch between the mass flow rate required for melting and the amount of wire material 6 actually supplied. In this specification, "sound molding" refers to additive manufacturing under normal molding conditions that do not intentionally generate defects 60. The defect generation control processing unit 40 generates defects 60 by changing the molding parameters at the target position, based on the molding parameters of sound molding.

[0031] In this embodiment, the parameter setting unit 42 can select four (or more) methods for changing the molding parameters in order to generate defects 60. The four methods for changing the molding parameters may be applied individually or in combination.

[0032] As a first method of changing the molding parameters, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density at the target position in a manner different from normal. Energy density is defined as the output divided by the moving speed and represents the effective heat per unit length introduced into the molten pool. The parameter setting unit 42 determines the amount and direction of change in energy density according to the defect type acquired by the defect specification information acquisition unit 41. When generating an unmolten defect, the parameter setting unit 42 decreases the energy density. When generating a shrinkage cavity defect, the parameter setting unit 42 increases the energy density. When generating a crack defect, the parameter setting unit 42 locally increases the energy density at the target position and then rapidly decreases it to form a cooling gradient. For example, when generating an unmolten defect, the set value of the energy density during sound molding is set to 100%, and the energy density can be set to a range of 70% to 95%. This change in energy density generates the intended defect 60 at the target position.

[0033] As a second method of changing the molding parameters, the parameter setting unit 42 changes at least one of the molding path spacing, layer height, or material supply amount at the target position in a manner different from the normal state, thereby forming an internal space at the target position of the laminated object 5. This internal space becomes a defect 60. The parameter setting unit 42 determines the parameter to be changed and the direction of its change according to the defect type and size of the defect acquired by the defect specification information acquisition unit 41. To generate a bead fusion defect, the parameter setting unit 42 widens the molding path spacing to form a gap between the beads. To generate an interlayer fusion defect, the parameter setting unit 42 increases the layer height to cause an interlayer fusion defect. To generate a shrinkage cavity defect, the parameter setting unit 42 reduces the material supply amount to cause insufficient filling during solidification, forming a shrinkage cavity as a volume defect. For example, when widening the molding path spacing, the setting value for the molding path spacing during sound molding is set to 100%, and the setting can be set to a range of 120% to 150%.

[0034] As a third method of changing the molding parameters, the parameter setting unit 42 changes the gas blown onto the processing position corresponding to the target position to conditions different from the normal conditions. Defects 60 are generated by disturbances caused by the gas being blown onto the material under conditions different from the normal molding conditions.

[0035] The gas conditions can be changed in various ways, and there are no particular limitations. For example, the gas conditions can be changed by controlling the flow rate of the sealed gas, such as a non-oxidizing atmosphere gas or inert gas, with a gas control device (not shown) of the 3D printer 1. Alternatively, the gas conditions can be changed by placing a compressed air supply device that blows compressed air from outside the 3D printer 1 system and creating an oxidizing atmosphere with the compressed air supply device, or by controlling the flow rate with a discharge device called a fume collector that discharges the gas generated during the process to outside the 3D printer 1 system.

[0036] As a fourth method of changing the molding parameters, the parameter setting unit 42 intentionally over- or under-supplied the amount of wire material 6 supplied at the target position. The parameter setting unit 42 determines the direction of change in the amount of material supplied according to the defect type acquired by the defect specification information acquisition unit 41. When generating an unmelted defect, the parameter setting unit 42 creates an under-melted interface by over-supplying the amount of material. When generating a shrinkage cavity defect, the parameter setting unit 42 causes insufficient filling during solidification by under-supplying the amount of material, forming a shrinkage cavity as a volume defect. By combining the change in the amount of material supplied with the change in energy density, which is the first method of changing the molding parameters, it becomes possible to create defects with high reproducibility. For example, when generating an unmelted defect, the energy density is reduced and the amount of material supplied is increased. Specifically, the set value of the amount of material supplied during sound molding is set to 100%, and the amount of material supplied can be set to a range of 110% to 150%.

[0037] In this embodiment, a change pattern is set for each defect type, specifying the type of change method and amount of change of the molding parameters. For example, a corresponding change pattern is set for each of the following: cracks, longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, gas pores, gas cavities, uniformly distributed porosity, clustered porosity, shrinkage cavities, slag inclusions, oxide film inclusion, unmelted, poor inter-bead fusion, poor inter-layer fusion, poor restart, and sputtering. The change pattern corresponding to each defect type may be identified by a predetermined table, a mathematical model, a rule-based judgment logic, an optimization algorithm, or adaptive control based on learning or estimation. For example, the change pattern may be stored in a table format in a storage unit 18, calculated based on a mathematical formula set for each defect type, or determined by an optimization process based on defect specification information and material type.

[0038] If the defect specification information acquired by the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 includes a defect type specified or selected by the user, the parameter setting unit 42 adjusts the molding parameters for generating the defect 60 based on the change pattern corresponding to that defect type.

[0039] In this embodiment, by inputting or selecting a desired defect type, a change pattern of the molding parameters corresponding to that defect type is automatically applied, and an additively manufactured object 5 containing the specified defect type is produced. This makes it possible to easily and quickly manufacture non-destructive testing specimens having defect types that conform to the standards formulated by ASTM International or the defect classification standards (DED classification) in directed energy deposition, according to the user's requirements. In particular, in the education and training of non-destructive testing technicians, test specimens containing different defect types are required depending on the proficiency level of the trainees and the training curriculum, but with this embodiment, the corresponding test specimen can be manufactured simply by selecting the required defect type, thus greatly reducing the burden of preparing test specimens for education and training. Furthermore, in qualification examinations for non-destructive testing technicians, test specimens containing defect types corresponding to the examination questions can be easily prepared. In addition, it becomes possible to stably supply test specimens containing defect types that conform to the standards as calibration standard test specimens for non-destructive testing equipment.

[0040] <Examples of Defect Types> Refer to Figure 4 and we will explain examples of defects 60a to 60c that can be generated. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the specific types of defects 60a to 60c. Figure 4 shows three specific examples of defect types (application examples) for defects 60a to 60c: defect generation in the entire manufactured part, defect generation in the removal part, and defect formation for fracture induction.

[0041] The "complete manufacturing defect generation" pattern is one in which a defect 60a is generated inside the additively manufactured object 5a. During the manufacturing of the additively manufactured object 5a, the defect 60a is generated due to a change in the manufacturing parameters at the target location. In this example, the appearance of the additively manufactured object 5a is no different from, or only slightly different from, an object without the defect 60a.

[0042] Defect generation in the removal area is achieved by removing a portion of the healthy additively fabricated object 5b, then using the removal area as the target position, filling the area with a wire material 6 with modified fabrication parameters by melting it to generate a defect 60b.

[0043] For defect formation for fracture induction, a position for inducing fracture in the laminated object 5c is set as a target position, and the shaping parameters are changed at the portion of the target position to melt the wire material 6, thereby generating a defect 60c. After manufacturing the laminated object 5c, stress is generated in the laminated object 5c, and fracture occurs starting from the portion of the defect 60c. The laminated object 5c may be manufactured by being divided and connected by the defect 60c.

[0044] <Example of Generation of Laminated Object Containing Defect> Next, an example of generation of a laminated object 5a corresponding to generation of a partial defect in the entire manufacturing part in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the laminated object 5a and the jig 50 including the defect 60a in the first example. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the laminated object 5a and the jig 50 including the defect 60a in the first example.

[0045] First, the configuration of the jig 50 used when forming the laminated object 5a by the horizontal lamination method will be described. The jig 50 includes a base plate 51, water-cooled copper plates 52 and 53, and a clamp device 54. The base plate 51 is, for example, a plate-like member having a size of 300 mm × 300 mm and a thickness of 9 mm. The laminated object 5a is formed at the center of the base plate 51. The laminated object 5a is formed, for example, with an outer shape of 200 mm × 200 mm and a thickness of 25 mm. The water-cooled copper plate 52 is an elongated member arranged on both sides of the laminated object 5a on the base plate 51 in a plan view. The water-cooled copper plate 53 is a plate-like member arranged below the base plate 51. Water flows both above and below the water-cooled copper plates 52 and 53 to perform water cooling of the jig 50. The clamp device 54 is arranged at a plurality of positions (four positions) so as to surround the position where the laminated object 5a is formed in a plan view.

[0046] Inside the laminated object 5a, two defects 60a each constituted by a cavity are formed. Both of the two defects 60a may be formed in a tunnel shape extending horizontally from the side surface of the laminated object 5a toward the center. One of the plurality of defects 60a is formed so as to extend from the upper side to the lower side of the paper surface in FIG. 5, and the other is formed so as to extend from the right side to the left side of the paper surface in FIG. 5.

[0047] Next, an example of a method for forming a laminated object 5a including a defect 60a formed by beads by the 3D printer 1 will be described. The bead is, for example, a protruding metal part obtained by melting and solidifying a wire material 6 with a laser made in one pass.

[0048] The description will be divided into a base portion of the laminated object 5a where the defect 60a is not generated and a defect generation portion where the defect 60a is formed.

[0049] In the base portion, by the 3D printer 1, beads are formed in one pass so as to be aligned in a predetermined direction on the upper surface of the base plate 51 for forming the laminated object 5a. By forming a plurality of beads at a predetermined bead interval in the same direction, a layer is formed according to the thickness of the bead. By repeatedly forming this layer, the base portion is formed. The direction in which the beads are formed is changed by 90 degrees, for example, when the layer changes. By repeating this operation six times, the base portion is formed.

[0050] Next, the bead pattern at the time of defect generation after the formation of the base portion will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the bead pattern and bead interval that change according to the number of layers at the time of defect generation. FIG. 7 shows the bead patterns of the 7th to 10th layers. In any layer, beads are formed so as to fill the inside after the outer periphery.

[0051] At the time of defect formation, beads are formed so as to avoid the defect formation planned position 160. The path of the bead is set according to the position of the defect formation planned position 160. In one pass, there is a possibility of closing or transforming the defect 60a after the formation of the defect 60a. Therefore, it is preferable to control the process over the entire periphery of the defect 60a. In the example of FIG. 7, since there are two defect formation planned positions 160, beads are formed in three passes for each layer.

[0052] In the seventh layer, a bead is formed in three passes along the lamination pattern c in Figure 7. In lamination pattern c, the bead is formed in three separate areas: the first area 161, the second area 162, and the third area 163, according to the three passes. In the eighth layer, a bead is formed in three passes along the lamination pattern d in Figure 7. In lamination pattern d, the bead is also formed in three separate areas: the first area 161, the second area 162, and the third area 163, according to the three passes. During the lamination of the eighth layer, after the frame portion is formed, a bead is formed to fill the interior. After the eighth layer is formed, a groove is formed at the planned location for the defect 60a.

[0053] In the ninth layer, a bead is formed in three passes along the lamination pattern a in Figure 7. In lamination pattern a, the bead is also formed in three separate areas 161, 162, and 163 according to the three passes. In the tenth layer, a bead is formed in three passes along the lamination pattern b in Figure 7. In lamination pattern b, the bead is also formed in three separate areas 161, 162, and 163 according to the three passes. Additionally, as the 10*th layer, a bead is formed to close the upper part which will become a defect 60a. From the eleventh layer onward, the bead is formed in layers in the same manner as up to the sixth layer. Finally, a surface is formed by the beads up to the sixteenth layer, completing the laminated structure 5a.

[0054] In each layering pattern a to d, the first area 161, the second area 162, and the third area 163 are separated for convenience to explain the differences in paths, and the order in which the beads are formed can be set as appropriate according to layering patterns a to d.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section of a defect 60a formed by repeating lamination patterns a to d. As shown in Figure 8, the bead spacing differs in each layer at the time of defect formation. In Figure 8, L1 is the bead spacing in the 7th layer, L2 is the bead spacing in the 8th layer, L3 is the bead spacing in the 9th layer, L4 is the bead spacing in the 10th layer, and L5 is the bead spacing in the 10th layer. In this example, the relationships L1 < L2, L2 > L3, L3 > L4, and L4 > L5 hold true. From the 7th to the 8th layer, the bead spacing widens temporarily, and from the 9th layer onward, the bead spacing gradually narrows.

[0056] Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the case of forming the additively manufactured object 5a using the vertical stacking method will be described. In the vertical stacking method, the additively manufactured object 5a corresponding to the defect generation in the entire manufacturing area shown in Figure 4 is formed vertically so that the planar portion faces horizontally.

[0057] First, the configuration of the jig 150 used when forming the additively manufactured object 5a using the vertical stacking method will be described. The jig 150 comprises a base plate 151, water-cooled copper plates 152 and 153, and a clamping device 154. The base plate 151 is, for example, a plate-shaped member with dimensions of 300 mm x 140 mm and a thickness of 9 mm. The additively manufactured object 5a is formed in the center of the base plate 151. The additively manufactured object 5a is formed with an outer shape of, for example, 200 mm x 25 mm and a height of 25 mm. The water-cooled copper plate 152 is a plate-shaped member positioned on both sides of the additively manufactured object 5a on the base plate 151 in a plan view. The water-cooled copper plate 153 is a plate-shaped member positioned below the base plate 151. Water flows both above and below the water-cooled copper plates 152 and 153 to water-cool the jig 150. Multiple clamping devices (four locations) are arranged to surround the position where the additively fabricated object 5a is formed in a plan view.

[0058] The layering using beads is carried out in the same manner as the horizontal layering method described above, and ultimately, up to, for example, 92 layers are built up. Horizontal hole-type defects 60a and vertical hole-type defects 60a are formed in the layered object 5a. These defects 60a can be confirmed by RT (Radiographic Testing). The slag generated on the surface of the layered object 5a is removed after fabrication.

[0059] Next, with reference to Figure 11, a first example of the generation of an additively manufactured object 5b corresponding to the generation of defects in the removal portion shown in Figure 4 will be described. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the generation of defects in the removal portion in the first example. As shown in Figure 11, beads are filled into the grooves 61 formed in the additively manufactured object 5b using manufacturing parameters that generate defects 60b, thereby forming defects 60b. For example, defects 60b filled in the grooves 61 can be formed by a first method of changing the manufacturing parameters, a third method of changing the manufacturing parameters, a fourth method of changing the manufacturing parameters, or a combination thereof.

[0060] In the first example, it was confirmed that defects 60b, including blowholes (closer to the end) and fusion defects, are formed when the groove 61 is filled with molding parameters that generate defects 60b.

[0061] Next, with reference to Figure 12, a second example of the creation of an additively manufactured object 5b corresponding to the creation of a defect in the removal portion shown in Figure 4 will be described. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the creation of a defect in the removal portion in the second example. As shown in Figure 12, a bead is filled into the groove 61 formed in the additively manufactured object 5b using manufacturing parameters that create a hollow defect 60b. This filling process is divided into two steps: a step of forming a surrounding portion 165 of the defect 60b, and a step of forming a cover portion 166 that closes the upper part of the surrounding portion 165 filled into the groove 61.

[0062] In the second example, it was confirmed that a spatial, simulated defect 60b is formed near the center of the weld line by forming a peripheral portion 165 and a cover portion 166 with respect to the groove 61.

[0063] <Processing Flow> Next, with reference to Figure 13, the control flow of the 3D printer 1 by the information processing device 10 will be explained. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow for generating the additively manufactured object 5 by the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0064] In step S1, the additive manufacturing object setting unit 31 obtains information from the user indicating the overall shape of the additive manufacturing object 5.

[0065] In step S2, the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 of the defect generation control processing unit 40 acquires defect specification information from the user, including at least one of the location, size, and shape of the defect 60. Based on the defect specification information, the shape and location of the defect 60 formed inside the additively manufactured object 5 are determined.

[0066] In step S3, the parameter setting unit 42 of the defect generation control processing unit 40 sets the printing parameters of the 3D printer 1 so that a defect 60 is generated at the target position in the additively manufactured object 5.

[0067] In step S4, the operation control unit 32 controls the 3D printer 1 based on the information of the additively manufactured object 5 acquired by the additively manufactured object setting unit 31 and the change information of the molding parameters set by the parameter setting unit 42 to form the additively manufactured object 5 containing the defect 60. During control, a bead is formed at the target position of the additively manufactured object 5 with different molding parameters than other parts. Through this series of processes, an additively manufactured object 5 containing the intended defect 60 is produced.

[0068] As described above, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment includes a defect generation control processing unit 40 that performs control to intentionally generate defects 60 inside the additively manufactured object 5, and the defect generation control processing unit 40 changes the molding parameters of the 3D printer 1 so as to generate defects 60 at target locations in the additively manufactured object 5.

[0069] Furthermore, the control method of the information processing device 10 in this embodiment includes a defect generation control step that performs control to intentionally generate defects 60 inside the additively manufactured object 5, and the defect generation control step changes the molding parameters of the 3D printer 1 so as to generate defects 60 at target locations in the additively manufactured object 5.

[0070] Furthermore, the program of the information processing device 10, which acts as a computer in this embodiment, causes the information processing device 10 to execute a control process that includes a defect generation control step, which performs control to intentionally generate defects 60 inside the additively manufactured object 5. The defect generation control step changes the molding parameters of the 3D printer 1 so as to generate defects 60 at target locations in the additively manufactured object 5.

[0071] In this way, by configuring the information processing device 10, information processing method, or program, a digital process can be used to form quantitative defects 60 that do not depend on the skill level of the engineer, thereby enabling the formation of realistic defects 60 in the additively manufactured object 5 with good reproducibility. In recent years, process manufacturing technology in the wire DED method, which applies welding technology, has been developed, making it possible to create stable structures at an energy density above a certain level. For example, in the process control technology of this wire DED method, defects 60 can be easily created in the additively manufactured object 5 by changing the energy density, thereby intentionally breaking the manufacturing conditions for a sound product without defects 60. The additively manufactured object 5 produced by this embodiment can be used for various purposes such as material evaluation tests, structural integrity verification tests, and fracture behavior analysis tests. In particular, in non-destructive testing technology, by digitizing and eliminating the need for skills in producing additively manufactured objects 5 with defects 60, semi-permanent business continuity can be achieved in the production of test specimens for non-destructive testing. Specifically, for example, the additively manufactured object 5 produced by this embodiment can be used as a test specimen for training non-destructive testing technicians, a standard test specimen for calibrating non-destructive testing equipment, and a test specimen for qualification examinations for non-destructive testing technicians.

[0072] Furthermore, the defect generation control processing unit 40 of this embodiment acquires defect specification information including at least one of the location, size, and shape of the defect 60, and changes the molding parameters at the target location based on the defect specification information, and starts changing the molding parameters from the vicinity of the target location. This makes it possible to appropriately and reliably form the defect 60 at the target location.

[0073] Furthermore, the defect generation control processing unit 40 of this embodiment changes the amount of energy input as a change in the molding parameters at the target position. By changing the amount of energy input to a different amount than usual at the target position where the defect 60 is generated, the intended defect 60 can be accurately formed at the target position.

[0074] Furthermore, the defect generation control processing unit 40 of this embodiment generates a defect 60 at the target position by changing at least one of the molding parameters, such as the spacing of the molding path, the layer height, or the amount of material supplied, to form an internal space. In this way, by changing at least one of the molding path spacing, layer height, or amount of material supplied between the part where no defect 60 is formed and the part at the target position where the defect 60 is generated, the intended defect 60 can be accurately formed at the target position.

[0075] Furthermore, the defect generation control processing unit 40 of this embodiment generates a defect 60 at the target position by changing the gas blown to the processing position corresponding to the target position to conditions different from the normal conditions as a change in the molding parameters. In this way, by changing the conditions of the gas blown at the part of the target position where the defect 60 is generated to conditions different from the normal conditions (normal molding parameters in which no defect 60 is formed), the intended defect 60 can be accurately formed at the target position.

[0076] Furthermore, the defect generation control processing unit 40 of this embodiment generates defects 60 at the target position by intentionally making the material supply amount excessive or insufficient as a change in the molding parameters. In this way, by intentionally making the material supply amount excessive or insufficient at the part of the target position where the defect 60 is generated, the intended defect 60 can be accurately formed at the target position.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the defect specification information includes the defect type defined in the classification standard for internal defects in the 3D printer 1, and the defect generation control processing unit 40 applies different pattern changes to the molding parameters according to the defect type. Examples of defect types include cracks, longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, gas pores, gas cavities, uniformly distributed porosity, clustered porosity, shrinkage cavities, slag inclusions, oxide film inclusions, unmelted areas, poor inter-bead fusion, poor inter-layer fusion, poor restart, and sputtering. By utilizing a preset pattern, the computational load can be reduced, and the process of generating an additively manufactured object 5 containing defects 60 can be efficiently executed.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the defect types include at least one of the following: cracks, longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, gas pores, gas cavities, uniformly distributed porosity, clustered porosity, shrinkage cavities, slag inclusions, oxide film inclusions, unmelted surfaces, poor inter-bead fusion, poor inter-layer fusion, poor re-opening, and sputtering. This makes it possible to easily and accurately form defects 60 in the additively manufactured object 5 that correspond to the standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) or the defect classification standards in directed energy deposition (DED classification), etc.

[0079] <Specific control methods for each defect type> Next, specific control methods for molding parameters for each defect type will be described. The defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires defect specification information, including the defect type, from the user, as well as information regarding the material type of the wire material 6. The parameter setting unit 42 refers to the control pattern table stored in the storage unit 18 based on the acquired defect type and material type, and selects the corresponding molding parameter change pattern. In this embodiment, for the main defect types, such as unmelted (LOF: Lack of Fusion), gas porosity, shrinkage cavity, and crack, appropriate control methods are set for each material type.

[0080] (Control Method for Unmelted Defects) Unmelted defects (LOFs) are defects that occur when the melting boundary is not properly formed. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density to decrease compared to that during healthy molding, and the material supply amount to be excessive compared to that during healthy molding. Energy density is defined as the value obtained by dividing the output by the moving speed, and represents the effective heat amount per unit length introduced into the molten pool. In forming unmelted defects, it is important to create a state where only the interface is deficient, not an absolute energy deficiency. The combination of reduced energy density and excessive material supply allows for the formation of the most reproducible unmelted defects. The shielding gas maintains a stable state, and the formation of internal spaces appears as unmelted defects themselves. For example, the set value for energy density during healthy molding can be set to 70% to 95%, and the set value for material supply during healthy molding can be set to 110% to 150%, with the set value for material supply during healthy molding being 100%.

[0081] (Control method for gas pore defects) Gas pore defects are defects caused by the trapping of gas in the molten pool. The parameter setting unit 42 controls the flow rate of the shielding gas to be excessive or turbulent when gas pore defects are to be generated. By increasing the gas flow rate, air is entrained and gas is trapped in the molten pool. The energy density is set to a moderate level to ensure a sufficient molten pool volume. The material supply amount is kept within the normal range, and excess or insufficient amounts will have the opposite effect. The formation of internal spaces is mainly caused by gas trapping. Conventionally, it was thought that pores were generated due to insufficient gas, but in reality, air entrainment occurs due to excess gas or turbulence, which is important for highly reproducible gas pore formation. For example, the set value of the shielding gas flow rate during sound molding is set to 100%, and the setting can be set to a range of 120% to 200%.

[0082] (Method for controlling shrinkage cavity defects) Shrinkage cavity defects are defects caused by volume shrinkage during solidification, and are based on the same principle as casting defects. When shrinkage cavity defects are generated, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the process by excessively increasing the energy density to excessively expand the molten pool and simultaneously decreasing the amount of material supplied. By increasing the energy density, a deep molten pool is formed, and due to the subsequent insufficient material supply, the replenishment during solidification cannot keep up, leaving a shrinkage cavity as a volume defect. The shielding gas maintains a stable state, and the formation of the internal space is mainly due to solidification defects. For example, the set value for energy density during sound molding can be set to 130% to 180%, and the set value for material supply during sound molding can be set to 50% to 80%, with 100% as the set value.

[0083] (Method for controlling crack defects) Crack defects are defects caused by thermal stress or solidification stress. When generating crack defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density by locally increasing it excessively and then rapidly decreasing it. This control creates a cooling gradient, causing thermal stress or solidification stress to concentrate and cracks to occur. The material supply amount is kept within the normal range, and the shielding gas is also kept in a stable state. Cracks are stress-induced defects and not cavities, so they are distinguished from the formation of internal spaces. For example, at the target position, the set value of the energy density during sound fabrication is set to 100%, and the set value is set to 150% or more and 250% or less, and then it can be rapidly decreased to 100%, the set value of the energy density during sound fabrication, in the vicinity of the target position.

[0084] (Overview of control method according to material type) In the control method described above, the amount of change in the control parameters is adjusted according to the material type of the wire material 6. When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires one of the following as the material type: stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloy, cast aluminum alloy, pure titanium, titanium alloy, nickel-based alloy, copper alloy, or nickel-aluminum bronze, the parameter setting unit 42 reads the change pattern of the control parameters corresponding to that material type from the storage unit 18. Since the material properties such as thermal conductivity, presence or absence of oxide film, solidification temperature range, and crack susceptibility differ for each material type, even when generating the same defect type, it is necessary to optimize the amount of change and the method of change of the molding parameters according to the material type.

[0085] The following describes the control methods for each major material type. (Control method for stainless steel) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires stainless steel (austenitic stainless steel such as SUS304 and SUS316L) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account that stainless steel has a lower thermal conductivity than carbon steel and that the molten pool is easily maintained. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that reduces the energy density and increases the material supply amount. When generating gas pore defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that increases or increases the flow rate of the shielding gas. When generating shrinkage cavity defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that increases the energy density and decreases the material supply amount. When generating crack defects, since austenitic stainless steel has relatively low crack susceptibility, the parameter setting unit 42 sets a large increase in energy density and strengthens the cooling gradient. For example, when generating unmelted defects, the energy density setting for sound molding can be set to 75% to 90%, and the material supply setting for sound molding can be set to 115% to 140%, with the energy density setting for sound molding set to 100%.

[0086] (Control method for carbon steel) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires carbon steel (equivalent to SS400, including low alloy steel) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control assuming that carbon steel has a thermal conductivity as a reference material. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control to reduce the energy density and increase the material supply amount. This combination is the most reproducible for carbon steel. When generating gas pore defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control to increase or increase the flow rate of the shielding gas. When generating shrinkage cavity defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control to increase the energy density and decrease the material supply amount. When generating crack defects, since carbon steel undergoes martensitic transformation depending on the carbon content and cooling rate, the parameter setting unit 42 locally increases the energy density and then rapidly decreases it to generate thermal stress cracking or cold cracking. For example, when generating unmelted defects, the energy density setting for sound molding can be set to 80% to 95%, and the material supply setting for sound molding can be set to 110% to 135%, with the energy density setting for sound molding set to 100%.

[0087] (Control Method for Cast Aluminum Alloys) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires cast aluminum alloy (Al-Si casting) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account the wide solidification temperature range of cast aluminum alloys, which makes structural non-uniformity likely, and that hydrogen-induced gas defects are dominant. When generating gas pore defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the flow rate of the shielding gas to be excessive and further changes the gas injection angle to generate turbulence. This control promotes atmospheric entrainment and forms highly reproducible gas pores. The energy density is set to a moderate level. When generating shrinkage cavity defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density to be excessive to form a deep molten pool and to be insufficient in the amount of material supplied. This forms a shrinkage cavity based on the same principle as casting shrinkage defects. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density to be decreased and the amount of material supplied to be excessive. For example, when generating gas pore defects, the flow rate of the shielding gas during sound fabrication is set to 100%, and the flow rate can be set to a range of 140% to 200%.

[0088] (Control method for aluminum alloys) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires aluminum alloy (wrought alloys such as 5000 series, 6000 series, and 7000 series) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account that the melting point of the oxide film formed on the surface of the aluminum alloy is higher than the melting point of the base material and that hydrogen porosity is likely to occur. When gas pore defects are generated, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that increases the flow rate of the shielding gas and generates turbulence. This control causes hydrogen-induced gas pores to form. When unmelted defects are generated, the parameter setting unit 42 uses the fusion-inhibiting effect of the oxide film to reduce the energy density and increase the amount of material supplied. This control causes the oxide film to remain at the fusion boundary and forms an unfused interface. When shrinkage cavity defects are generated, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that increases the energy density and decreases the amount of material supplied. When generating crack defects, the 7000 series alloy has high crack susceptibility, so the parameter setting unit 42 controls the system by locally increasing the energy density and then rapidly decreasing it. For example, when generating gas pore defects, the set value of the shielding gas flow rate during sound fabrication is set to 100%, and the value can be set to a range of 135% to 190%.

[0089] (Control Method for Pure Titanium) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires pure titanium (CP Ti) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control considering that pure titanium readily reacts with oxygen and nitrogen, and that shielding gas management is directly related to quality. When generating oxidation / nitriding embrittlement defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control by reducing the flow rate of the shielding gas or narrowing the gas coverage range. This control promotes the reaction with oxygen or nitrogen at the target location, forming an embrittlement layer or embrittlement inclusion. These oxidation / nitriding embrittlement defects serve as effective teaching materials in non-destructive testing techniques and destructive testing. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control by reducing the energy density and increasing the material supply amount. Regarding gas pore defects, since the tolerance range for shielding gas management is narrow for pure titanium, the difficulty of controlling intentional defect formation is high. For example, when generating oxidation / nitridation embrittlement defects, the shielding gas flow rate can be set to a range of 30% to 70%, with the set value for sound fabrication being 100%.

[0090] (Control Method for Titanium Alloys) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V, etc.) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account the high reactivity of titanium alloys and the large heat-affected zone and residual stress. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that reduces the energy density and increases the amount of material supplied. When generating crack defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that locally increases the energy density and then rapidly decreases it to form a cooling gradient. Furthermore, by concentrating residual stress through the arrangement of the printing path, thermal stress cracks or solidification cracks are generated. When generating oxidation / nitriding embrittlement defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that narrows the coverage range of the shielding gas and promotes the reaction with oxygen or nitrogen at the target location. For example, when generating crack defects, at the target location, the set value of the energy density during sound printing is set to 100%, and the range can be set to 170% or more and 230% or less.

[0091] (Control method for nickel-based alloys) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires nickel-based alloy (Inconel 625, Inconel 718, etc.) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account the low thermal conductivity of nickel-based alloys (approximately 10 W / mK to 15 W / mK), the tendency for large molten pools to accumulate, and the wide solidification temperature range and high susceptibility to high-temperature cracking. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 sets the decrease in energy density to a small amount and controls the material supply to an excessive amount. This control clearly forms unfused interfaces, reproducing unmelted defects that are closest to actual defects at repair sites using the directed energy deposition method. When generating gas pore defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the flow rate of the shielding gas to be excessive and generates turbulence. The energy density is set to a moderate level. When generating shrinkage cavity defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density to be excessive to form a deep molten pool and controls the material supply to be insufficient. Because nickel-based alloys undergo delayed solidification, shrinkage cavities tend to remain. When generating crack defects, the parameter setting unit 42 controls the energy density by locally increasing it and then rapidly decreasing it. Nickel-based alloys have high susceptibility to high-temperature cracking, resulting in solidification cracks or liquefaction cracks. For example, when generating unmelted defects, the energy density can be set to a range of 85% to 95%, with the set value for sound molding being 100%.

[0092] (Control method for copper alloys) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires copper alloy (pure copper, CuCrZr, CuNi, etc.) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account the extremely high thermal conductivity of copper alloys, which is approximately 300 W / mK to 400 W / mK, resulting in a small molten pool and rapid cooling. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that reduces the energy density and increases the material supply amount. Unmelted defects are the most easily formed type of defect in copper alloys. For gas pore defects and shrinkage cavity defects, the high thermal conductivity of copper alloys causes rapid cooling of the molten pool, making it difficult for internal spaces to remain, and the reproducibility of defect formation is lower compared to other materials. For crack defects, copper alloys have high ductility and low crack susceptibility, so the reproducibility of defect formation is lower compared to other materials. For example, when generating unmelted defects, the set value of the energy density during sound molding is set to 100%, and the setting can be set to a range of 85% to 95%.

[0093] (Control method for nickel-aluminum bronze) When the defect specification information acquisition unit 41 acquires nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) as the material type, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that takes into account that nickel-aluminum bronze, while using copper as a base material, has a complex solidification structure due to the addition of nickel and aluminum, and its thermal conductivity is lower than that of pure copper. When generating unmelted defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that reduces the energy density and increases the material supply amount. When generating gas pore defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that increases the flow rate of the shielding gas. The energy density is set to a moderate level. When generating shrinkage cavity defects, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that increases the energy density and decreases the material supply amount. Shrinkage cavity defects in nickel-aluminum bronze exhibit characteristics very similar to casting defects. When generating crack defects, since nickel-aluminum bronze is susceptible to cracking due to the non-uniformity of its solidification structure, the parameter setting unit 42 performs control that locally increases the energy density and then rapidly decreases it to generate solidification cracks or structural cracks. Nickel-aluminum bronze is effective as a test specimen in non-destructive testing techniques for ship propellers and marine equipment. For example, when generating shrinkage cavity defects, the energy density can be set within a range of 140% to 175%, with the set value for sound molding being 100%.

[0094] The control method described above makes it possible to manufacture appropriate non-destructive testing specimens for various material types, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloys, cast aluminum alloys, pure titanium, titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, copper alloys, and nickel-aluminum bronze, for each type of defect. Each material type has different suitability for defect formation depending on its material properties, such as thermal conductivity, presence or absence of oxide film, solidification temperature range, and crack susceptibility. However, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can manufacture additively manufactured objects 5 containing highly reproducible defects 60 for any material type by applying a change pattern of molding parameters according to the material type. This makes it possible to stably supply specimens for verifying non-destructive testing technology, calibrating non-destructive testing equipment, training non-destructive testing technicians, and qualification examinations for non-destructive testing technicians, regardless of the material type. The specimens manufactured by this embodiment include defect types compliant with international standards such as ASTM International, DNV, and ISO, and can therefore be used as standard specimens in qualification certification examinations and skill evaluation examinations for non-destructive testing technicians based on these standards. In particular, test specimens formed from nickel-based alloys are suitable as calibration standard test specimens for non-destructive testing equipment based on international standards such as ASTM or DNV. Furthermore, test specimens formed from nickel-aluminum bronze are especially effective as standard test specimens in non-destructive testing techniques for ship propellers and marine equipment.

[0095] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0096] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration described above is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing device 10 is equipped with a function that can execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example above. Also, the location of the functional block is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary. For example, the functional block of the information processing device 10 may be transferred to another device, etc. Conversely, the functional block of another device may be transferred to a server, etc. Also, a single functional block may be composed of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0097] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0098] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main device to provide the programs, but also of recording media provided pre-installed in the main device. Since programs can be distributed via a network, the recording media may be installed on or accessible from a computer connected to or capable of connecting to a network.

[0099] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.

[0100] 1 3D printer 5 Additive-built object 6 Wire material 10 Information processing device 31 Additive-built object setting unit 32 Operation control unit 40 Defect generation control unit 41 Defect specification information acquisition unit 42 Parameter setting unit 60 Defect

Claims

1. An information processing device for controlling a 3D printer that manufactures additively formed objects by melting wire material using directed energy deposition, comprising: a defect generation control means for generating control information for intentionally generating defects inside the additively formed object, wherein the defect generation control means generates the control information for changing the molding parameters of the 3D printer so as to generate the defects at target locations in the additively formed object.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defect generation control means acquires defect specification information including at least one of the location, size, and shape of the defect, and generates control information based on the defect specification information to change the molding parameters at the target location and to start changing the molding parameters from the vicinity of the target location.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defect generation control means generates control information that changes the amount of energy input as a change in the molding parameter at the target position.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defect generation control means generates the defect by generating control information that forms an internal space at the target position by changing at least one of the molding path spacing, layer height, or material supply amount as a change in the molding parameter.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defect generation control means generates control information that changes the gas blown to the processing position corresponding to the target position to conditions different from normal conditions as a change in the molding parameters at the target position.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defect generation control means generates the defect by generating control information that intentionally causes the material supply amount to be excessive or insufficient as a change in the molding parameter at the target position.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the defect specification information includes a defect type as defined in the classification standard for internal defects in the 3D printer, and the defect generation control means generates control information to which different patterns of change in the molding parameters are applied according to the defect type.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the defect type includes at least one of cracks, longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, gas pores, gas cavities, uniformly distributed porosity, clustered porosity, shrinkage cavities, slag inclusions, oxide film inclusion, unmelted, poor interbead fusion, poor interlayer fusion, poor restart, and sputtering.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defect generation control means generates control information that changes at least two of the following at the target position: energy input amount, material supply amount, spacing of the molding path, layer height, and conditions for the gas blown to the processing position corresponding to the target position.

10. A control method for an information processing device for controlling a 3D printer that manufactures an additively formed object by melting wire material using directed energy deposition, comprising a defect generation control step of generating control information for intentionally generating defects inside the additively formed object, wherein the defect generation control step generates control information for changing the molding parameters of the 3D printer so as to generate the defects at target locations in the additively formed object.

11. A computer program for controlling a 3D printer that manufactures an additively formed object by melting wire material using directed energy deposition, wherein the computer executes a control process that includes a defect generation control step which generates control information for intentionally generating defects inside the additively formed object, and the defect generation control step generates the control information which changes the printing parameters of the 3D printer so as to generate the defects at target locations in the additively formed object.

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