Slurry-based additive manufacturing device and additive manufacturing method using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slurry-based additive manufacturing device and an additive manufacturing method using same, the additive manufacturing device including a frame unit, a bed unit, a coating unit, and an irradiation unit. The frame unit has a predetermined space formed therein. The bed unit is moved downward on the frame unit, and stacking units are sequentially stacked on an upper surface of the bed unit. The coating unit forms the stacking units by recoating slurry on the upper surface of the bed unit. The irradiation unit selectively provides light (UV) to the stacking units to form a structure having a predetermined shape. In this case, the shape of the structure is maintained by increasing the fixing force of the slurry.

Description

Slurry-based additive manufacturing apparatus and additive manufacturing method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a slurry-based additive manufacturing apparatus and an additive manufacturing method using the same, and more specifically, to a slurry-based additive manufacturing apparatus and an additive manufacturing method using the same that minimizes product damage or defects caused by slippage or deformation of the outer edges in additive manufacturing by improving the adhesion of each layer when applying LMM (lithography-based metal manufacturing), which is a slurry-based additive manufacturing technology.

[0002] Additive manufacturing is a process that manufactures a product having a specific shape on a bed by repeatedly performing a process of depositing a coating solution onto a bed using a coating unit and then curing it by providing UV light, as described in U.S. Patent No. 12151430 or U.S. Patent No. 12168256. In particular, a slurry is used as the coating solution, and the process of re-coating and curing the slurry is increasingly utilized as a so-called LMM (lithography-based metal manufacturing) process.

[0003] However, in the case of such LMM processes, a relatively large shear force may occur during the process of recoating the slurry, and the adhesion of each layer may be insufficient due to insufficient light irradiated, and consequently, phenomena such as the pre-formed laminate being pushed or the outer part of the laminate being deformed may occur during the recoating process.

[0004] In particular, phenomena such as displacement of these laminated sections or deformation of the outer edges are causes of shape deformation or defects in the final manufactured product, so it is necessary to minimize them.

[0005] Accordingly, processes using low-temperature wax or performing semi-curing in advance are being developed, but these processes require additional subsequent processes and cause another problem where it is difficult to recycle the semi-cured polymer.

[0006] Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention is conceived from this point, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a slurry-based additive manufacturing apparatus that minimizes damage or defects to the product caused by slippage or deformation of the outer edge during additive manufacturing by improving the adhesion of each layer when applying LMM (lithography-based metal manufacturing), which is a slurry-based additive manufacturing technology.

[0007] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide an additive manufacturing method using the additive manufacturing apparatus described above.

[0008] An additive manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment for realizing the purpose of the present invention described above comprises a frame unit, a bed unit, a coating unit, and an irradiation unit. The frame unit forms a predetermined space inside. The bed unit moves downward on the frame unit, and a stacking portion is sequentially stacked on the upper surface. The coating unit recoates a slurry onto the upper surface of the bed unit to form the stacking portion. The irradiation unit selectively provides light (UV) to the stacking portion to form a structure of a predetermined shape. In this case, the fixing force between the particles included in the slurry is increased to maintain the shape of the structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, as the fixing force of the slurry increases, the slurry may be minimized from being pushed along with the transfer of the coating unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the frame unit may include a pair of first and second frames facing each other, forming a space in which the stacking portion is stacked.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first and second frames may include an electromagnet or a permanent magnet to form a magnetic field in the stacked portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electromagnet or permanent magnet may be provided on the side facing the stacking portion of the first and second frames.

[0013] In one embodiment, the slurry may include a material that responds to the magnetic field.

[0014] In one embodiment, the magnetic field may be provided periodically whenever the slurry is recoated, or may be provided at all times throughout the entire process of forming the structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first and second frames may include a cooling portion to cool the stacked portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, a curing unit may be further included in an area other than the structure that irradiates light (UV) of lower intensity than the light (UV) provided by the irradiation unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the curing unit can irradiate light to an area outside the structure whenever the laminated portions are sequentially laminated.

[0018] In one embodiment, the curing unit can irradiate light to an area outside the structure in the form of a mesh.

[0019] In one embodiment, the irradiation unit and the curing unit may be a single unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the curing unit irradiates light onto the entire laminated portion, and the irradiation unit may additionally irradiate light onto the area of ​​the laminated portion where the structure is formed.

[0021] In one embodiment, before recoating the slurry, a heat source unit may be further included to apply heat to the slurry from outside the space formed by the frame unit.

[0022] In a method for manufacturing an additive manufacturing structure according to another embodiment for realizing the purpose of the present invention described above, the fixing force of the slurry is increased. The slurry is recoated onto the upper surface of the bed unit in the space formed by the frame unit to form a laminate. Light (UV) is selectively provided to the laminate to form a structure of a predetermined shape. The bed unit moves downward.

[0023] In one embodiment, in the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry, a magnetic field can be formed in the laminated portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry, the laminated portion may be cooled.

[0025] In one embodiment, in the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry, light (UV) of lower intensity than the light (UV) provided in the formation of the structure may be irradiated to an area outside the structure.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry may include the step of providing a first light (UV) to the entire laminated portion, and the step of forming the structure may include the step of providing a second light (UV) of higher intensity than the first light to the area where the structure is formed.

[0027] In one embodiment, prior to the step of recoating the slurry to form a laminate, the step of applying heat to the slurry in advance may be further included.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, in forming a structure of a predetermined shape through the recoating of a slurry and the selective provision of light, the fixing force of the slurry is improved so that the structure is prevented from being pushed in one direction and its shape distorted or deformed during the repetitive recoating process of the slurry.

[0029] That is, the slurries outside the area where the structure is formed have relatively low fixing power, so during the process of stacking additional slurries, a problem may occur where they are pushed in the direction in which the coating unit is transported, and if light is provided to the same location, the shape of the resulting structure may be distorted or deformed. Therefore, the slurry is induced to be fixed with high fixing power even in the area outside the area where the structure is formed, thereby minimizing the phenomenon of being pushed in the direction in which the coating unit is transported.

[0030] In this case, as a method of providing fixing force to the slurry, a magnetic field can be provided to the space where the slurry is stacked, that is, the space where the stacked portion is formed, so that the particles included in the slurry are aligned in one direction by magnetic force.

[0031] In contrast, the space where the above-mentioned laminate is formed is cooled to form a high viscosity of the slurry, so that the slurry can have relatively high fixing power, thereby minimizing the slippage of the slurry even in additional coating using the coating unit.

[0032] In contrast, the fixing power of the slurry can be further improved by additionally irradiating light to an area other than the region where the structure is formed to induce partial curing. At this time, the light provided to induce the curing can be provided in a mesh form, thereby improving the structural fixing power without performing overall curing of the slurry.

[0033] Furthermore, before recoating the slurry, heat is applied to lower the viscosity of the slurry being recoated, thereby minimizing frictional force between it and the previously stacked laminated portion, which can minimize the displacement of the structure due to the transfer of the coating unit.

[0034] As described above, when repeatedly forming the above-mentioned laminated portion, the slippage phenomenon of the previously laminated portion is minimized to prevent deformation or distortion of the structure, and in addition, slurry other than the slurry formed into the structure can be recycled, thereby effectively reducing production costs.

[0035] FIGS. 1a to 1d are process diagrams illustrating an additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a process diagram illustrating the slippage of a structure in an additive manufacturing method according to the prior art.

[0037] Figure 3 is a process diagram illustrating the state of suppressing the slippage of a structure using the additive manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1a.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a process diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention and a state of suppressing the slippage of a structure using the same.

[0039] FIGS. 5A and 5B are process diagrams illustrating an additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a process diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]

[0042] <Explanation of Symbols>

[0043] 10, 11, 12, 13: Additive manufacturing device

[0044] 100, 101, 102: Frame Units 110, 111, 112: 1st Frame

[0045] 120, 121, 122: Second frame 113, 123: Cooling section

[0046] 115 : Extension frame 151 : Curing pattern

[0047] 200 : Bed unit 210 : Movement axis

[0048] 220 : Bed section 300 : Spray unit

[0049] 310 : Slurry 400 : Coating unit

[0050] 410: Stacking section 411: Particle section

[0051] 420, 430 : Structure 500, 501 : Investigation Unit

[0052] 510, 511 : Light (UV) 600 : Heat source

[0053]

[0054] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments are to be described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each figure. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms.

[0055] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] FIGS. 1a to 1d are process diagrams illustrating an additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] First, in describing the additive manufacturing device (10) and the additive manufacturing method using the same according to the present embodiment, the basic additive manufacturing technology is described, and specific embodiments are described individually through the following drawings.

[0059] First, referring to FIG. 1a, the additive manufacturing apparatus (10) according to the present embodiment includes a frame unit (100), a bed unit (200), a spraying unit (300), a coating unit (400), and an irradiation unit (500, see FIG. 1c).

[0060] The above-described frame unit (100) has a frame structure that forms a predetermined space inside, and only the first and second frames (110, 120) facing each other are shown in the drawing as they have a cross-sectional shape. That is, the above-described frame unit (100) may include two pairs of frames facing each other to form a rectangular block-shaped space inside, but is not limited thereto, and can be designed to vary in various ways considering the shape of the structure (420) that is finally manufactured in the internal space.

[0061] However, for convenience of explanation, the above-described frame unit (100) is described as having a rectangular block-shaped space inside and includes first and second frames (110, 120) facing each other. At this time, third and fourth frames connecting the first and second frames (110, 120) should also be provided, but considering that it is illustrated in a cross-sectional view, the illustration thereof is omitted, and it is obvious that the third and fourth frames have a shape and structure equivalent to the shape or structure of the first and second frames (110, 120).

[0062] As illustrated, the first and second frames (110, 120) are extended in the vertical direction for a predetermined length, and the internal space formed by the frame unit (100) is formed to have a predetermined depth. At this time, the internal space formed by the frame unit (100) can also be varied in consideration of the height of the structure (420, see FIG. 1d) formed in the internal space.

[0063] The bed unit (200) is provided on the internal space formed by the frame unit (100), and moves downward in the internal space as the stacking process is performed. That is, the bed unit (200) includes a moving axis (210) and a bed portion (220).

[0064] The bed portion (220) is located in the internal space formed by the frame unit (100) and is formed with an area substantially equal to the lower surface of the internal space. Accordingly, the bed portion (220) is spaced apart in one direction at a distance equal to the spacing between the first and second frames (110, 120), and in the other direction at a distance equal to the spacing between the third and fourth frames (130, 140). Thus, the bed portion (220) may be, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. Of course, the shape of the bed portion (220) is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be circular, elliptical, or even polygonal.

[0065] The bed portion (220) has a stacked portion (410) stacked on its upper side, and must be designed to have sufficient supporting power to support the stacked portion (410).

[0066] The above-mentioned moving shaft (210) is connected to the lower part of the bed section (220) and moves the bed section (220) in an up-and-down direction. That is, in the process of forming the structure (420) by stacking the stacking section (410), the moving shaft (210) sequentially moves the bed section (220) in a downward direction, and when the structure (420) is completely finished, the moving shaft (210) moves the bed section (220) back in an upward direction so that another stacking process can be started.

[0067] The bed portion (220) forms only a space where one layer can be stacked between the first and second frames (110, 120) because the stacking portion (410) is stacked one layer at a time in the stacking process described later. Accordingly, when one layer is stacked in the stacking space formed by the bed portion (220) and the first and second frames (110, 120), the bed portion (220) is positioned at a certain distance downward from the first and second frames (110, 120) to form a space for a subsequent layer to be formed. Thus, the structure (420) is manufactured by stacking one layer at a time on the bed portion (220) through a single slurry coating process.

[0068] Of course, although the drawing illustrates the bed portion (220) descending relative to the first and second frames (110, 120), it is not limited thereto, and the first and second frames (110, 120) may be designed to rise in stages relative to the bed portion (220).

[0069] The spraying unit (300) sprays a slurry (310) to be laminated on one side frame of the frame unit (100), for example, the first frame (110). At this time, the amount of the slurry (310) sprayed by the spraying unit (300) is sufficient if it is greater than the amount required to form a single layer on the bed portion (220). Thus, the slurry (310) can be coated as a single layer on the bed portion (220) through the coating unit (400). Of course, if the amount of the slurry (310) sprayed by the spraying unit (300) is greater than the amount required to form a single layer, the remaining slurry can be provided to the second frame (120) and removed to the outside.

[0070] The above slurry (310) is a material that is coated onto the upper surface of the bed portion (220) and corresponds to a material that is manufactured into the structure (420), and various materials may be used considering the characteristics of the structure (420). However, since it must be conveyed and coated through the coating unit (400), it must have a certain viscosity, and thus it may be configured in the form of a slurry containing particle portions (411, FIG. 2) inside.

[0071] At this time, the slurry (310) must be a photocurable material as it must be cured by light (UV) irradiation as described below, and the particle portions (411) included in the slurry (310) may be, for example, metal particles.

[0072] Meanwhile, the slurry (310) is illustrated in FIG. 1a as being sprayed onto the upper surface of the first frame (110). However, in order to stably secure the area where the slurry (310) is sprayed, as shown in FIG. 6 which will be described later, the upper surface of the first frame (110) may include an extension frame (115) to separately form the area where the slurry (310) is sprayed.

[0073] The coating unit (400) recoates the slurry (310) sprayed by the spraying unit (300) onto the upper surface of the bed portion (220), and may be, for example, a slot die coating unit, a doctor blade, etc. However, it is sufficient for the coating unit (400) to coat the slurry (310) onto the bed portion (220) to form a single layer, and the specific type of coating unit is not limited. Of course, since the thickness of the single layer formed on the bed portion (220) can also vary in various ways, the amount of slurry (310) sprayed must be determined by taking these thicknesses into consideration.

[0074] Meanwhile, the slurry (310) is sequentially stacked in multiple layers on the stacking portion (410), and thus the coating unit (400) must also repeatedly coat the slurry (310) onto the upper part of the bed portion (220).

[0075] The above irradiation unit (500) irradiates light (UV) to the above laminated portion (410) from the top of the above laminated portion (410), and according to the light irradiation of the above irradiation unit (500), a part of the above laminated portion (410) is hardened and formed into a structure (420, FIG. 1d).

[0076] The above irradiation unit (500) irradiates the light into a specific area or a specific pattern whenever a slurry layer is stacked on the bed portion (220) by the coating unit (400). Thus, the specific area or specific pattern of the stacked portion (410) stacked on the bed portion (220) is cured by the light and formed into a structure (420).

[0077] In addition, when performing light curing for each layer, the area or pattern where the light curing is performed in each layer may differ, and thus the structure (420) may be manufactured in a three-dimensional pre-designed shape. Furthermore, since the area or pattern where the light curing is performed may differ, the position of the irradiation unit (500) may be varied in consideration of the corresponding pattern. Of course, the position of the frame unit (100) and the bed unit (200) may be varied as a whole while the position of the irradiation unit (500) is fixed.

[0078] The additive manufacturing method using the above-mentioned additive manufacturing device (10) is described as follows.

[0079] First, referring to FIG. 1a, in the additive manufacturing method, the spraying unit (300) sprays the slurry (310) onto the first frame (110) (step S10). At this time, the amount of the slurry (310) sprayed is as described above.

[0080] Afterwards, referring to FIG. 1b, the coating unit (400) conveys the slurry (310) in one direction and coats the slurry (310) on the upper surface of the bed portion (220) (step S20). By coating the upper surface of the bed portion (220) in this way, one layer of the laminated portion (410) is formed.

[0081] Afterward, referring to FIG. 1c, when one layer of the laminated portion (410) is formed, light (UV) (510) is irradiated through the irradiation unit (500) on the upper part of the laminated portion (410) (step S30). At this time, the light irradiated through the irradiation unit (500) may be light having a specific area or a specific pattern, and accordingly, one layer of the laminated portion (410) may be cured only in a specific area or while having a specific pattern.

[0082] Since the light (510) provided by the above irradiation unit (500) is selectively provided only to a specific area or a specific pattern, the area where the light (510) is not irradiated is maintained in the same state as the slurry (310), that is, in a state having the same viscosity.

[0083] Meanwhile, after curing is performed on a single stacked layer as described above (step S30), the bed portion (220) is lowered. Thus, an additional stacking space is formed between the upper surface of the bed portion (220) and the first and second frames (110, 120), and the steps of FIGS. 1a to 1c described above are repeated.

[0084] Thus, as structures of a specific area or specific pattern are stacked and formed through irradiation of the light (510) at each layer, referring to FIG. 1d, a structure (420) of a predetermined shape having a three-dimensional structure is finally produced on the upper surface of the bed portion (220) (step S40).

[0085] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, when the three-dimensional structure (420) is manufactured as in FIG. 1d, all of the laminated parts (410) other than the structure (420) are removed to the outside, and only the structure (420) remains. Although not illustrated, a process of removing all of the laminated parts (410) other than the structure (420) may be additionally performed, and if necessary, the slurry, which is the laminated part (410), may be supplied back to the spraying unit (300) and recycled.

[0086] Figure 2 is a process diagram illustrating the slippage of a structure in an additive manufacturing method according to the prior art.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 2, in the case of a conventional additive manufacturing method, after the structure (420) is formed as a single layer, the laminated portion (410) that is not cured by the structure (420) maintains the same viscosity as the slurry (310). That is, since no separate light is irradiated, it has the same viscosity as the slurry (310), and material properties such as viscosity or fixing strength do not change.

[0088] Accordingly, as in step S10 above, during the process of additionally stacking the slurry (310) on the stacking portion (410) using the coating unit (400), the stacking portion (410) in a different area excluding the structure (420) may be pushed in the direction in which the coating unit (400) is transported.

[0089] In addition, if the above-mentioned sliding phenomenon occurs every time a layer is coated, the degree of sliding accumulates as the lamination is performed on the structure (420) as illustrated, and the degree of sliding increases as it moves upward. Consequently, due to the phenomenon where the lamination part (410) is pushed in the direction of transport of the coating unit (400), a problem may arise in which the structure (420), which is designed to be manufactured in a vertical direction, becomes bent to one side as it moves upward, and thus deformation or distortion of the structure (420) may occur. Of course, for the convenience of explanation, the state of deformation or distortion of the structure (420) is exaggerated in the drawings, but in the production of microstructures, even a slight deformation or distortion of the structure caused by such sliding phenomenon can have a significant impact on the precision of the structure.

[0090] Accordingly, it is necessary to minimize or prevent the phenomenon in which the laminated portion (410) stacked on the bed portion (220) is pushed in one direction as the coating unit (400) is transferred, and to do this, it is ultimately necessary to increase the fixing force of the laminated portion (410).

[0091] Figure 3 is a process diagram illustrating the state of suppressing the slippage of a structure using the additive manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1a.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 3, in the case of the additive manufacturing device (10) of FIG. 1a, the frame unit (101) includes first and second frames (111, 121), wherein the first and second frames (111, 121) each have an S pole and a N pole as magnets, and can form a predetermined magnetic field (150) in the laminated part (410).

[0093] That is, along the direction in which the coating unit (400) is transported, the first frame (111) located on one side may include a magnetic part representing the S pole, and the second frame (121) located on the other side may include a magnetic part representing the N pole. Of course, the polarity of the magnets represented by the first and second frames (111, 121) may be reversed. In addition, the magnetic part may be an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. Furthermore, the entire first and second frames (111, 121) may be configured to have magnetism, or alternatively, only the side of the first and second frames (111, 121) facing the stacking part (410) may be configured to have magnetism.

[0094] Thus, the slurry (310) stacked between the first and second frames (111, 121), i.e., the stacked portion (410), is provided with a predetermined magnetic force by the magnetic portion. At this time, since the slurry (310) includes a plurality of metal particle portions (411), the particle portions (411) can be aligned and arranged in a certain direction by the magnetic force, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0095] Here, if the slurry (310) is a material comprising a plurality of metal particle portions (411), the metal particle portions may react to the magnetic force. Alternatively, even if the slurry (310) does not contain metal particle portions, it is sufficient to include a material that reacts to the magnetic force.

[0096] Furthermore, as described above, the particle portions (411) included in the slurry (310) are aligned and arranged in a certain direction, so the stacking portion (410) can have a certain fixing force. Here, it is obvious that the fixing force of the stacking portion (410) is a fixing force in the horizontal direction, that is, in the direction in which the coating unit (400) is transported. Therefore, even if the coating unit (400) stacks an additional layer on the upper surface of the stacking portion (410), the stacking portion (410) can be minimized from being pushed along the transport direction of the coating unit (400).

[0097] Thus, the phenomenon of the above structure (430) being pushed along the transfer direction of the coating unit (400) is minimized, and the distortion or deformation of the shape or pattern of the above structure (430) initially designed can be minimized or prevented.

[0098] Meanwhile, the step (step S11) of forming a magnetic field (150) on the laminated portion (410) as described above and applying a predetermined magnetic force must be performed prior to the step (step S20) of recoating using the coating unit (400) in the laminated manufacturing method described above.

[0099] At this time, the step of applying the magnetic force (step S11) may be performed repeatedly before each step of performing the recoating step (step S20). That is, the magnetic field (150) may be applied to the stacking part (410) only before the recoating step (step S20), and then the applied magnetic field may be extinguished. Alternatively, the state of applying the magnetic field (150) may be maintained not only before the step of performing the recoating step (step S20) but also during the process of performing other steps.

[0100] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the additive manufacturing method, a magnetic field (150) is applied to the laminated portion (410) to induce the particle portions (411) to align in a specific direction, thereby improving the fixing force on the laminated portion (410) overall. Through this, the phenomenon of the structure (430) being pushed is prevented, and the structure (430) can be precisely manufactured in a pre-designed shape and pattern.

[0101] FIG. 4 is a process diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention and a state of suppressing the slippage of a structure using the same.

[0102] In the case of the additive manufacturing device (11) according to the present embodiment, except that the frame unit (102) includes a cooling unit (113, 123), it is substantially the same as the additive manufacturing device (10) described with reference to FIG. 3, so the same reference numbers are used for the same components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 4, in the case of the additive manufacturing apparatus (11) according to the present embodiment, the frame unit (102) includes first and second frames (112, 122), and the first and second frames (112, 122) each include first and second cooling units (113, 123) to perform cooling for the additive part (410).

[0104] The first and second cooling units (113, 123) may be cooling units that provide cold heat and are provided inside the first and second frames (112, 122), or alternatively, the first and second frames (112, 122) themselves may be configured as cooling units. Furthermore, for more effective cooling of the stacking unit (410), the first and second cooling units (113, 123) may be provided on the side of the first and second frames (112, 122) so as to be adjacent to the stacking unit (410).

[0105] Thus, the slurry (310) stacked between the first and second frames (112, 122), i.e., the stacked portion (410), is cooled by the cooling portions (113, 123). At this time, since the slurry (310) is a material having a certain viscosity, the viscosity increases due to cooling by the cooling portions (113, 123). That is, as the viscosity of the stacked portion (410) increases, the semi-solid form can be maintained, and accordingly, the fixing force of the stacked portion (410) increases. Here, the fixing force is also sufficient if it is a fixing force in the direction in which the coating unit (400) is transported.

[0106] Therefore, even if the coating unit (400) stacks an additional layer on the upper surface of the stacking part (410), the stacking part (410) can be minimized from being pushed along the transport direction of the coating unit (400).

[0107] Thus, the phenomenon of the above structure (430) being pushed along the transfer direction of the coating unit (400) is minimized, and the distortion or deformation of the shape or pattern of the above structure (430) initially designed can be minimized.

[0108] Meanwhile, the step of cooling the laminated portion (410) as described above (step S12) must be performed prior to the step of recoating using the coating unit (400) in the additive manufacturing method described above (step S20).

[0109] At this time, the cooling step (step S12) may be performed repeatedly before each step of performing the recoating step (step S20). That is, the laminate (410) may be cooled only before the recoating step (step S20), and then the cooling may be terminated. Alternatively, the cooling step (step S12) may be performed not only before the step of performing the recoating step (step S20) but also always during the process of performing other steps, so that the laminate (410) is always maintained in a cooled state.

[0110] As described above, in this embodiment, in the additive manufacturing method, cooling heat is provided to the laminated portion (410) to increase the viscosity of the laminated portion (410) and maintain a semi-solid state, thereby improving the fixing force of the laminated portion (410) overall. Through this, the phenomenon of the structure (430) being pushed out is prevented, making it possible to precisely manufacture the structure (430) in a pre-designed shape and pattern.

[0111] FIGS. 5A and 5B are process diagrams illustrating an additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] In the case of the additive manufacturing device (12) according to the present embodiment, a curing unit (501) is further included. For components identical to those described above in the additive manufacturing device (10, 11), the same reference numbers are used and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0113] First, referring to FIG. 5a, the additive manufacturing apparatus (12) according to the present embodiment further includes the curing unit (501) to perform curing of the additive part (410) separately from the light (UV) irradiation by the irradiation unit (500).

[0114] That is, as previously explained, the irradiation unit (500) selectively irradiates the light (510) onto an area or pattern where the structure (430) is to be formed, thereby forming the stacked portion (410) into the structure (430).

[0115] In contrast, the curing unit (501) irradiates a separate light (UV) to the laminated portion (410) in an area other than the area irradiated by the irradiation unit (500), that is, the area where the structure (430) is formed, thereby performing semi-solidification (curing) of the laminated portion (410). At this time, the light (UV, 511) irradiated to the laminated portion (410) through the curing unit (501) may be light with a lower intensity than the light (510) irradiated by the irradiation unit (500). Thus, semi-solidification of the laminated portion (410) can be performed to a lower degree than the degree of curing the laminated portion (410) to manufacture the structure (430).

[0116] That is, curing using the above-mentioned curing unit (501) is intended to semi-solidify the laminated portion (410) in the area where the structure (430) is not formed, i.e., to improve fixing strength, so as to prevent the laminated portion (410) and the structure (430) from being pushed in one direction when coating using the coating unit (400) in a subsequent process.

[0117] Therefore, it is sufficient to cure by irradiating light of lower intensity than the light intensity for manufacturing the above structure (430).

[0118] Additionally, as described above, as a method for providing a predetermined fixing force to the laminated portion (410), the light (511) irradiated through the curing unit (501) may be provided having a mesh pattern. Accordingly, the laminated portion (410) in the area where the structure (430) is not formed may be semi-solidified having a mesh pattern, and thus the laminated portion (410) as a whole may be laminated with a predetermined fixing force.

[0119] Of course, in addition to the above mesh pattern, the light (511) can be irradiated while having other patterns such as a net, and the pattern irradiated at this time can be varied in many ways.

[0120] Thus, even if the coating unit (400) stacks an additional layer on the upper surface of the stacking part (410), the stacking part (410) can be minimized from being pushed along the transport direction of the coating unit (400). In addition, the structure (430) can also be minimized from being pushed along the transport direction of the coating unit (400), thereby minimizing distortion or deformation of the shape or pattern of the structure (430) that was initially designed.

[0121] Meanwhile, the step of irradiating light (511) through the curing unit (501) as described above (step S13) must be performed prior to the step of recoating using the coating unit (400) in the additive manufacturing method described above (step S20).

[0122] At this time, the light irradiation step (step S13) can be performed repeatedly before each step of performing the recoating step (step S20). That is, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, before the recoating step (step S20), the fixing force of the laminated part (410) can be improved by the light irradiation, and the recoating can be performed.

[0123] However, if the fixing force of the laminated portion (410) is improved through light irradiation as described above, when the laminated portion (410) is removed after the structure (430) is fully formed, the removed laminated portion (410) is in a cured state and therefore may not be recycled as a slurry in a subsequent process.

[0124] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the additive manufacturing method, light (511) is irradiated onto the additive part (410) to improve the fixing force in an area other than the area where the structure (430) is formed, thereby preventing the structure (430) from being pushed, and thus enabling the precise production of the structure (430) in a pre-designed shape and pattern.

[0125] Meanwhile, although FIG. 5a illustrates that the curing unit (501) irradiates the light (511) only to an area outside the region where the structure (430) is formed, since the intensity of the light (511) irradiated through the curing unit (501) is lower than the intensity of the light (510) irradiated through the irradiation unit (500), the light (511) irradiated by the curing unit (501) may be provided to the region where the structure (430) is formed. That is, it is sufficient to perform additional curing on the region where the light (511) of the curing unit (501) is irradiated through the subsequent irradiation of the light (510) through the irradiation unit (500).

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the curing unit (501) is exemplified as being a separate unit from the irradiation unit (500), but the curing unit (501) and the irradiation unit (500) may be formed as a single unit.

[0127] That is, after a single irradiation unit (500) irradiates light (511) onto the stacked portion (410) to improve a predetermined fixing force on the stacked portion (410) (step S13), the light (510) can be irradiated to a specific area to form the structure (430) (step S30). Through this, the process can be performed quickly and efficiently using a single irradiation unit.

[0128] FIG. 6 is a process diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing method using an additive manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] In the case of the additive manufacturing device (13) according to the present embodiment, except that it further includes a heat source part (600) on the extension frame (115), it is substantially the same as the additive manufacturing device (10) described with reference to FIG. 3, so the same reference numbers are used for the same components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 6, in the case of the additive manufacturing apparatus (13) according to the present embodiment, the heat source unit (600) is additionally provided on the extension frame (115) formed on the upper part of the first frame (110). Of course, as previously explained, the extension frame (115) may be omitted if sufficient space is formed for the slurry (310) to be located, and the heat source unit (600) may be provided on the upper part of the first frame (110).

[0131] The heat source (600) provides heat to the slurry (310), and as heat is provided to the slurry (310), the viscosity of the slurry (310) decreases. This is the opposite of the increase in viscosity of the laminated part (410) caused by cooling the laminated part (410) as described above.

[0132] That is, the viscosity of the slurry (310) before it is coated onto the upper surface of the bed portion (220) is lowered, and through this, the frictional force between the coated slurry (310) and the previously laminated portion (410) is reduced during the process of coating the slurry (310) onto the upper surface of the laminated portion (410).

[0133] Accordingly, in the process of coating the slurry (310) onto the upper surface of the laminate (410) using the coating unit (400), the laminate (410) may be minimized from being pushed along the conveying direction of the coating unit (400).

[0134] Thus, the phenomenon of the above structure (430) being pushed along the transfer direction of the coating unit (400) is minimized, and the distortion or deformation of the shape or pattern of the above structure (430) initially designed can be minimized.

[0135] Meanwhile, the step of heating the slurry (310) as described above (step S14) must be performed prior to the step of recoating using the coating unit (400) in the additive manufacturing method described above (step S20).

[0136] At this time, in the step of heating the slurry (310) (step S14), the heat source unit (600) can be controlled to operate when the slurry (310) is located at the top, or alternatively, the heat source unit (600) can be controlled to operate at all times.

[0137] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the additive manufacturing method, the slurry (310) before coating is heated to reduce frictional force between it and the laminated part (410), thereby improving the overall fixing force of the laminated part (410). Through this, the phenomenon of the structure (430) being pushed is prevented, and the structure (430) can be precisely manufactured in a pre-designed shape and pattern.

[0138] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, in forming a structure of a predetermined shape through the recoating of a slurry and the selective provision of light, the fixing force of the slurry is improved, thereby preventing the structure from being pushed in one direction and its shape from being distorted or deformed during the repetitive recoating process of the slurry.

[0139] That is, the slurries outside the area where the structure is formed have relatively low fixing power, so during the process of stacking additional slurries, a problem may occur where they are pushed in the direction in which the coating unit is transported, and if light is provided to the same location, the shape of the resulting structure may be distorted or deformed. Therefore, the slurry is induced to be fixed with high fixing power even in the area outside the area where the structure is formed, thereby minimizing the phenomenon of being pushed in the direction in which the coating unit is transported.

[0140] In this case, as a method of providing fixing force to the slurry, a magnetic field can be provided to the space where the slurry is stacked, that is, the space where the stacked portion is formed, so that the particles included in the slurry are aligned in one direction by magnetic force.

[0141] In contrast, the space where the above-mentioned laminate is formed is cooled to form a high viscosity of the slurry, so that the slurry can have relatively high fixing power, thereby minimizing the slippage of the slurry even in additional coating using the coating unit.

[0142] In contrast, the fixing power of the slurry can be further improved by additionally irradiating light to an area other than the region where the structure is formed to induce partial curing. At this time, the light provided to induce the curing can be provided in the form of a mesh, thereby improving the structural fixing power without performing overall curing of the slurry.

[0143] Furthermore, before recoating the slurry, heat is applied to lower the viscosity of the slurry being recoated, thereby minimizing frictional force between it and the previously stacked laminated portion, which can minimize the displacement of the structure due to the transfer of the coating unit.

[0144] As described above, when repeatedly forming the above-mentioned laminated portion, the slippage phenomenon of the previously laminated portion is minimized to prevent deformation or distortion of the structure, and in addition, slurry other than the slurry formed into the structure can be recycled, thereby effectively reducing production costs.

[0145] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A frame unit forming a predetermined space inside; A bed unit that moves downward on the above-mentioned frame unit, with stacking portions sequentially stacked on the upper surface; A coating unit that forms the laminated portion by recoating a slurry onto the upper surface of the bed unit; and It includes an irradiation unit that selectively provides light (UV) to the above-mentioned stacked portion to form a structure of a predetermined shape, and An additive manufacturing apparatus that maintains the shape of the structure by increasing the fixing force of the above slurry.

2. In Paragraph 1, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized in that, as the fixing force of the slurry increases, the slurry is minimized from being pushed along with the transfer of the coating unit.

3. In paragraph 1, the frame unit is, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by forming a space in which the above-mentioned stacking portion is stacked and including a pair of first and second frames facing each other.

4. In paragraph 3, the first and second frames are, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by forming a magnetic field in the stacked portion, including an electromagnet or a permanent magnet.

5. In Paragraph 4, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by having an electromagnet or permanent magnet provided on the side facing the stacking portion of the first and second frames.

6. In paragraph 4, the above slurry is, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by including a material that responds to the above magnetic field.

7. In paragraph 4, the above magnetic field is, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by being provided periodically whenever the above slurry is recoated, or always provided throughout the entire process of forming the above structure.

8. In paragraph 3, the first and second frames are, An additive manufacturing apparatus characterized by cooling the stacked portion including a cooling portion.

9. In Paragraph 1, An additive manufacturing apparatus further comprising a curing unit that irradiates light (UV) of lower intensity than the light (UV) provided by the irradiation unit in an area other than the above structure.

10. In claim 9, the curing unit is, A stacking manufacturing apparatus characterized by irradiating light to an area outside the structure whenever the stacked portions are sequentially stacked.

11. In Clause 9, the above curing unit is, A stacked manufacturing apparatus characterized by irradiating light to an area outside the above structure in the form of a mesh.

12. In Paragraph 9, A stacked manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the above-mentioned irradiation unit and the above-mentioned curing unit are a single unit.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above curing unit irradiates light onto the entire laminated portion, and A stacked manufacturing device characterized by the above-mentioned irradiation unit additionally irradiating light to the area where the structure is formed among the above-mentioned stacked parts.

14. In Paragraph 1, A stacked manufacturing apparatus further comprising a heat source unit that applies heat to the slurry from the outside of the space formed by the frame unit before recoating the slurry.

15. A step of increasing the fixing force of the above slurry; A step of forming a laminate by recoating a slurry onto the upper surface of the bed unit in the space formed by the frame unit; A step of selectively providing light (UV) to the above-mentioned laminated portion to form a structure of a predetermined shape; and A method for manufacturing additive manufacturing comprising the step of moving the bed unit downward.

16. In the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry according to claim 15, A method for manufacturing a laminated structure characterized by forming a magnetic field in the above-mentioned laminated portion.

17. In the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry according to claim 15, A method for manufacturing an additive manufacturing structure characterized by cooling the above-mentioned laminated portion.

18. In the step of increasing the fixing force of the slurry according to claim 15, A method for manufacturing an additive manufacturing structure characterized by irradiating a region other than the above structure with light (UV) of lower intensity than the light (UV) provided in the formation of the above structure.

19. In Paragraph 15, The step of increasing the fixing force of the above slurry includes the step of providing a first light (UV) to the entire laminated portion, and A method for manufacturing an additive manufacturing structure, characterized by including, in the step of forming the above structure, a step of providing a second light (UV) with a higher intensity than the first light to the area where the above structure is formed.

20. In claim 15, prior to the step of recoating the slurry to form a laminate, An additive manufacturing method further comprising the step of applying heat to the above slurry in advance.

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