JP2002292751A - Three-dimensional shaping device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional shaping device which shortens a shap ing time and sufficiently secures the strength of a shaped matter. SOLUTION: This three-dimensional shaping device performs the operating steps of forming a layer 80 of a powder material on a shaping stage 52, applying an ultraviolet-curable resin to a specified region of a powder layer, and curing the ultraviolet-curable resin by irradiating the resin with an ultraviolet light to form an aggregate 82 of the powder material. The three-dimensional shape 84 is created by repeating the described steps sequentially to the powder layer. The region where the ultraviolet-curable resin is applied comprises an enclosure region and an inner region surrounded by the enclosure region and the inner region is exposed to the emitted ultraviolet light for a shorter time than it is to the enclosure region. Thus the energy imparted to the ultraviolet-curable resin in the inner region is less than that in the enclosure region.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a three-dimensional printing apparatus and method for producing a three-dimensional printing object by providing a binder and binding a powder material.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a conventional three-dimensional printing apparatus, a thin layer of a powder material is formed, and a binder which is dried and hardened is applied using, for example, an ink jet head. In some cases, a three-dimensional structure is formed by repeating a process of forming a combined body material. In this three-dimensional printing apparatus, for example, the following operation is performed, and a three-dimensional printing object is created.

First, a gypsum or starch powder material is uniformly spread in a thin layer by a roller mechanism or the like. Next, an inkjet head is scanned over a region to be formed in the thin layer of the powder material, and a binder that is cured by drying is applied. The powder material in the area where the binder is applied is combined with the lower layer or the adjacent cured area. Until the modeling is completed, the steps of sequentially forming a thin layer of the powder material and applying the binder are repeated. When the shaping is completed, the three-dimensional structure bonded by the binder can be taken out by removing the powder material in the region where the binder is not applied.

In such a three-dimensional printing apparatus, it takes a relatively long time for the binder to harden by drying after being applied, so that it is difficult to speed up the printing. In order to solve this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-30 by the present applicant
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus of 888 uses an ultraviolet curable resin as a binder, and irradiates with ultraviolet rays after applying the binder, thereby enabling a shorter modeling time than before.

By the way, the present inventors are studying a method of forming a shaped article whose surface is further colored. If the color to be colored is a single color or the image applied to the surface is simple, it is possible to perform coloring processing by human hands after modeling the object, but the arrangement of colors and images are complicated. It ’s not only difficult for humans to do the coloring process,
It is extremely difficult to automatically apply a color or the like to a molded article having irregularities (for example, it is difficult to keep the distance between the surface of the molded article and the inkjet head constant at an arbitrary position).

Therefore, the present inventors applied a UV curable resin to a layer of a powder material and irradiated with ultraviolet light, and then applied ink to a cured region to color each layer of the powder material. We believe that it is possible to create a colored object.

In the above method, if the ink is applied in a state where the ultraviolet curable resin is not sufficiently cured, the color of the ink may become uneven, or the strength of the molded article may not be sufficiently secured. It is necessary that the ultraviolet-curable resin is sufficiently cured before the application step, but the time required for molding increases accordingly.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional molding apparatus and method capable of shortening the molding time while sufficiently securing the strength of the molded article.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above object, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for creating a three-dimensional model by combining powder materials.
A layer forming means for sequentially forming a layer of the powder material; an applying means for applying a binder which is cured in response to a specific energy to a predetermined region in the layer of the powder material; A supply unit for supplying the specific energy to the binder, wherein the binder is cured by the supply unit to form a combined body of the powder material for each layer of the powder material; The energy supply condition is selectively changed according to the region to which the binder is applied.

A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the area to which the binder is provided includes an outer area and an inner area surrounded by the outer area. The supply condition of the specific energy is changed between the outer region and the inner region.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second aspect, energy supplied to the outer region is larger than that supplied to the inner region.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for forming a three-dimensional model by combining powder materials, the layer forming means for sequentially forming layers of the powder material; For a given area in the layer of powder material,
An application unit that applies a binder that cures in response to specific energy, and a binder that is applied to the powder material,
A supply unit for supplying the specific energy, wherein the binder is cured by the supply unit to form a combined body of the powder material for each layer of the powder material, and the amount of the binder applied by the application unit is reduced. , Wherein the binder is selectively changed within an area to which the binder is applied.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the region to which the binder is provided includes an outer region and an inner region surrounded by the outer region. The amount of binder applied is changed between the outer region and the inner region.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the outer region is provided with a larger amount of binder than the inner region. .

A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of the second, third, fifth, and sixth aspects, wherein a combined body of the powder material is formed for each layer of the powder material. And a coloring means for applying a coloring agent to a colored region in the combined body of the powder materials after the coloring.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the coloring area substantially coincides with the outer area.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the binder is cured in response to light energy having a predetermined wavelength. It is assumed that.

A three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 10 is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The binder is characterized by being cured in response to heat energy.

A three-dimensional molding method according to claim 11, which is a three-dimensional molding method for forming a three-dimensional object by bonding powder materials, wherein a layer of powder material is sequentially formed. Applying a binder that cures in response to a specific energy to a predetermined region in a layer of the powder material; and supplying the specific energy to the binder applied to the powder material. And the supply step, wherein the binder is cured in the supply step,
A combined body of the powder material is formed for each layer of the powder material,
The supply condition of the specific energy in the supply step is selectively changed according to a region to which the binder is applied.

A three-dimensional modeling method according to a twelfth aspect is the three-dimensional modeling method according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the region provided with the binder includes an outer region and an inner region surrounded by the outer region. The supply condition of the specific energy is changed between the outer region and the inner region.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling method according to the twelfth aspect, the outer region includes:
It is characterized in that the supplied energy is larger than that in the internal region.

A three-dimensional modeling method according to a fourteenth aspect is a three-dimensional modeling method for forming a three-dimensional model by binding powder materials, wherein a layer of powder material is sequentially formed. Applying a binder that cures in response to a specific energy to a predetermined region in the layer of the powder material; and supplying the specific energy to the binder applied to the powder material. Including a supply step, the binder is cured in the supply step, thereby forming a composite of the powder material for each layer of the powder material,
The amount of the binder applied in the applying step is selectively changed within a region where the binder is applied.

In a three-dimensional modeling method according to a fifteenth aspect, in the three-dimensional modeling method according to the fourteenth aspect, the region to which the binder is provided includes an outer region and an inner region surrounded by the outer region. The amount of binder applied is changed between the outer region and the inner region.

In a three-dimensional modeling method according to a sixteenth aspect, in the three-dimensional modeling method according to the fifteenth aspect, the outer region includes:
The present invention is characterized in that a larger amount of binder is provided than in an internal region.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling method according to the twelfth, thirteenth, fifteenth, or sixteenth aspect, the method comprises the steps of: And a coloring step of applying a coloring agent to a colored region in the combined body of the powder materials.

The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 18 is characterized in that, in the three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 15, the coloring region substantially coincides with the outer region.

[0027] In a three-dimensional modeling method according to a nineteenth aspect, in the three-dimensional modeling method according to any one of the eleventh to eighteenth aspects, the binder is cured in response to light energy having a predetermined wavelength. It is assumed that.

[0028] A three-dimensional modeling method according to a twentieth aspect is characterized in that in the three-dimensional modeling method according to any one of the eleventh to eighteenth aspects, the binder is cured in response to heat energy. .

[0029]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a three-dimensional printing system equipped with a three-dimensional printing apparatus (colored powder laminated printing apparatus) according to the present invention. The three-dimensional modeling system 1 includes a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 that performs coloring modeling of a modeling object, and a host computer that supplies a control signal and two-dimensional image data relating to a cross-sectional image of the modeling object to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. And 2.

The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 applies a UV curable resin as a binder to a predetermined powder material as described later, and irradiates the UV light to bond the powder material.
Further, by performing coloring with color ink, a combined body of the color powder materials is sequentially formed, and a colored molded article is created as a final combined body.

The host computer 2 is a so-called general computer system including a control unit 2a, a display 2b, a keyboard 2c, and a mouse 2d. The control unit 2a performs a process of creating cross-sectional data (two-dimensional image data) obtained by slicing the three-dimensional image data of the three-dimensional modeling object input in advance at a predetermined pitch, for example, in the horizontal direction. The program is installed. For this reason, the host computer 2 can create the cross-sectional data of the object to be modeled from the three-dimensional image data of the modeling object, and supplies the generated cross-sectional data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100.

The host computer 2 only supplies three-dimensional image data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100,
On the side of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, cross-sectional data may be created from three-dimensional image data (see Table 1 below).
(D)).

Host computer 2 and three-dimensional printing apparatus 1
Between 00 and 00, data and the like can be transferred online, and data and the like can be transferred offline using the portable recording medium 3.
Recording media include a magneto-optical disk (MO), a compact disk (CD-RW), a digital video disk (DVD-RAM), and a memory card.

Next, an embodiment of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a control unit 20, a powder supply unit 30, a head unit 40 for applying / curing an ultraviolet curable resin as a powder extension / binder, applying ultraviolet rays, and applying a color ink, a modeling unit 50, and a powder collecting unit. A housing 10 having a built-in housing 60 and a powder conveying unit 70 (the control unit 20, the powder supplying unit 30, the head unit 40, the modeling unit 50, the powder collecting unit 60, and the powder conveying unit 70 will be described later). And a cover 1 that covers the modeling part 50 provided on the upper side of the housing.
0a.

The cover 10a is made of a transparent material such as glass or acrylic resin, and is configured so that the situation during molding can be visually recognized. Further, the cover 10a is subjected to a process of shielding ultraviolet rays emitted during molding. Further, when the cover 10a is opened during the molding, the ultraviolet irradiation is immediately stopped, and the head unit 40 waits at a predetermined position.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) 11, operation switches 12, and a detachable opening 13 for the recording medium 3 are arranged on the front side of the housing 10, and a digital input / output terminal 14 is provided on the side. The liquid crystal display 11 is used as a means for displaying an operation guide screen when performing an operation input and a means for displaying the operation status of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100. The digital input / output terminal 14
S232C terminal, SCSI terminal or IEEE139
It is a general-purpose terminal such as four terminals.

FIG. 3 shows a main part of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 which performs a molding process, that is, a powder supply section 30, a head section 40,
3 shows a modeling unit 50, a powder recovery unit 60, and a powder transport unit 70.

As shown in FIG. 4, the powder supply unit 30 has a function of storing the powder 31 and a function of supplying a predetermined amount of the powder 31 to the secondary hopper 471 (FIG. 5) of the head unit 40. ing. The powder supply unit 30 includes a primary hopper 32, a rotor 3
3 and an agitator 34, and the amount of powder supplied to the secondary hopper 471 is controlled by controlling the number of rotations of the rotor 33. Agitator 34
Is adapted to prevent the powder 31 from blocking due to rotation. Regarding the powder 31,
In order to improve the color development, it is preferable to use a white color. When printing on white paper, for example, applying colored ink only to the colored areas enables gradation expression of the color in balance with the white background, but the same applies to the coloring of three-dimensional objects. Therefore, it is desirable to use a white powder material. Further, in the present embodiment, a rotary supply mechanism is shown as the powder supply unit 30, but a supply mechanism of a vibration type, a rotating blade type, a belt type, or the like may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5, the head section 40 includes an ink jet head section 41, an ultraviolet irradiation section 46, and a powder extending section 47. In the present embodiment, the head unit 40 is a single X-direction moving unit for reciprocating the entire inkjet head unit 41, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46, and the powder extending unit 47 in the X direction (the left-right direction in the drawing) in the horizontal plane. 49 (FIG. 6) to move integrally. The X-direction moving portion 49 is configured to be able to reciprocate in the X direction along a guide rail (not shown) extending in the X direction.

However, when finer movement / speed control is required, an X-direction moving mechanism may be provided in each of the inkjet head unit 41, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46, and the powder extending unit 47, and may be driven separately.

The ink jet head unit 41 includes a tank 4 containing an ultraviolet curable resin serving as a binder for binding the powder, and a plurality of inks for coloring the combined powder.
3, a nozzle 44 for discharging the ultraviolet curable resin or ink in the tank, and a reciprocating movement of the tank 43 and the nozzle 44 in the Y-axis direction (front and back directions on the paper surface) orthogonal to the X axis and in the same horizontal plane as the X axis. And an ink jet head Y-direction moving unit 45 for the purpose. Y direction moving unit 4
5 is a Y that can move in the X direction together with the X direction moving section 49.
It is designed to be able to reciprocate in the Y direction along a guide rail (not shown) extending in the direction.

More specifically, the tank 43 includes a plurality of tanks (four tanks in this example) 43a to 43d each containing ink of a different color, and a tank 43e for ultraviolet curable resin. Specifically, the three primary colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) and W (white) ink are stored in the respective tanks 43a to 43d. Each ink that is a colorant does not discolor even when combined with the powder material, and it is desirable to use an ink that does not discolor or fade even after a long time. Generally, it is sufficient to mix the three primary colors of Y, M, and C in order to perform coloring. However, in order to express light and shade (gradation), it is necessary to eject white ink in addition to the three primary colors and mix the colors. Becomes effective. In general printers and the like, characters and images are printed on white paper with ink, toner, and the like. Therefore, if the white color of the base paper is used, white ink is not required.
By using only the three colors of C, the shading of each color component can be expressed in principle. However, when the color of the powder used as the material for the three-dimensional printing is not white, it is particularly effective to use a white ink.

An ultraviolet curing resin replenishing tank 48 is connected to the ultraviolet curing resin tank 43e, and the ultraviolet curing resin can be replenished by a pump (not shown). As the ultraviolet curable resin, it is preferable to use a resin having a low viscosity such as an acrylic monomer resin having a low molecular weight so that the resin can be discharged using an ink jet head. Note that an epoxy-based resin or the like may be used as the ultraviolet curable resin.

The nozzle 44 is connected to the ink jet head 4
1 and is movable with respect to the Y direction integrally with the inkjet head Y direction moving section 45. The nozzle 44 includes the same number of discharge nozzles 44a to 44e as the number of tanks in the tank unit 43, and the discharge nozzles 44a to 44e are individually connected to the tanks 43a to 43e. Each of the discharge nozzles 44a to 44e is a nozzle that discharges an ultraviolet curable resin or ink as minute droplets by, for example, an inkjet method. Each discharge nozzle 44
The discharge of the ultraviolet curing resin or ink by a to 44e is as follows.
The ultraviolet curable resin or ink is individually controlled by the inkjet head driving unit 241 (FIG. 6), and adheres to a powder layer (described later) of the modeling unit 50 provided at a position facing the nozzle 44.

As described above, the ink jet head unit 41 can be moved by the X direction moving unit 49 and the Y direction moving unit 45 in a plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis. The X-direction moving unit 49 and the Y-direction moving unit 45 can move the inkjet head unit 41 to an arbitrary position within the driving range on the XY plane based on the driving signal from the control unit 20. Then, the inkjet head driving unit 241 performs a plurality of ejection nozzles 44a to 44e in accordance with the position of the nozzle 44 on the XY plane.
The ultraviolet curable resin or the ink is selectively ejected from among them, and the ultraviolet curable resin or the ink is applied to a necessary portion of the powder layer of the modeling section 50.

The nozzles 44a to 44e may be moved independently in the X and Y directions instead of being integrated. Also, for each of the tanks 43a to 43e,
A plurality of nozzles may be provided along the front and back directions in FIG.

The ultraviolet irradiator 46 has a function of irradiating ultraviolet rays to cure the ultraviolet curable resin and to bind the powder. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 can be moved in the X direction by the X direction moving unit 49 together with the inkjet head unit 41. Alternatively, as described above, it may be possible to independently move in the X direction.
The ultraviolet irradiation section 46 also has a Y-direction moving section 242 (FIG. 6).
To allow independent movement in the Y direction. For example, an ultraviolet LED as a light source of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46
Is used, and a required portion of the powder layer is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in a spot shape.

The powder extending section 47 includes a secondary hopper 471, a shutter 472, a blade 473, and an extending roller 474. These members 471, 472, 473,
474 extends along the Y direction. The powder extending unit 47 stores the powder necessary for forming one more powder layer supplied from the powder supply unit 30 in the secondary hopper 471, and opens the shutter 472 at a predetermined position to open the powder. Is to be dropped. When the powder extending section 47 is moved in the X direction by the X direction moving section 49, the thrown powder is extended by the blade 473 and the rotating extending roller 474, and a uniform powder layer is created. It is like that.

Returning to FIG. 3, the modeling unit 50 includes a modeling unit main body 51 having a concave portion, a modeling stage 52 provided to form the bottom surface of the concave portion of the modeling portion 51, and a modeling stage 52 (XY). A Z-direction moving unit (modeling stage elevating mechanism) 53 for moving in the Z direction (perpendicular to the plane), a vibration feeder 55 for carrying out the powder from the modeling unit 50, and a sealing member 56 are provided. The modeling unit 50 plays a role of providing a work area for creating a modeled object using powder.

The modeling part main body 51 supplies powder from the primary hopper 32 to the secondary hopper 471 at the upper left end thereof, and drops the powder from the secondary hopper 471 at the upper right end thereof. It is designed to hold the body temporarily.

The molding stage 52 has a rectangular shape in the XY cross section, and the side surface thereof is
It is in contact with the vertical inner wall 51a of the concave portion in the modeling portion main body 51.

The Z-direction moving section 53 has a support rod 53a connected to the molding stage 52 and a drive section 53b for moving the support rod 53a in the vertical direction.
The modeling stage 52 connected to the support bar 53a can be moved up and down along the Z direction by moving the 3a in the vertical direction by the driving unit 53b.

The rectangular three-dimensional space (space of the concave portion) formed by the modeling stage 52 and the vertical inner wall 51a of the modeling portion main body 51 functions as a work area for creating a modeling object. Then, a thin layer of powder is sequentially formed for each layer on the modeling stage 52, and a sequence of discharging an ultraviolet curable resin, curing the resin by irradiating ultraviolet rays, and discharging ink is performed for each layer. Accordingly, a required part of the powder is joined and colored to form a modeled object.

Further, a vibration feeder 55 for transporting the uncured powder to the powder collecting section 60 is attached to the bottom of the molding stage 52, and the molding stage 52 is vibrated in the X-axis direction. The uncured powder is transported depending on the strength of the powder. The method of conveying powder using vibration is not possible with the method of discharging or absorbing powder by air pressure (wind). Vibration propagates to the uncured powder in the intruded part where wind does not reach, These powders can be removed and transported.

The sealing member 56 is for preventing the powder from leaking from the gap between the vertical inner wall 51a and the molding stage 52 when the molding stage 52 moves in the Z direction. Moreover, the sealing member 56 has flexibility,
The deformation of 6 enables the shaping stage 52 to vibrate in the X-axis direction due to the operation of the vibration feeder 55.

The powder collecting section 60 is provided with a powder collecting tank 61 and a powder collecting port 62. The powder that has been excessively formed in the thin powder layer is moved in the −X direction. The blade 473 of the extension unit 47 and the extension roller 474 (FIG. 5) pay out the toner, fall from the powder collection port 62, and accumulate in the powder collection tank 61. The uncured powder conveyed by the vibration feeder 55 also falls from the powder recovery port 62 and is accumulated in the powder recovery tank 61.

The powder conveying section 70 is provided with a powder conveying screw 7.
1, a powder transport tube 72, a powder inlet 73, and a powder outlet 74. The powder inlet 73 is for guiding the powder from the bottom of the powder recovery tank 61 to the powder transport tube 72, and has a shape that does not cause problems in powder transport such as blocking. The powder transport tube 72 is connected from a powder inlet 73 to a powder outlet 74. Inside the powder transfer tube 72, a powder transfer screw 71 is connected to the powder discharge port 74 and the powder transfer tube 72 from the joint between the powder inlet 73 and the powder transfer tube 72. It is provided up to the vicinity of the joint.

One end of the powder transfer screw 71 is drivingly connected to a motor 271 (FIG. 6) so that the powder transfer screw 71 can rotate around the central axis of the screw.

As a result, the powder deposited in the powder recovery tank 61 is guided to the powder transport tube 72 through the powder inlet 73, and the powder transport screw 71 moves the inside of the powder transport tube 72. The powder is conveyed and re-supplied from the powder feed port 74 to the inside of the primary hopper 32 of the powder supply unit 30, so that the powder can be reused.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the three-dimensional printing system 1. As shown in FIG. Data or the like created on the host computer 2 side is input to the interface 21 from the host computer 2 via the digital input / output terminal 14 or to the interface 21 from the recording medium 3.

Control unit 2 for controlling three-dimensional printing apparatus 100
0 has the same function as a general-purpose computer. The system controller 201 includes the powder supply unit 30, the head unit 4
0, control for the X-direction moving unit 49, the modeling unit 50, and the powder conveying unit 70 is performed.

The system controller 201 sends a driving motor 2 for driving the rotor 33 to the powder supply unit 30.
31, a drive motor 232 for driving the agitator 34 is controlled. For the head unit 40, the inkjet head driving unit 24 that drives the inkjet head unit 41
1, an inkjet head Y-direction moving unit 45, a powder extension unit 47, a lighting control unit 243 for turning on an ultraviolet light source of an ultraviolet irradiation unit 46, and a Y-direction moving unit 2 for an ultraviolet irradiation unit
42 is controlled.

The system controller 201 controls the X-direction drive motor 248 for the X-direction moving unit 49, and an encoder 244 for detecting a position in the X direction.
HP (Home Positio) that detects a reference position in the X direction
n) Receive a signal from the sensor 245. For the modeling unit 50, a drive motor 251 for driving the modeling stage elevating mechanism 53 and a controller 252 of the vibration feeder 55 for removing powder are controlled. For the powder conveying section 70, a drive motor 271 for driving the screw 71 is controlled.

The system controller 201 gives the character generator 203 an instruction to display appropriate characters and symbols on the screen of the liquid crystal display 11 and receives input information from the operation switch 12. It is configured to be able to.

(Roles and Features of Section Data of Host Computer and 3D Modeling Apparatus from Preparation of Section Data to Forming) Table 1 shows section data of an object to be formed from 3D image data of the object. And the host computer 2 until the modeling based on this data
And the roles and features of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 are divided into four parts.

First, the case of Table 1 (a) will be described. The host computer 2 sequentially transmits to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 while sequentially creating cross-sectional data of the object to be molded from the three-dimensional image data of the modeling object.

More specifically, the host computer 2
Creates cross-sectional data for each cross-section obtained by slicing a modeling object horizontally in three-dimensional image data. The cross-sectional data is created at a pitch (layer thickness t) corresponding to the thickness of one layer of powder to be laminated. This pitch can be changed within a predetermined range (the range of the thickness capable of binding the powder).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the created cross-sectional data. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, shape data and color data are created as sectional data from the three-dimensional image data. The shape data is data representing a powder layer portion to which the ultraviolet curable resin is applied. The color data is data indicating a color area to which ink is to be applied.
It has MW color information.

After the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 sequentially receives the cross-section data, it performs modeling based on the data. In this case, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 does not require a function of creating cross-sectional data, so that the load is reduced. Further, the memory capacity of the host computer 2 may be minimum. However, since the entire cross-sectional image data cannot be checked in advance, if there is an error at the end of the data, the modeling up to that point becomes useless.

Next, the case of Table 1 (b) will be described.
The host computer 2 collectively creates cross-sectional data of the object to be modeled from the three-dimensional image data of the modeling object, and sequentially transmits the data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 sequentially receives the cross-sectional data and performs modeling based on the data. In this case, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 does not need the function of creating the cross-sectional image data as in the case of Table 1 (a), so that the load can be reduced. The host computer 2 is not released from the task until the modeling is completed, but can always check the state during the modeling.

Next, the case of Table 1 (c) will be described.
The host computer 2 collectively creates cross-sectional data of the object to be modeled from the three-dimensional image data of the modeling object, and transmits the data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 at a time. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 receives a large amount of cross-sectional data, stores the data in a large-capacity memory, and then performs the printing. In this case, the host computer 2 is released from the task after transmitting the data.

Next, the case of Table 1 (d) will be described.
The host computer 2 transmits the three-dimensional image data of the modeling target to the three-dimensional modeling device 100. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 creates cross-sectional data of the object to be modeled from the received three-dimensional image data of the modeling object, and performs modeling. In this case, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 requires a function of creating the cross-sectional data, so that the load becomes heavy. Also,
The host computer 2 has a job management function. However, it is suitable when the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 is used like a printer in a network environment.

Table 1

(Processing by Host Computer) FIG.
9 is a flowchart relating to a processing procedure in the host computer 2. First, three-dimensional image data of a modeling object is input (step S1). Next, parameters relating to modeling are input (step S2). Here, information such as a modeling size and a slice pitch is input. In step S3, a data check is performed. When the three-dimensional image data is in the STL format or the VRML format, only the information on the surface of the object is described. It is checked whether the surface information is consistent as a solid object. Here, a check is made as to whether the vertices are composed of a plurality of vertices or solely (that is, whether or not the vertices are closed), phase compensation of the surface (that is, whether the front and back of the surface are inverted), and the like.

In step S4, a data error check is performed. If there is no error in the data check in step S3, the process proceeds to step S6, and if there is an error, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the data is corrected. Since a portion where an error has occurred is displayed as a warning, the data is corrected sequentially in an interactive manner. Through the above processing, surface data indicating a closed space is obtained. Then, in step S6, the data is solidified. That is, information indicating which side of the closed space is clogged is added.

In step S7, cross-section data creation and data transmission are performed according to each case shown in Table 1.

FIG. 9A shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (a). First, the molding parameters are transmitted in step S711. In step S712, one section data is created from the data-corrected three-dimensional image data. If preparation of the modeling apparatus is OK (step S713), one section data is transmitted in step S714. In the next step S715, since the cross-sectional data amount is known in advance,
If all data has been transmitted, the process ends. If data remains, steps S712, S713, S71
Repeat step 4.

FIG. 9B shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (b). First, in step S721, the molding parameters are transmitted. In step S722, cross-section data is collectively created from the data-corrected three-dimensional image data. If the preparation of the modeling apparatus is OK (step S723), the process proceeds to step S724.
Then, one section data is transmitted. Next step S72
In step 5, since the cross-sectional data amount is known in advance, the process is terminated if all data has been transmitted, and steps S723 and S724 are repeated if data remains.

FIG. 9C shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (c). First, in step S731, the molding parameters are transmitted. In step S732, the section data is collectively created from the data-corrected three-dimensional image data. In the next step S733, the cross-sectional data is transmitted collectively and the processing ends.

FIG. 9D shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (d). First, in step S741, the molding parameters are transmitted. In step S742, the data-corrected three-dimensional image data is transmitted, and the process ends.

Returning to FIG. 8, when the data transmission is completed and the end command from the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 is confirmed in step S8, the history information of the data is updated in step S9. This means that by adding information such as modeling parameters and data correction to a file of 3D image data, the model can be easily reproduced based on this history information at the time of the next modeling (when repeating). It is for making it possible.

(Processing in Three-Dimensional Modeling Apparatus 100) FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to a processing procedure in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100.

FIG. 10A shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (a). First, in step S1011, when the system controller 201 of the control unit 20 of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 receives one section data, the powder supply unit 30, the head unit 40, and the X-direction moving unit 4 are based on the data.
9, and a drive signal to be transmitted to the modeling unit 50 is created. When the drive signal is transmitted in step S1012 to perform the modeling process for one layer, a signal indicating the end of the modeling process for one layer is transmitted to the host computer 2 in step S1013, and the process ends. The shaping process will be described later in detail.

FIG. 10B shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (b). In this case, as in FIG. 10A, when the system controller 201 of the control unit 20 receives one section data, the system controller 201 sends the data to the powder supply unit 30, the head unit 40, the modeling unit 50, and the X-direction moving unit 49. A drive signal for transmission is created (step S1021), modeling processing for one layer is performed (step S1022), and a modeling processing end signal is transmitted to the host computer 2 (step S102).
3), end.

FIG. 10C shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (c). First, in step S1031, when the system controller 201 of the control unit 20 receives the sectional data collectively, the powder supply unit 30, the head unit 40, the X-direction moving unit 49, and the molding unit 5 are based on the data of one layer.
Create a drive signal for transmission to 0. Step S1
At 032, a drive signal is transmitted to perform modeling processing for one layer.
In the next step S1033, since the cross-section data amount is known in advance, if the shaping process has been completed for all layers, a shaping process end signal is transmitted to the host computer 2 and the process ends (step S1034). If remains, steps S1031 and S1032 are repeated.

FIG. 10D shows a flow in the case of Table 1 (d). First, in step S1041, when the system controller 201 of the control unit 20 receives the data-corrected three-dimensional image data, it creates cross-sectional data from the data-corrected three-dimensional image data. And
The powder supply unit 30 and the head unit 4 based on the cross-sectional data of one layer
0, a drive signal to be transmitted to the X-direction moving unit 49 and the modeling unit 50 is created (step S1042). In step S1043, a drive signal is transmitted to perform modeling processing for one layer. In the next step S1044, since the cross-section data amount is known in advance, if the shaping process has been completed for all layers, a shaping process end signal is transmitted to the host computer 2 and the process ends (step S1045). If there are remaining, step S1042, S
Step 1043 is repeated.

(Modeling Operation of Three-Dimensional Modeling Apparatus) Next, FIG.
The modeling operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 will be described with reference to 1 to 14.

First, the head section 40 is disposed at the upper left end of the modeling section main body 51, and the powder supply section 30 supplies the powder 31 to the secondary hopper 471 [FIG. 11 (a)].

Next, the head section 40 is moved to the X-direction moving section 49.
(Fig. 6) along with a guide rail (not shown)
The head moves in the X direction to the upper right end of the modeling unit main body 51, which is the initial position [FIG. 11B]. At this time, the modeling stage 52 is arranged at the same height as the upper end position of the modeling section 50.

Subsequently, the powder 31 is dropped from the secondary hopper 471 at the upper right end of the modeling unit main body 51, and the modeling stage 52 is moved by the Z-direction moving unit 53 to the layer thickness input from the host computer 2. Based on t
It is lowered and held by a distance corresponding to its thickness [FIG. 12 (c)].

The head unit 40 moves in the −X direction to supply the powder 31 as a material in the formation of the three-dimensional model, and the blade 31 and the extension roller 474 supply the powder 31. One thin layer is formed (powder layer 80), and the ink jet head 4
The required portion 82 of the powder 31 is joined by discharging the ultraviolet curable resin from 1 to a predetermined region [FIG.
(D)].

The amount of the powder material supplied from the powder supply unit 30 during the formation of one layer (during one movement in the −X direction) is larger than the amount required for the formation of one layer. It is set slightly larger to avoid running out of powder during molding. For this reason, after the formation of one layer, the powder material remains, but the surplus powder material is transferred to the blade 4 moving in the −X direction.
It is paid out by the 73 and the extension roller 474, falls from the powder recovery port 62, and is accumulated in the powder recovery tank 61.

When the head section 40 moves in the −X direction, the ultraviolet irradiation section 46 irradiates the powder layer 80 with ultraviolet rays. As a result, the binder of the ultraviolet curable resin applied to the powder layer 80 is cured, and the combined body 82 of the powder material is formed. The powder in the region where the binder is not applied can be removed later. The specific method of irradiating the ultraviolet light according to the present invention will be described later in detail.

When the head section 40 reaches the upper left end of the molding section main body 51, one operation of joining the powder materials is completed, and the molding of one layer is completed [FIG.
(E)].

Then, the powder 31 is again put in the secondary hopper 471.
Is supplied, the head section 40 moves in the + X direction, and ejects ink of each color from the inkjet head section 41 to the combined body 82 of the powder material formed by curing the binder by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays. [FIG. 13 (f)]. Specifically, ink is applied to a coloring region near the surface of the three-dimensional structure, whereby the three-dimensional structure is colored. In this case, it is preferable to irradiate ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiating section 46 in order to surely cure the ultraviolet curable resin applied to the powder layer 80. When the head section 40 moves in the + X direction, the powder layer 80 is slightly lowered, and
It is preferable to prevent the contact between the powder layer 74 and the powder layer 80.

When the head section 40 reaches the upper right end of the modeling section main body 51 (FIG. 14 (g)), the modeling stage 52
It descends by a distance corresponding to the layer thickness t. Thus, a space for forming a new powder layer for one layer can be formed above the powder layer 80 in which the necessary bonding by the binder has been completed.

Then, the steps shown in FIGS. 12C to 14G are repeated to complete the modeled object 84 [FIG.
(H)].

(Powder Removal / Recovery Operation) Next, FIG.
The operation of removing and recovering the uncured powder in the modeling section 50 after the modeling is completed will be described using FIG.

In the state where the molding is completed as shown in FIG. 15A, the molding stage 52 is raised by a predetermined amount by the Z-direction moving portion 53 [FIG. 15B]. In this state, the shaping stage 52 is vibrated in the X-axis direction by the vibration feeder 55. Specifically, the molding stay 52 is connected to the powder collecting unit 60.
The vibration feeder 55 is controlled so as to move at a relatively high speed in the -X direction toward the left side where is located and at a relatively low speed in the + X direction [FIG. 16 (c)]. As a result, the uncured powder 8 located above the upper end position of the modeling portion 50
6 moves in the −X direction, falls from the powder recovery port 62 and accumulates in the powder recovery tank 61. FIG. 15 (b) and FIG.
By repeating the process shown in (c), the uncured powder 86 around the modeled object 84 is accumulated in the powder recovery tank 61 [FIG. 16 (d)].

The powder 86 accumulated in the powder recovery tank 61 is
As described above, the powder is guided to the powder transport tube 72 by the powder inlet 73, is transported inside the powder transport tube 72 by the powder transport screw 71, and
4, the powder is supplied to the inside of the primary hopper 32 of the powder supply unit 30 and is reused.

(Ultraviolet Irradiation Operation by Ultraviolet Irradiation Unit) Next, the ultraviolet irradiation operation by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are schematic perspective views showing the molding stage 52 during molding. Symbol 50
Reference numerals 0 and 502 denote a region where the powder is spread and a region where the ultraviolet curable resin is applied (hereinafter, referred to as a modeling region).
Is shown. The scanning of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 is performed in a raster shape as shown in FIG.
This is performed in a zigzag shape as shown in FIG. In regions other than the modeling region 502, it is preferable that the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 move at the highest possible speed (for example, the highest mechanical speed) without irradiating ultraviolet light. In addition, the diameter d of a region to be irradiated with ultraviolet light in a spot shape (hereinafter, referred to as a spot region) 504 needs to be equal to or larger than the scanning width w. This is the spot area 5
In the area 04, the irradiation intensity near the boundary area is lower than that in the center, so that the area where the spot area 504 on the adjacent scanning line passes overlaps, and the ultraviolet curing resin is hardened at an arbitrary position in the modeling area 502. This is for giving sufficient energy to cause the vibration.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIG.
The modeling region 502 includes a boundary line 502 surrounding the modeling region 502.
a, an inner region 506 having a boundary on the inside by a predetermined width toward the inside of the modeling region 502, and an outer region 508 between the boundary line 506a surrounding the inner region 506 and the boundary line 502a. You.

In the molded object, the outer structure (the outer region 508)
If the strength of the internal structure (corresponding to
(Corresponding to No. 06) does not require strength higher than the outer structure. Therefore, the inner region 50 is compared with the outer region 508.
The amount of the ultraviolet curable resin applied to the inner region 506 can be set to a small amount, or the inner region 506 can be set not to apply the resin. Alternatively or together with this, the amount of energy per unit area of the ultraviolet light applied for curing the ultraviolet curable resin can be set smaller for the inner region 506 than for the outer region 508.

Regarding the latter, the amount of energy per unit area is given by the product of the irradiation time per unit area and the irradiation intensity per unit area. Accordingly, the irradiation time per unit area for irradiating the inner region 504 with the irradiation intensity per unit area by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 being constant,
By shortening the outer region 506 (in other words, making the speed at which the spot region 504 of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 passes through the inner region 506 higher than the speed at which the spot region 504 passes through the outer region 508), the ultraviolet curing of the inner region 506 is achieved. The amount of energy per unit area given to the resin is determined by
In addition to being able to be set smaller than 8, it is possible to realize a reduction in the ultraviolet irradiation time, and thus a reduction in the modeling time.

Also, the speed at which the spot area 504 of the ultraviolet irradiation section 46 passes through the internal area 506 is made constant,
By making the irradiation intensity per unit area to irradiate the inner region 506 weaker than that of the outer region 508, the amount of energy per unit area given to the ultraviolet curable resin in the inner region 506 can be set smaller than that of the outer region 508. At the same time, the power consumption required for ultraviolet irradiation can be reduced. The internal region 506 may not be irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

By combining the above methods, the amount of energy per unit area of the ultraviolet light applied for curing the ultraviolet curable resin may be made smaller for the inner region 506 than for the outer region 508.

Note that the width (offset amount) of the outer region 508 may be determined as a function of the area of the modeling region 502. For example, when the area of the modeling region 502 is large, the outer region 508 is increased, that is, the offset amount is increased.

When color data having YCMW color information is used only for the portion that appears on the surface of the three-dimensional structure, the color ink applied portion is set to the outer region 508 and the non-coated portion is set to the inner portion based on the color data. The region 506 may be used.

The offset amount and each area 506, 50
The ultraviolet curing resin application amount, the ultraviolet irradiation time, the moving speed of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46, and the like in 8 are transmitted from the host computer 2 to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 as modeling parameters.

Next, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, data in which the switching timing of the mode of the ultraviolet irradiation section 46 (the mode for the outer region and the mode for the inner region) is set based on the cross-sectional data, particularly the shape data (hereinafter, referred to as the following). A method for converting the data into map data will be described. This conversion is performed by the system controller 201 of the control unit 20. When the mode is switched to the outer region mode, for example, the irradiation intensity is increased, the irradiation is started, or the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 is turned on.
Is controlled to lower the moving speed of the vehicle. When the mode is switched to the internal area mode, for example, control is performed to lower the irradiation intensity, stop the irradiation, or increase the moving speed of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46.

First, after acquiring the cross-sectional data in step S191, the molding region 5 is obtained from a predetermined offset amount.
The section data is corrected so as to divide “02” into an outer area 508 and an inner area 506 (step S192). Next, data sampled as shown below is created from the corrected cross-sectional data (step S193).
The map data in which the mode switching of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 is set is output (step S194).

That is, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, since the spot area 504 moves in the shaping area 502 with a constant width, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 operates in the outer area mode or the inner area mode. The timing for switching to the use mode or the like is set, for example, as follows.

That is, in the example shown in the figure, in order to apply a sufficient amount of energy to the outer area 508, the spot area 50 is provided.
4, spot area boundary portions R ₁ , R orthogonal to the traveling direction
_{While the area 2} (the irradiation intensity is lower than the center of the spot area 504) is in the outer area, the mode is the outer area mode. Specifically, in FIG. 20 (b), the center of the spot region 504 traveling toward the lower side from the drawing the upper reaches the point A (point at which the boundary portion R ₁ reaches the outer region 508 boundary) outer region Mode, and B
Point (point at which the boundary portion _{R 2} reaches the interior region 506 boundary)
Is reached, the mode is switched to the mode for the internal area, and the point C (the point where the boundary portions R ₁ and R ₂ reach the boundary of the external area 508)
Is reached, the mode is switched again to the external area mode, and the point D
The outer region mode continues until the boundary portions R ₁ and R ₂ reach the boundary of the outer region 508.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a control flow of ultraviolet irradiation. The system controller 201 of the control unit 20 includes:
The map data and the current position of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 are acquired (steps S211 and S212), and based on these, the target position of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 whose ultraviolet irradiation intensity and / or moving speed of the irradiation unit 46 should be changed. (Target position on map data) is specified (step S213). When the target position is specified, the system controller 201
Transmits a predetermined drive signal based on the ultraviolet irradiation intensity from the current position of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 to the target position and / or the moving speed of the irradiation unit 46 to the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 and the moving unit for the irradiation unit (step S214). ), The ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 is moved to a target position at a predetermined irradiation intensity and / or moving speed (Steps S215 and S216). Steps S213 to S2 until the ultraviolet irradiation unit 46 finishes scanning one powder layer (until the end point on the map data is reached).
16 is repeated (step S217).

(Other Embodiments) FIGS. 22 and 23 show another embodiment of powder removal and recovery. This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in the configuration of the modeling unit and the powder transport unit. That is, the modeling unit 50A does not have a vibration feeder and does not have an automatic conveyance function of the uncured powder. The powder transfer section 70A includes a cyclone separator 600, a shutter mechanism 602, a powder transfer air suction mechanism 604, a pipeline switching mechanism 606, a powder transfer tube 608, and a manual powder recovery tube 610.

The cyclone separator 600 has a function of causing the powder sucked together with the air to settle and collect at the lower part of the cyclone separator 600. If a large amount of powder is mixed in the exhaust air, a total of two cyclone separators may be connected in series. In this case, the collection rate of the powder is improved, the powder is less likely to be mixed into a fan described later, and a trouble such as a failure can be prevented. When a predetermined amount of the separated and collected powder accumulates, the shutter mechanism 602 is opened, and the primary hopper 3 is opened.
2 and can be reused. Further, the shutter mechanism 602 has a sufficient hermetically closed structure in a closed state in order to increase the powder intake efficiency.

The powder conveying air suction mechanism 604 has a fan 612 and a filter 614. The fan 612 generates a pressure difference for sucking powder and air. Filter 61
4 prevents the powder that could not be separated by the cyclone separator 600 from reaching the fan 612 and the fan drive mechanism (not shown), and therefore the powder is mixed and adhered to the fan 612 and the fan drive mechanism. To prevent malfunctions such as malfunctions.

The pipeline switching mechanism 606 has a role of switching the pipeline between the powder transport tube 608 and the manual powder recovery tube 610. Tube 608 for powder transfer
Constitutes a recovery path from the powder recovery unit 60. The manual powder collection tube 610 is made of a flexible tube.
When the operator 616 drives the fan 612 to bring the opening of the manual powder collection tube 610 closer to the work area for creating a model,
Uncured powder can be sucked.

By using the cyclone separator 600, the powder transport tube 608 can be a tube having no movable parts such as a screw or a belt. Since there is no movable member in the portion that comes into contact with the powder, it is possible to reduce failure due to wear.

Further, by manually operating the powder collection tube 608, it is possible to collect the hard-to-remove powder in the intricate portion of the modeled object or the inside of the closed area.

Further, an air flow is generated from the powder discharge port 62 to the cyclone separator 600 through the powder recovery tube 608, so that the scattering of powder and the ventilation of the volatilized ultraviolet curable resin are reduced. Can be used.

It is not essential to perform coloring with ink in the above embodiment, but coloring may be performed with toner or the like.

As for the binder of the above embodiment, it is not essential to use a binder which reacts with light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region, such as a UV-curable resin. A liquid that cures in response to light of a wavelength may be used, or a liquid that cures in response to a specific heat energy, such as a thermosetting resin, may be used.

When a visible light curable resin is used, a means for irradiating light having a wavelength in the visible region is provided in place of the above-mentioned ultraviolet ray irradiating section. When a thermosetting resin is used, a heater that emits thermal energy is provided instead of the above-described ultraviolet irradiation unit.

[0127]

According to the present invention, the time for applying energy to a binder which cures by reacting a specific energy can be shortened, the power consumption required for supplying energy can be reduced, and the binder powder can be reduced. Even if the amount of application to the material is reduced, a shaped article having sufficient strength can be created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a three-dimensional printing system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a three-dimensional printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of the three-dimensional printing apparatus that performs a printing process.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a powder supply unit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a head unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional printing system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of cross-sectional data.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of the host computer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a section data creation / transmission step of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the three-dimensional printing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a forming process of the three-dimensional forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a forming process of the three-dimensional forming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a forming process of the three-dimensional forming apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a forming process of the three-dimensional forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a powder removing / collecting step.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a powder removal / recovery step.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an example of a scanning method of an ultraviolet irradiation unit.

FIG. 18 is a top view showing an example of a region to be shaped in each powder layer.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process of converting cross-sectional data into data in which mode switching timing of the ultraviolet irradiation unit is set.

FIG. 20 (a) is a top view showing an example of a region to be shaped in each powder layer. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of a mode switching timing of the ultraviolet irradiation unit.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling ultraviolet irradiation.

FIG. 22 is a schematic sectional view showing a three-dimensional printing apparatus provided with another powder removing / collecting mechanism.

FIG. 23 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the powder conveying section shown in FIG. 22 (a). (B) Schematic partial top view of a cyclone separator.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: three-dimensional modeling system, 2: host computer, 3
0: powder supply section, 40: head section, 41: inkjet head section, 43a to 43d: ink tank, 43
e: tank for ultraviolet curing resin, 46: ultraviolet irradiation part, 4
7: powder extension part, 50: modeling part, 52: modeling stage,
100: three-dimensional printing apparatus, 502: printing area, 504:
Spot area, 506: inner area, 508: outer area.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 4F213 AB01 AC04 AR07 AR12 WA25 WB01 WL03 WL16 WL25 WL26 WL42 WL95 4G052 DA01 DB12 DC06

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for creating a three-dimensional structure by combining powder materials, a layer forming means for sequentially forming layers of the powder material, and a predetermined region in the layer of the powder material. And a supply unit that supplies the specific energy to the binder applied to the powder material, and a supply unit that supplies a binder that cures in response to a specific energy. When the binder is cured by the means, a combined body of the powder material is formed for each layer of the powder material, and the specific energy supply condition by the supply means is:
A three-dimensional printing apparatus characterized by being selectively changed according to an area to which the binder has been applied. 2. The region to which the binder is applied includes an outer region and an inner region surrounded by the outer region, and the supply condition of the specific energy is changed between the outer region and the inner region. The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The energy supplied to the outer region is larger than that supplied to the inner region.
3D modeling equipment. 4. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for creating a three-dimensional structure by combining powder materials, a layer forming means for sequentially forming layers of the powder material, and a predetermined region in the layer of the powder material. A supply unit that supplies a binder that is cured in response to a specific energy; and a supply unit that supplies the specific energy to the binder that is applied to the powder material. When the binder is cured by the means, a bonded body of the powder material is formed for each layer of the powder material, and the amount of the binder applied by the applying means is set in an area where the binder is applied. A three-dimensional printing apparatus characterized by being selectively changed by a method. 5. The area to which the binder is applied includes an outer area and an inner area surrounded by the outer area, and the amount of the binder applied is changed between the outer area and the inner area. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the outer region has a larger amount of binder applied than the inner region.
3D modeling equipment. 7. A coloring means for applying a coloring agent to a colored region in the combination of the powder materials after the combination of the powder materials is formed for each layer of the powder material. Item 3. The three-dimensional modeling device according to any one of Items 2, 3, 5, and 6. 8. The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the coloring region substantially coincides with the outer region. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the binder cures in response to light energy of a predetermined wavelength.
9. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of 8. 10. The three-dimensional printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the binder is cured in response to heat energy. 11. A three-dimensional modeling method for forming a three-dimensional structure by bonding powder materials, wherein a layer forming step of sequentially forming layers of the powder material; An application step of applying a binder that cures in response to specific energy to a predetermined area, and a supply step of supplying the specific energy to the binder applied to the powder material, When the binder is cured in the supply step, a combined body of the powder material is formed for each layer of the powder material, and the specific energy supply condition in the supply step is such that the binder is applied. A three-dimensional printing method characterized by being selectively changed according to an area. 12. The region to which the binder is applied includes an outer region and an inner region surrounded by the outer region, and the supply condition of the specific energy is changed between the outer region and the inner region. The three-dimensional molding method according to claim 11, wherein 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the energy supplied to the outer region is larger than that supplied to the inner region. 14. A three-dimensional modeling method for forming a three-dimensional structure by bonding powder materials, wherein a layer forming step of sequentially forming layers of the powder material; An application step of applying a binder that cures in response to specific energy to a predetermined area, and a supply step of supplying the specific energy to the binder applied to the powder material, When the binder is cured in the supply step, a combined body of the powder material is formed for each layer of the powder material, and the amount of the binder applied in the applying step is such that the binder is applied. A three-dimensional printing method characterized by being selectively changed in an area. 15. The region to which the binder is applied includes an outer region and an inner region surrounded by the outer region, and the amount of the binder applied is changed between the outer region and the inner region. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 14, wherein: 16. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 15, wherein the outer region has a larger amount of binder applied than the inner region. 17. The method according to claim 17, further comprising a step of applying a coloring agent to a colored region in the combination of the powder materials after the combination of the powder materials is formed for each layer of the powder material. Item 3. The three-dimensional modeling method according to any one of Items 12, 13, 15, and 16. 18. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 15, wherein the coloring area substantially coincides with the outer area. 19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the binder is cured in response to light energy of a predetermined wavelength.
The three-dimensional modeling method according to any one of 1 to 18. 20. The three-dimensional printing method according to claim 11, wherein the binder is cured in response to heat energy.