JP6897078B2 - Manufacturing method of three-dimensional model formation sheet and three-dimensional model - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object forming sheet and three-dimensional object.

A technique is known in which a heat-expanding layer containing effervescent microcapsules that expands by heat is formed on a substrate, and the whole is heated to expand the pattern of the heat-expanding layer to form a decorative sheet. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, using a heat-expandable sheet (or a heat-expandable sheet) in which the heat-expandable layer is provided on the entire surface of one surface side of the base material, a three-dimensional object having a convex shape limited to a desired region on this one-side surface side. The technique of forming a model is known. Specifically, the pattern of the region to be convex of the heat-expandable sheet is applied to the surface of the heat-expandable sheet on the heat-expandable layer side or the surface of the base material side (hereinafter, back surface) with black ink having high light absorption. Print. By irradiating the printed surface with light such as near infrared rays, the black ink generates heat and the thermal expansion layer is expanded to a thickness corresponding to the shade of the black ink, so that a three-dimensional model can be easily formed. .. Further, on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet, an image pattern of a desired color is printed with cyan, magenta, and yellow color inks that have substantially no light absorption to form a stereoscopic image that combines the image pattern and unevenness. (See, for example, Patent Document 2). Such a stereoscopic image has irregularities corresponding to the image pattern, and the irregularities can be visually emphasized by the shade of color of the image pattern.

The three-dimensional model can be used as an information medium for visually impaired people such as a tactile map, a painting combining an image pattern and unevenness, an advertising medium for transmitting visual information more strongly, and the like. In addition, a sample imitating a sheet-like material having a pattern including unevenness such as cloth, leather, and wood, and further, as a substitute for these materials, use it as a decorative material such as a decorative sheet (decorative sheet, decorative material). Is expected.

Japanese Patent No. 3954157 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-28660

The heat-expandable sheet has a certain level of strength such as thick paper so that wrinkles and waviness do not occur when the heat-expandable layer is expanded and it can be transported as a printed matter of a printing machine. It has a non-stretchable base material. Therefore, a three-dimensional model can be deformed to some extent by bending or folding, but it is difficult to deform it with a high curvature. In particular, when it is deformed into a concave surface, wrinkles are likely to occur on the surface, and a spherical surface is formed. It cannot be a three-dimensional curved surface (non-expandable surface). Therefore, it is difficult to decorate the surface of furniture such as a chair having such a curved surface by using a three-dimensional object as a substitute for leather or the like. Further, when the three-dimensional model contains paper as a base material, if such a three-dimensional object is attached to furniture or the like, there is a risk of deterioration due to moisture absorption.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model that can be easily deformed into a curved surface having a desired shape , and a three-dimensional model forming sheet capable of forming the three-dimensional model.

In order to solve the above problems, the three-dimensional model forming sheet according to the present invention has a thermal expansion layer that has flexibility and elasticity and expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, and the thermal expansion layer on one surface. A three-dimensional model forming sheet having a base material laminated on top and having a photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on at least one surface, wherein the base material is at least the above-mentioned base material. contain a water-soluble material on one side, Ri can der be removed from the thermal expansion layer, expansion starting temperature of the thermal expansion layer is set to at least 80 ° C., it is characterized.

Further, the method for producing a three-dimensional model according to the first aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on the surface, wherein the surface of the base material containing a water-soluble material has a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The step of forming a thermal expansion layer that forms a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to, and the photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it, are at least on the back surface of the base material or the surface of the thermal expansion layer. A photothermal conversion layer printing step of forming on one side, a light irradiation step of irradiating light to reach the photothermal conversion layer and expanding the thermal expansion layer in the region where the photothermal conversion layer is formed, and the base material. The removal step of removing the heat from the back surface of the thermal expansion layer is performed in order, and the expansion start temperature of the thermal expansion layer is set to 80 ° C. or higher.

Further, the method for producing a three-dimensional model according to the second aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on the surface, and the surface of the base material containing a water-soluble material has a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The step of forming a thermal expansion layer that forms a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to, and the photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it, are at least on the back surface of the base material or the surface of the thermal expansion layer. A photothermal conversion layer printing step of forming on one side, a light irradiation step of irradiating light to reach the photothermal conversion layer and expanding the thermal expansion layer in the region where the photothermal conversion layer is formed, and the base material. The removal step of removing the heat from the back surface of the thermal expansion layer and the sticking step of sticking the back surface of the thermal expansion layer to the surface of the article are performed in order, and the expansion start temperature of the thermal expansion layer is set to 80 ° C. or higher. It is characterized by being.

According to the three-dimensional model forming sheet according to the present invention, a deformable three-dimensional model can be formed on a desired curved surface . According to the method for producing a three-dimensional model according to the present invention, the three-dimensional model can be produced with high productivity.

It is an external view of the three-dimensional modeled object which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the three-dimensional shaped object which concerns on this invention, (a) is a plan view, (b), (c) are sectional views of an embodiment and a modification thereof respectively. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the three-dimensional model formation sheet which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and (a) and (b) are sectional views. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional shaped object which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the process in the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional shaped object which concerns on this invention, (a) is a thermal expansion layer forming process, (b) is a photothermal conversion layer printing process, (c) is an image printing process, (d). ) Indicates a cross-sectional view in each of the light irradiation steps. It is external drawing explaining the use example of the three-dimensional shaped object which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the process in the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional shaped object which concerns on the modification of this invention, (a) is a photothermal conversion layer printing process, (b) is an image printing process, (c) is a light irradiation process, respectively. The cross-sectional view of is shown.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to each figure. However, the form shown below is an example of a three-dimensional model for embodying the technical idea of the present embodiment, and is not limited to the following. The members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated in size, positional relationship, etc., and may be simplified in shape in order to clarify the explanation. Further, in the following description, members and processes of the same or the same quality are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[Three-dimensional model]
The configuration of the three-dimensional model according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external view of a three-dimensional model according to the present invention. 2A and 2B are schematic views showing the configuration of a three-dimensional model according to the present invention, where FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIGS. 2B and 2C are cross-sectional views of an embodiment and a modified example thereof. In the present specification, the three-dimensional model is a sheet-like printed matter having irregularities on the surface on one side due to being partially thick, and in particular, the three-dimensional model having color on the surface on the one side is appropriately used. It is called a stereoscopic image.

As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional image (three-dimensional model) 1 is a sheet-like flexible member, and an image and associated irregularities are formed on one surface (surface). Here, in the stereoscopic image 1, the pattern of the grape is drawn as shown in FIG. 2, the grains of the bunch of grapes are raised and high (thickness is large), the leaves are raised lower than the grains, and the background is The lowest and flattest. Further, although the stereoscopic image 1 has a square shape as a whole, the shape, size, and the like can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The stereoscopic image 1 has further elasticity and can be deformed into a three-dimensional curved surface shape such as a spherical surface or a hyperbolic paraboloid as shown in FIG. Therefore, the stereoscopic image 1 is attached to the surface of an article having an arbitrary shape without slack or tear by applying an adhesive on the back surface (details will be described later in the manufacturing method). The articles are, for example, daily necessities such as furniture, containers such as beverage bottles, packing materials, and the like, and are not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 2B, such a stereoscopic image 1 has a thermal expansion layer 3 having irregularities on the upper surface (surface) and a photothermal conversion layer 4 which is a black pattern formed on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3. And a color layer 5 formed on the surface of the stereoscopic image 1 to form an image. In addition, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the top and bottom in FIG. 2B and other cross-sectional views are also described as top and bottom. These three-dimensional images 1 are manufactured by using the heat-expandable sheet (three-dimensional model forming sheet) 10 shown in FIG.

(Thermal expansion layer)
The thermal expansion layer 3 is a main component in the stereoscopic image 1, and is a film having a thickness different for each region so as to form irregularities on one surface (surface), and the surface height is the lowest, that is, the thinnest region. Is uniform with a thickness of t _0. The thermal expansion layer 3 is flexible and stretchable, and is preferably water resistant because the stereoscopic image 1 is suitably used as a decorative material, an advertising medium, or the like. The detailed configuration of the thermal expansion layer 3 will be described later in the configuration of the thermal expansion sheet 10.

(Photothermal conversion layer)
The photothermal conversion layer 4 is formed on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3 except for the region having _{the smallest thickness (thickness t 0} ) of the stereoscopic image 1 shown in FIG. 2 (b). The photothermal conversion layer 4 is a layer that absorbs light in a specific wavelength range, for example, near-infrared light (wavelength 780 nm to 2.5 μm), converts it into heat, and emits it. Specifically, it contains carbon black. It consists of black (K) ink for general printing. Further, the photothermal conversion layer 4 preferably has water resistance like the thermal expansion layer 3. In the photothermal conversion layer 4, the heat generation temperature when irradiated with light changes according to the shading, that is, the concentration of carbon black, and the thermal expansion layer 3 before expansion is expanded according to this temperature to obtain the stereoscopic image 1. Form irregularities on the surface. Therefore, the photothermal conversion layer 4 is printed by grayscale printing in a darker area of the stereoscopic image 1 that is desired to be convex. In addition, in this specification, "light" is near-infrared light which is converted into heat by carbon black of a photothermal conversion layer 4 unless otherwise specified.

(Color layer)
The color layer 5 is composed of general printing cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color inks. For example, by full-color printing, a desired image pattern is transferred to the surface of the stereoscopic image 1, that is, thermal expansion. It is formed on the surface of the layer 3 and the photothermal conversion layer 4 above it. The color layer 5 may further contain white ink depending on the printing method. The black color in the color layer 5 is expressed by a mixture of the three color inks, and the black ink containing carbon black is not used. The color layer 5 preferably has water resistance like the thermal expansion layer 3, and for example, a pigment-based ink is applied.

The stereoscopic image 1 may further include an ink receiving layer corresponding to the ink constituting the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the color layer 5 on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3 (not shown). In this case, the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the color layer 5 are printed on the surface of the ink receiving layer. The ink receiving layer is made of porous silica or the like used for, for example, inkjet printer printing paper. Further, the stereoscopic image 1 may be provided with a concealing layer under the color layer 5 so as to cover the photothermal conversion layer 4 (not shown). The concealing layer is made of, for example, white ink, and is preferably provided at least in the region where the photothermal conversion layer 4 is formed. By providing the concealing layer, the color layer 5 exhibits a clearer appearance, and particularly when there is a light-colored region of the color layer 5 or when the photothermal conversion layer 4 is provided in a region where the color layer 5 is not provided. preferable.

[Thermal expansion sheet]
The configuration of the heat-expandable sheet 10 used in the stereoscopic image 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a three-dimensional model forming sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views. As shown in FIG. 3A, the heat-expandable sheet 10 according to the present embodiment includes a base material 2 and a heat-expandable layer 3 provided on the entire surface of the base material 2 to have a uniform thickness. .. The heat-expandable sheet 10 may further include an ink receiving layer on the outermost surface, that is, the surface of the heat-expandable layer 3 (not shown). The heat-expandable sheet 10 is a printed matter for printing ink constituting the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the color layer 5 on the front surface (upper surface) or further on the back surface.

(Base material)
The base material 2 supports the soft thermal expansion layer 3 on the surface, and the thermal expansion sheet 10 is sufficient as a printed matter, and when the thermal expansion layer 3 is partially expanded, wrinkles are generated or become large. It has strength that does not undulate and has heat resistance. In the present specification, the heat resistance refers to the heat resistance to the temperature in the production of the stereoscopic image, particularly the heating temperature for expanding the thermal expansion layer 3. Further, the base material 2 can be removed from the thermal expansion layer 3 by a specific method, and has a structure having good adhesion to the thermal expansion layer 3 before the removal by the method. Removal of the base material 2 from the thermal expansion layer 3 means that the thermal expansion layer 3 is not deformed or damaged, or the color layer 5 or the photothermal conversion layer 4 on the front surface is not discolored. It means that the base material 2 is separated, and the base material 2 does not have to maintain its shape or the like. That is, the base material 2 may be peeled off from the thermal expansion layer 3 at the interface, or the whole or a portion including the interface with the thermal expansion layer 3 may be dissolved.

For the heat-expandable sheet 10 (three-dimensional image 1), an ink such as a color layer 5 and an organic solvent that dissolves the heat-expandable layer 3 cannot be used. Further, in the heating, the thermal expansion layer 3 expands and deforms at a high temperature, and in the base material which is released at a temperature lower than that, the thermal expansion layer 3 is partially released in the step of expanding the thermal expansion layer 3 to form irregularities. .. Therefore, as a method for removing the base material 2, for example, washing with water can be mentioned. Since the thermal expansion layer 3, the photothermal conversion layer 4, and the color layer 5 all have water resistance, the base material 2 is removed without damaging them. As a configuration corresponding to such a removal method, water-soluble paper used for printing paper or the like for confidential documents can be applied to the base material 2. Water-soluble paper is composed of pulp and a water-soluble material such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and when immersed in water, the CMC dissolves and becomes a gel. Since CMC is water-soluble, insoluble in an organic solvent such as alcohol, and has heat resistance, the water-soluble paper can print an ink containing an organic solvent with a printing machine. Similar water-soluble materials include heat-resistant polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

The base material 2 may contain a water-soluble material at least on the surface on the side on which the thermal expansion layer 3 is laminated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the base material 2 may be entirely composed of water-soluble paper (layer containing a water-soluble material) 21, or water-soluble paper 21 on only one side (front side). May be provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the base material 2 is mainly made of a water-insoluble material such as a heat-resistant resin film made of polyester or the like used for general printing paper or OHP sheets. A laminated structure in which a base material 22 is provided and water-soluble paper 21 having a relatively small thickness is bonded to the surface thereof with a known adhesive or the like (not shown) secures the required strength as a whole. Alternatively, the base material 2 may have a structure in which a water-soluble layer (layer containing a water-soluble material) 21 made of CMC or the like is provided on the surface of the main base material 22. By making the base material 2 have a laminated structure like these, it is easy to recover the main base material 22 when it is removed. In particular, if the main base material 22 is a resin film or the like that is not impregnated with water, it can be re-washed only by washing with water or the like. It can be used. On the other hand, by applying a material such as paper impregnated with water to the main base material 22, water easily penetrates into the water-soluble layer 21, and the base material 2 is efficiently removed.

(Thermal expansion layer)
The thermal expansion layer 3 partially expands to form irregularities on the surface of the stereoscopic image 1. Such a heat-expandable layer 3 contains heat-expandable microcapsules applied to a known heat-expandable sheet, and is formed _{on the base material 2 with a uniform thickness t 0 using a thermoplastic resin as a binder.} It is a binder. The microcapsules are formed of a thermoplastic resin, contain a volatile solvent, and depending on the type of the thermoplastic resin or the volatile solvent, when heated to about 80 ° C. or higher, the heating temperature and further the heating time It expands to a size corresponding to. That is, the stereoscopic image 1 is limited in foaming in the heated region of the thermal expansion layer 3 of the thermal expansion sheet 10, and is expanded by bubbles according to the heating temperature or the like to increase the thickness, and as a result, the thickness is increased. The surface that is not fixed to the base material 2 is raised to form irregularities. Such partial heating to the thermal expansion layer 3 is performed as in the photothermal conversion layer 4 (see FIG. 2B) made of black ink formed on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3, or a modification described later. The photothermal conversion layer 4A (see FIG. 2C) formed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (the back surface of the base material 2) and also made of black ink converts light and releases heat. Be told. It is preferable that the thermal expansion layer 3 further contains a white pigment such as titanium oxide as necessary to whiten the ground color so that the color layer 5 formed on the surface exhibits a clear appearance. Alternatively, the thermal expansion layer 3 may be colored in a desired color with a pigment other than black (which does not contain carbon black), depending on the appearance of the stereoscopic image 1. The thermal expansion layer 3 expands to a maximum thickness of about 10 times that before expansion, and the thickness in the thermal expansion sheet 10 before expansion, that is, in the non-expandable region (background, etc.) according to the desired maximum unevenness difference. T ₀ is designed. Further, the thermal expansion layer 3 can be formed on the base material 2 so as not to damage or deteriorate the surface layer of the base material 2 or the base material 2, and the base material 2 is formed in the manufacturing process of the stereoscopic image 1. It is made of a material that does not deform when removed. For example, when the base material 2 is removed by washing with water, the thermal expansion layer 3 is formed of a material that can be prepared into a solution or emulsion with an organic solvent such as methanol and formed by a coating method in addition to water resistance. To. Examples of such a thermoplastic resin material include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[Manufacturing method of stereoscopic image]
(3D image manufacturing equipment)
The apparatus used for manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet and the stereoscopic image according to the present invention will be briefly described. In the production of the heat-expandable sheet 10, a coating device for forming the heat-expandable layer 3 before expansion on the base material 2 and, if necessary, paper for processing the heat-expandable sheet 10 to a desired size. A known cutting machine for cutting etc. is used. To manufacture the stereoscopic image 1, a printing machine that prints the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the color layer 5 on the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the photothermal conversion layer 4 by irradiating the heat-expandable sheet 10 with near-infrared light are heated. A light irradiation device that expands the thermal expansion layer 3 is used.

The coating device is a device for applying a paint to a sheet-like base material such as paper to form a coating film having a uniform thickness, and a known device such as a bar coater, a roller, or a spray can be applied. It is possible, and in particular, a bar coater type suitable for uniform thick coating is preferable.

The printing machine is a printing machine that prints the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the color layer 5, and a known printing machine such as an offset or an inkjet is applied according to the printing quality, production form (mass production, small quantity production), and the like. Further, the printing machine has specifications that can correspond to the size and thickness of the heat-expandable sheet 10 which is the printed matter, and further, the printed matter is at the thermal expansion start temperature or higher (for example, about 80 ° C. or higher) of the thermal expansion layer 3. The method is not heated. The same printing machine can print the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the color layer 5 by using different inks, or the printing machine that prints the photothermal conversion layer 4 and the printing machine that prints the color layer 5 are different. A type printing machine may be used.

The light irradiation device is a device for irradiating the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the photothermal conversion layer 4 is formed to heat the heat-expandable layer 3, and for forming a three-dimensional model with the heat-expandable sheet. A known device can be applied, and the specifications can be applied to the thickness of the stereoscopic image 1 as the object to be irradiated. Specifically, the light irradiation device includes a transport mechanism that transports a sheet-shaped object to be irradiated in one direction like a printing machine, and a light source that emits light including near-infrared light that is converted into heat by the photothermal conversion layer 4. , A reflector and a cooler for cooling the light irradiation device are mainly provided. The light source is, for example, a halogen lamp, which is provided on the object to be irradiated over its entire width. The reflector is formed on a substantially semi-cylindrical columnar curved surface in order to efficiently irradiate the object to be irradiated with light from the light source, has a mirror surface inside, and is on the side facing the object to be irradiated by the light source. Cover the other side. The cooler is an air-cooled fan, a water-cooled radiator, or the like, and is provided in the vicinity of the reflector.

(Manufacturing method of stereoscopic image)
The method for producing a stereoscopic image according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 2 and 3 as appropriate. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a method for manufacturing a stereoscopic image according to an embodiment. 5A and 5B are schematic views illustrating a process in a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a thermal expansion layer forming step, FIG. 5B is a photothermal conversion layer printing step, and FIG. 5C is an image printing. Steps and (d) show cross-sectional views in each of the light irradiation steps. As shown in FIG. 4, the method for manufacturing a stereoscopic image according to the present embodiment includes a heat-expandable sheet manufacturing step S10 for manufacturing a heat-expandable sheet 10 by performing a heat-expanding layer forming step S12, and a photothermal conversion layer printing step. S21, the image printing step S22, the light irradiation step S23, and the substrate removing step S40 are performed in this order. Further, in the heat-expandable sheet manufacturing step S10, a base material manufacturing step S11 and a cutting step S13 are performed before and after the heat-expanding layer forming step S12, respectively. Further, if necessary, the cutting step S30 is performed after the light irradiation step S23 and before the base material removing step S40.

In the base material manufacturing step S11, the base paper 20 of the base material 2 is manufactured. The base paper 20 is the base material 2 before cutting, and has a size corresponding to the coating device used in the subsequent thermal expansion layer forming step S12, for example, a roll-up paper. For example, a water-soluble paper having a thickness of the base material 2 may be produced by a known method, or a water-soluble paper thinner than the water-soluble paper and a main base material 22 such as a thick paper may be interleaved. Alternatively, an aqueous solution of a water-soluble material such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) may be applied to the surface of the main base material 22 and dried.

In the thermal expansion layer forming step S12, as shown in FIG. 5A, the thermal expansion layer 3 is formed on the surface of the base paper 20. A slurry is prepared by mixing a heat-expandable microcapsule, a white pigment, and a thermoplastic resin solution, and the slurry is applied to the base paper 20 with a coating device, dried, and further coated as necessary to be constant. The thermal expansion layer 3 having a desired thickness t _{0 is formed.} The thermoplastic resin solution is preferably a methanol solution or the like instead of an aqueous solution so as not to dissolve the surface of the base material 2 (base paper 20).

In the cutting step S13, the base paper 20 and the heat-expandable layer 3 on the base paper 20 are cut, and the heat-expandable sheet 10 having dimensions corresponding to the printing press used in the subsequent photothermal conversion layer printing step S21 and the image printing step S22 (FIG. 3) is obtained.

In the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21, as shown in FIG. 5B, the photothermal conversion layer 4 is printed with black ink on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (the side on which the heat-expandable layer 3 is formed). Further, in the image printing step S22, as shown in FIG. 5C, the color layer 5 is printed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with color ink. When the concealing layer is provided with white ink or the like, it is formed after the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21 and before the image printing step S22.

In the light irradiation step S23, the surface (surface) of the heat-expandable sheet 10 on the printed side of the photothermal conversion layer 4 is irradiated with light. When light is incident on and absorbed by the photothermal conversion layer 4, it is converted into heat, and as shown in FIG. 5D, the thermal expansion layer 3 is heated to a temperature corresponding to the shade of the photothermal conversion layer 4 and expands. The surface is raised to form irregularities. The heating temperature of the thermal expansion layer 3 depends on the material of the thermal expansion layer 3, but it is preferably about 80 ° C. or higher and is preferably distributed in the range of 100 to 120 ° C. according to the shade of the photothermal conversion layer 4. The output and transport speed of the light source of the light irradiation device are set so that the amount of light converted to such a temperature is incident on the photothermal conversion layer 4.

In the cutting step S30, the heat-expandable sheet 10 in which the heat-expandable layer 3 shown in FIG. 5D is expanded is cut into a desired shape. For example, the edge on which the color layer 5 outside the printable area of the printing machine is not formed can be cut off, or the shape can be made unsuitable for the printing machine or the light irradiation device. Depending on the shape, cutting or punching by the cutting machine can be performed. Process or process by hand using scissors.

In the base material removing step S40, the base material 2 is removed from the heat-expandable sheet 10 in which the heat-expandable layer 3 is expanded to obtain the stereoscopic images 1 shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). As an example, the heat-expandable sheet 10 is immersed in water or warm water and stirred as necessary. Then, in the case of the base material 2 made of the water-soluble paper 21, the CMC contained in the water-soluble paper 21 is dissolved in water, the pulp of the water-soluble paper 21 is dispersed, and the water-soluble paper 21 (base material 2) is decomposed. Further, in the case of the base material 2 in which the water-soluble paper (water-soluble layer) 21 is laminated on the main base material 22, water permeates the main base material 22 or from the end face of the heat-expandable sheet 10 to form a water-soluble layer. It penetrates into 21 and dissolves it, and as a result, the main base material 22 is separated (peeled) from the thermal expansion layer 3. The three-dimensional image 1 is obtained by pulling up the thermal expansion layer 3 (three-dimensional image 1) from the water in which the water-soluble layer 21 of the base material 2 is dissolved, rinsing it with another water, and drying it. When the base material 2 is made of water-soluble paper 21 or the main base material 22 is impregnated with water, the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 is brought into contact with the water surface, or water is sprayed on the back surface of the base material. 2 may be removed.

The obtained stereoscopic image 1 is attached to the surface of a desired article (pasting step) for use. With reference to FIG. 6, a sticking step in the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is an external view illustrating an example of use of the three-dimensional model according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, the article B is a wine bottle having a general shape, and the stereoscopic image 1 is attached from the spherical shoulder portion of the article B to the pillar-shaped body portion of the article B. Used as a label to decorate B. Specifically, an adhesive is applied to one or both of the back surface of the stereoscopic image 1 (the back surface of the thermal expansion layer 3) and the front surface of the article B where the stereoscopic image 1 can be attached, and the two are bonded to each other. At this time, by attaching the stereoscopic image 1 along the shape of the surface of the article B while partially or wholly stretching it, there are no air bubbles between them, and the stereoscopic image 1 is loosened or torn. Etc. can be prevented from occurring. The adhesive may be any material corresponding to each material of the article B and the thermal expansion layer 3 and having characteristics such as adhesive strength and water resistance according to the use of the article B, and a known material can be selected. .. The stereoscopic image 1 is not limited to a small image attached to a part of the surface of such an article. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the stereoscopic image 1B (the shaded area in the figure) is an article C which is a chair with a back seat having a gentle hyperbolic paraboloid. , Attached to the entire front side (seat surface and front of backrest). Such attachment to an article can be performed by a method such as leather upholstery, in which a known decorative sheet is attached to the article.

(Modification example)
When the base material 2 has a laminated structure of the water-soluble paper 21 and the main base material 22, the base material is formed by performing the thermal expansion layer forming step S12 on the water-soluble paper 21 to form the thermal expansion layer 3 on the surface thereof. The main base material 22 may be attached to the back surface of the water-soluble paper 21 by performing the manufacturing step S11. Further, if it is possible to print so that the photothermal conversion layer 4 is hidden by the color layer 5 in appearance, the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21 and the image printing step S22 may be performed at the same time in one printing. Alternatively, the image printing step S22 can be performed after the light irradiation step S23 using a printing machine capable of printing on a surface having irregularities, and in this case, black ink can be used for the color layer 5. Therefore, an image in which black is clearly expressed can be obtained. Further, in the cutting step S13, any of the heat-expandable sheets 10 can be made into the dimensions of the printed matter or the like corresponding to the devices (printing machine, light irradiation device) used in each of the steps S21, S22, and S23. It may be done in stages. The cutting step S30 may be performed after the base material removing step S40 as long as the heat expansion layer 3 (three-dimensional image 1) having elasticity can be processed.

The stereoscopic image 1 may be a sticker in which an adhesive is applied to the back surface (the back surface of the thermal expansion layer 3) and a release paper is bonded to sandwich the layer of the adhesive (not shown). By using the sticker, the stereoscopic image 1 can be easily attached to the desired articles B and C (see FIG. 6) while peeling off the release paper like a commercially available cutting sheet. As the adhesive, as described above, a known material corresponding to Article B or the like can be selected. Further, a double-sided tape may be attached to the stereoscopic image 1 as an adhesive and a release paper, and the double-sided tape has a coreless structure (a layer containing only the adhesive is sandwiched between two release papers) or the core is hot. A material having elasticity equal to or higher than that of the expansion layer 3 is applied. Further, the cutting step S30 may be performed on the stereoscopic image 1 as a sticker. Since the stereoscopic image 1 is laminated on the non-stretchable release paper, it is easy to process as before the base material removing step S40.

The stereoscopic image 1 according to the embodiment has a photothermal conversion layer 4 provided under the color layer 5 on the surface, but may have a structure without the photothermal conversion layer 4. Hereinafter, the configuration of the stereoscopic image according to the modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2C, the stereoscopic image 1A according to the modified example is formed on the thermal expansion layer 3 having irregularities on the upper surface (surface) and the surface of the stereoscopic image 1, that is, the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3. A color layer 5 that constitutes an image is provided. Therefore, the stereoscopic image 1A has a structure in which the photothermal conversion layer 4 is removed from the stereoscopic image 1 shown in FIG. 2B. In such a stereoscopic image 1A, since there is no photothermal conversion layer 4 which is a black pattern under the color layer 5, the color layer 5 exhibits a clear appearance even if a concealing layer made of white ink or the like is not provided. The thermal expansion layer 3 can be formed in a convex shape in a region where the color layer 5 is not provided.

The stereoscopic image 1A is manufactured by using the same heat-expandable sheet 10 as that used for the stereoscopic image 1. However, the heat-expandable sheet 10 has a structure capable of printing black ink on the back surface side, that is, on the back surface of the base material 2. Further, it is preferable that the base material 2 has as high thermal conductivity as possible in the thickness direction. Therefore, it is preferable that the base material 2 is small in thickness so as to secure the required strength. Further, the base material 2 may have a laminated structure in which, for example, a resin or the like, which has higher thermal conductivity than paper and can obtain strength even if the thickness is small, is applied to the main base material 22.

(Manufacturing method of stereoscopic image)
A manufacturing method for producing a stereoscopic image according to a modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 and, as appropriate, FIGS. 2 and 3. 7A and 7B are schematic views illustrating a process in a method for producing a stereoscopic image according to a modified example of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a photothermal conversion layer printing step, FIG. 7B is an image printing step, and FIG. 7C is light irradiation. A cross-sectional view of each of the steps is shown. Further, the apparatus used for producing the stereoscopic image according to the modified example is as described in the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the method for manufacturing a stereoscopic image according to the modified example is the same as in the above embodiment, that is, the heat-expandable sheet manufacturing step S10, the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21, the image printing step S22, and light irradiation. Step S23 and base material removing step S40 are performed in order, and if necessary, cutting step S30 is performed. Hereinafter, each step of manufacturing the stereoscopic image 1A according to the modified example will be described in detail, particularly different from the step of manufacturing the stereoscopic image 1 according to the embodiment.

The heat-expandable sheet manufacturing step S10 is as described in the above embodiment (see FIG. 5A).
In the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21, as shown in FIG. 7A, the photothermal conversion layer 4A is printed on the back surface (the surface on the side of the base material 2) of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with black ink. The photothermal conversion layer 4A is a layer that absorbs light, converts it into heat and emits it, like the photothermal conversion layer 4 of the stereoscopic image 1, and expands the thermal expansion layer 3 according to the heat generation temperature to form a stereoscopic image. Unevenness is formed on the surface of 1A. Therefore, the photothermal conversion layer 4A is applied with a general black ink for printing containing carbon black, similar to the photothermal conversion layer 4, but does not have to have water resistance. The pattern of the photothermal conversion layer 4A is a mirror image of the photothermal conversion layer 4. Further, the heat released by the photothermal conversion layer 4A propagates through the base material 2 and reaches the thermal expansion layer 3, so that the heat is attenuated in the thermal expansion layer 3. Therefore, the photothermal conversion layer 4A has a relative amount of light emitted from the outside (light irradiation device) as compared with the photothermal conversion layer 4 of the stereoscopic image 1 formed directly on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3. It is formed with a high concentration (blackish). Further, since the heat of the photothermal conversion layer 4A is propagated and diffused in the in-plane direction of the base material 2 by the time it reaches the thermal expansion layer 3, heat is generated on the boundary between the shades (black and white) of the photothermal conversion layer 4A. The convex rise of the expansion layer 3 tends to be slow. Therefore, in the photothermal conversion layer 4A, a gradation for forming an inclined surface on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3 may not be necessary.

The image printing step S22 is as described in the above embodiment. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 7B, since there is no photothermal conversion layer 4 on the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3, the entire color layer 5 is directly formed on the thermal expansion layer 3. Further, the image printing step S22 may be performed before the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21.

In the light irradiation step S23, the surface (back surface) of the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the photothermal conversion layer 4A is printed is irradiated with light. Except for the surface to be irradiated with light, it is as described in the above embodiment. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the thermal expansion layer 3 is heated to a temperature corresponding to the shade of the photothermal conversion layer 4A and expands, and the surface is raised to form irregularities.

The cutting step S30 and the base material removing step S40 are as described in the above-described embodiment. In the base material removing step S40, the photothermal conversion layer 4A is removed together with the base material 2 to obtain a stereoscopic image 1A. When the photothermal conversion layer 4A is non-water resistant, the black ink dissolved in water is prevented from adhering to the stereoscopic image 1A, or the black ink is washed away.

The obtained stereoscopic image 1A has elasticity like the stereoscopic image 1, and is used by being attached to the surfaces of articles B and C having an arbitrary shape as shown in FIG. 6 (pasting step). Further, the stereoscopic image 1A may be provided with an adhesive layer and a release paper on the back surface.

As described above, the stereoscopic image 1A according to this modification has no photothermal conversion layer 4 which is a black pattern on the surface side, so that the stereoscopic image 1A has a clear appearance without a concealing layer such as white ink, while the surface has a surface. It is difficult to make a fine shape such as a narrow line convex or to form a steep step. Therefore, the photothermal conversion layer 4 is formed on the surface side of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (the surface of the heat-expandable layer 3) only in such a steep step or a region having a fine convex shape. A photothermal conversion layer 4A may be formed on the back surface (base material 2) of the heat-expandable sheet 10 in a region having a large area and having a convex shape or a region in which the color layer 5 is not provided. That is, the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21 is performed twice on both sides of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (in no particular order). Further, the light irradiation step S23 is also performed twice, but it is preferable that the light irradiation step S23 is performed in the order of the front surface and the back surface. The stereoscopic image 1 obtained by such a method has a photothermal conversion layer 4 formed (not shown) in a part other than the region _{having the smallest thickness (thickness t 0), and has a clear appearance.} The expression by the uneven shape becomes rich.

Further, the stereoscopic image 1A can be produced by forming the photothermal conversion layer 4 with a non-water resistant (water-soluble) black ink. Specifically, the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21 is performed after the image printing step S22 to form the photothermal conversion layer 4 on the color layer 5, that is, on the outermost surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10. Then, through the light irradiation step S23, in the base material removing step S40, water is used to remove the base material 2 and wash away the photothermal conversion layer 4. By such a method, the photothermal conversion layer printing step S21 and the light irradiation step S23 are performed only once on the front surface side of the heat-expandable sheet 10 each, and the stereoscopic image 1A has a clear appearance and is richly expressed by the uneven shape. It becomes.

The method for removing the base material 2 is not limited to washing with water, and is selected according to the material of the base material 2. For example, a material having chemical resistance is applied to the thermal expansion layer 3 and the color layer 5, and the base material 2 (see FIG. 3B) is decomposed (dissolved) by this chemical instead of the water-soluble layer 21. By applying the material, the base material 2 can be removed by using the chemical in the base material removing step S40. Further, the base material 2 may be peeled off by forming a layer of an ultraviolet curable resin on the main base material 22 instead of the water-soluble layer 21 and irradiating the heat-expandable sheet 10 with ultraviolet rays in the base material removing step S40. it can. As the ultraviolet curable resin, one whose adhesiveness decreases as it is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays is applied. Further, in order to allow ultraviolet rays to reach between the layers of the main base material 22 and the thermal expansion layer 3, it is preferable to irradiate the heat-expandable sheet 10 from the side where the photothermal conversion layers 4 and 4A are not formed, or heat. The back surface of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (see FIG. 7C) in which the expansion layer 3 was expanded was ground to remove the photothermal conversion layer 4A together with the surface layer on the back surface side of the main base material 22 on which the photothermal conversion layer 4A was printed. Later, ultraviolet rays may be irradiated from the back surface side.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain a three-dimensional model having flexibility and elasticity and which can be attached to a curved surface having a desired shape. In addition, since there is no base material such as thick paper, it is difficult to absorb moisture, and it is easy to store and transport because it can be rolled into thin pieces.

The use of the three-dimensional model according to the present invention is not limited to decorative materials. Since the foamed and expanded portion of the thermal expansion layer 3 has elasticity, the three-dimensional model can be applied to a sheet-shaped cushioning material such as a foamed sheet or an air cushion. For example, the stereoscopic image 1 (1A) in which the expanded portion is regularly and repeatedly arranged as a desired shape such as a figure or character and the color layer 5 is printed according to the shape also serves as a packing material such as a wrapping paper. be able to. Further, since the thermal expansion layer 3 melts at a temperature higher than the temperature at which it is expanded, the stereoscopic image 1 (1A) can be overlapped and thermocompression bonded to be processed into a bag shape or the like for use. Further, since the three-dimensional model can easily form a desired uneven shape, it can be applied to, for example, a cushioning material for an electronic circuit board such as a motherboard having minute and complicated unevenness. In such a three-dimensional model, irregularities are formed for each model number of the electronic circuit board so as to be fitted according to the size and position of various mounted electronic components. The photothermal conversion layer 4A may be formed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 to form a stereoscopic image 1A (see FIG. 2C) without the photothermal conversion layer 4A after completion, or the photothermal conversion layer 4 may be provided on the front surface. By using the formed stereoscopic image 1 (see FIG. 2B), the conductivity of the black ink due to carbon may be imparted. Such a three-dimensional model as a cushioning material does not have to form the color layer 5, or is the model number of the electronic circuit board to be protected, a mark for alignment when superposed on the electronic circuit board, or the like. May be printed. Further, the three-dimensional model can be used by attaching the expanded thermal expansion layer 3 as a heat insulating material to a building material such as a wall or a window. By forming irregularities in accordance with the steps of the window frame or the like, such a three-dimensional model can be easily attached to the building material without gaps, and the irregularities can be combined with the color layer 5 to create a wood grain or tile. It is formed in a tone and can also serve as a decoration like a wallpaper.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventions described in the claims originally attached to the application of this application are added below. The claims in the appendix are as specified in the claims originally attached to the application for this application.
[Additional Notes]
<< Claim 1 >>
It is provided with a heat-expanding layer that is flexible and stretchable and expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, and a base material on which the heat-expanding layer is laminated on one surface, and converts absorbed light into heat. A three-dimensional model forming sheet in which a photothermal conversion layer is formed on at least one surface.
The base material is a three-dimensional model forming sheet that can be removed from the thermal expansion layer.
<< Claim 2 >>
The thermal expansion layer has water resistance and
The three-dimensional model forming sheet according to claim 1, wherein the base material contains at least one surface of the water-soluble material.
<< Claim 3 >>
The three-dimensional model forming sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal expansion layer contains at least one of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl chloride.
<< Claim 4 >>
It is a three-dimensional model that has a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, and has irregularities formed on the surface on one side.
A three-dimensional model characterized by having flexibility and elasticity.
<< Claim 5 >>
The three-dimensional model according to claim 4, wherein an adhesive layer is provided on the other surface side.
<< Claim 6 >>
It is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on its surface.
A thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher on the surface of the base material,
A photothermal conversion layer printing step of forming a photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on at least one of the back surface of the base material and the front surface of the thermal expansion layer.
A light irradiation step of irradiating light to reach the photothermal conversion layer and expanding the thermal expansion layer in the region where the photothermal conversion layer is formed.
A method for producing a three-dimensional model, which comprises sequentially performing a base material removing step of removing the base material from the back surface of the thermal expansion layer.
<< Claim 7 >>
It is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on its surface.
A thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher on the surface of the base material,
A photothermal conversion layer printing step of forming a photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on at least one of the back surface of the base material and the front surface of the thermal expansion layer.
A light irradiation step of irradiating light to reach the photothermal conversion layer and expanding the thermal expansion layer in the region where the photothermal conversion layer is formed.
A base material removing step of removing the base material from the back surface of the thermal expansion layer,
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, which comprises sequentially performing a sticking step of sticking the back surface of the thermal expansion layer to the front surface of an article.
<< Claim 8 >>
The method for producing a three-dimensional model according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an image printing step of forming an image on the surface of the thermal expansion layer is further performed after the thermal expansion layer forming step.

10 Thermally expandable sheet (three-dimensional model forming sheet)
1,1A, 1B 3D image (3D model)
2 Base material 21 Water-soluble paper, water-soluble layer (layer containing water-soluble material)
22 Main base material 3 Thermal expansion layer 4, 4A Photothermal conversion layer 5 Color layer S12 Thermal expansion layer formation process S21 Photothermal conversion layer printing process S22 Image printing process S23 Light irradiation process S40 Substrate removal process

Claims (7)

It is provided with a heat-expanding layer that is flexible and stretchable and expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, and a base material on which the heat-expanding layer is laminated on one surface, and converts absorbed light into heat. A three-dimensional model forming sheet in which a photothermal conversion layer is formed on at least one surface.
The substrate may contain a water-soluble material at least on the one side, Ri can der be removed from the thermal expansion layer,
The expansion start temperature of the thermal expansion layer is set to 80 ° C. or higher.
A three-dimensional model forming sheet characterized by this. The thermal expansion layer contains at least one of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl chloride .
The three-dimensional model forming sheet according to claim 1. It is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on its surface.
A thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher on the surface of a base material containing a water-soluble material.
A photothermal conversion layer printing step of forming a photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on at least one of the back surface of the base material and the front surface of the thermal expansion layer.
A light irradiation step of irradiating light to reach the photothermal conversion layer and expanding the thermal expansion layer in the region where the photothermal conversion layer is formed.
A removal step of removing the base material from the back surface of the thermal expansion layer,
In order,
The expansion start temperature of the thermal expansion layer is set to 80 ° C. or higher.
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, which is characterized in that. It is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on its surface.
A thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher on the surface of a base material containing a water-soluble material.
A photothermal conversion layer printing step of forming a photothermal conversion layer that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on at least one of the back surface of the base material and the front surface of the thermal expansion layer.
A light irradiation step of irradiating light to reach the photothermal conversion layer and expanding the thermal expansion layer in the region where the photothermal conversion layer is formed.
A removal step of removing the base material from the back surface of the thermal expansion layer,
A sticking step of sticking the back surface of the thermal expansion layer to the front surface of an article,
In order,
The expansion start temperature of the thermal expansion layer is set to 80 ° C. or higher.
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model, which is characterized in that. After the thermal expansion layer forming step, an image printing step of forming an image on the surface of the thermal expansion layer is further performed.
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the three-dimensional modeled object is manufactured. The photothermal conversion layer is water-soluble and
In the removal step, the base material is removed and the photothermal conversion layer is removed .
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the three-dimensional model is manufactured. In the removal step, water is used for removal .
The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional model according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the three-dimensional model is manufactured.

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