JP5966938B2 - Three-dimensional object forming apparatus and three-dimensional object forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional object modeling method, and more particularly to a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional object modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object using a model material and a support material.

  A technique called rapid prototyping (RP) is known as a technique for modeling a three-dimensional solid object. This technology calculates the cross-sectional shape sliced thinly in the stacking direction based on the data (STL (Standard Triangulated Language) format data) that describes the surface of one three-dimensional shape as a collection of triangles. It is a technology to form and form a three-dimensional object. In addition, as a method of modeling a three-dimensional object, a melt deposition method (FDM: Fused Deposition Molding), a UV curing inkjet method, a stereolithography method (SL: Stereo Lithography), a powder sintering method (SLS: Selective Laser Sintering), An ink-jet binder method is known.

  When modeling a three-dimensional object using the melt deposition method or UV curable ink jet method, etc., a model material that defines the outer shape of the object and a support material that supports the upper layer model material or protects the same layer model material Are used, and then the support material is removed to form a three-dimensional object. However, if the shape of the object becomes complicated, it becomes difficult to completely remove the support material, leaving it behind. The appearance of the shaped object deteriorates due to the support material.

  Thus, when modeling a three-dimensional object, it is important how to separate the support material from the model material after modeling, and various methods for solving this problem have been proposed. For example, by using a support material that dissolves in an alkaline aqueous solution, the support material is melted and removed after modeling, or by using a support material having a melting point lower than that of the model material, after heating, only the support material is melted and removed. A method to do this has been proposed. Further, Patent Document 1 below proposes a method for facilitating the removal work of the support material and reducing the leftover of the support material by using the second support material having high peelability at the interface with the model material. Yes.

JP 2004-255839 A

  However, in the method of removing the support material by dissolving it with an alkaline solution, or the method of removing only the support material in an oven, a dedicated removal device (such as a device that immerses the model in an alkaline solution or a dedicated oven) is required. There is a problem that the cost increases.

  Moreover, although the method of using the support material which improved peelability like patent document 1 has the merit that a support material can be removed by hand without requiring a special tool, even if it has improved peelability, It is difficult to completely remove the support material that has entered the fine irregularities.

  In addition, when there is little difference in brightness and color and color between the model material and the support material, it is difficult to visually recognize the model material and the support material, and the support material is left behind in the work of removing the support material. On the other hand, if there is a large difference in brightness and color or color between the model material and the support material, the model material and the support material can be easily visually recognized, but the support material that has entered the fine irregularities can be completely removed. When the support material is left behind, the support material becomes conspicuous, and the appearance of the model is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to facilitate the removal of the support material and to improve the appearance of the modeled object even when the support material is left behind. The object is to provide a three-dimensional object forming apparatus and a three-dimensional object forming method capable of suppressing deterioration.

  One aspect of the present invention is a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional object by stacking a model material that defines an outer shape of an object and a support material that supports or protects the model material, and the model material and the A mechanism unit that discharges and stacks the support material; and a device control unit that controls the mechanism unit, and the device control unit includes at least one of the model material and the support material and the other during modeling. A material having a function of changing to a color similar to that of the other or a transparent color by applying an external stimulus after modeling without being a similar color is applied.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional object is formed by discharging and stacking a model material that defines the outer shape of an object and a support material that supports or protects the model material, and removing the support material after the stacking. A three-dimensional object modeling method for modeling, wherein at least one of the model material and the support material does not have the same color as the other at the time of modeling, but receives a stimulus from the outside after modeling, so that the same color or transparent as the other A first step of applying a material having a function of changing color to stack the model material and the support material; and a second step of removing at least a part of the support material after the first step. And after the second step, a third step of giving the stimulus to the material having the function of changing color and changing the color to a color similar to or transparent to the other.

  According to the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus and the three-dimensional object modeling method of the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the removal of the support material and to suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the modeled object even when the support material is left behind. it can.

  The reason is that the device control unit that controls the mechanism unit that sequentially stacks the model material and the support material that supports or protects the model material does not have the same color as the other during modeling at least one of the model material and the support material. This is because, after modeling, a three-dimensional object is modeled by applying a modeling material that changes in color similar to or transparent to the other in response to external stimulation.

  Thereby, during the removal work of the support material performed after the modeling of the three-dimensional object, the color of the model material and the color of the support material are greatly different, so the model material and the support material can be clearly separated by the difference in color, Support material can be removed reliably. In addition, even if the support material is left behind, after the support material is removed, both materials change to the same color or one of the materials changes to a transparent color. It is possible to form a three-dimensional object with excellent aesthetics.

It is a figure explaining a melt deposition method. It is a figure explaining UV hardening inkjet method. It is a figure explaining an optical shaping method. It is a figure explaining a powder sintering method. It is a figure explaining the inkjet binder method. It is a figure which shows the structure of the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the difference in the conspicuous condition by the color of a model material and a support material. It is a figure explaining the change of the conspicuous condition by discoloration of the support material which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example at the time of combining a color-change material and a non-color-change material as a support material which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the color structure by resin mixing. It is a figure explaining the method to select / mix resin. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the model material and support material which concern on one Example of this invention to a full color machine.

  As shown in the background art, when a three-dimensional object is modeled by stacking a model material that defines the shape of an object and a support material that supports or protects the model material, the support material is removed after modeling However, when the shape of the object becomes complicated, it becomes difficult to completely remove the support material, and the appearance of the modeled object deteriorates due to the remaining support material.

  To solve this problem, there is a method that uses a support material that is soluble in an alkaline aqueous solution or a support material having a melting point lower than that of the model material. This increases costs. There is also a method of placing a support material with improved peelability at the interface of the model material, but even if such a support material is used, it is difficult to completely remove the support material that has entered the fine irregularities. . Also, the support material can be removed easily by increasing the color difference between the model material and the support material. However, if the support material remains in fine irregularities, the left-over support material will stand out and the molded object will stand out. Looks worse.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the support material can be easily distinguished from the model material in the removal work of the support material, and the remaining support material can be made inconspicuous after the removal work of the support material. .

  Specifically, in a three-dimensional object shaping apparatus including a mechanism unit that discharges and stacks a model material and a support material, and a device control unit that controls the operation of the mechanism unit, the device control unit includes the model material and the support material. At the time of modeling, it does not become the same color as the other at the time of modeling, but after modeling, it changes to the same color or transparent color as the other by receiving an external stimulus (chemical change with a predetermined substance or a predetermined temperature) Applying a modeling material (which changes to the same color or transparent color as the other by irradiation with light of a specific wavelength), causes the mechanism unit to perform modeling.

  With such a configuration, the support material becomes a conspicuous color with respect to the model material during the removal work of the support material performed immediately after the modeling of the three-dimensional object, so that the support material can be prevented from being left behind, and the support material After the removal work, since the left support material becomes inconspicuous, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the modeled object.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a three-dimensional object formation apparatus and a three-dimensional object formation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 are diagrams for explaining a general method for modeling a three-dimensional object, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the difference in the degree of conspicuousness due to the color of the model material and the support material, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the change in the degree of conspicuousness due to the discoloration of the support material in this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a color-changing material and a non-color-changing material are combined as a support material, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a color configuration by resin mixing, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for selecting / mixing resins. It is a figure explaining a method. Moreover, FIG. 12 is a figure which shows the example which applied the model material and support material of a present Example to the full color machine.

  As described above, as a technique for modeling a three-dimensional object, a melt deposition method (FDM), a UV curable inkjet method, an optical modeling method (SL), a powder sintering method (SLS), an inkjet binder method, and the like are known. Yes. Hereinafter, each method will be described.

  In the melt deposition method (FDM) shown in FIG. 1, the head stacks the modeling material while moving like a single stroke in the layer at the height (see FIGS. 1A to 1C). ). For example, a thermoplastic material is heated with a heater to be fluidized, and a cross-sectional shape is drawn while extruding from one nozzle. If necessary, a thermoplastic support material is heated and melted with a heater and extruded from the other nozzle. And when the supplied material cools, a thin hardened layer is formed. This process is repeated to form a three-dimensional object (see FIG. 1D). After the modeling, an unnecessary support material is removed to obtain a desired modeled object using the model material (see FIG. 1 (e)).

  In the UV curable ink jet method shown in FIG. 2, the ink jet head is moved in the Y direction while reciprocating in the X direction, similarly to a general paper ink jet printer. For example, ink for modeling material having a property of being cured by ultraviolet rays is dropped from one inkjet nozzle (model material discharge inkjet nozzle) based on the cross-sectional shape. Further, if necessary, a support material for supporting the model material having the same property of being cured by ultraviolet rays is dropped from the other inkjet nozzle (support material discharge inkjet nozzle) onto the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the model material. When the dropped material is irradiated with ultraviolet light (UV light), it is cured by a polymerization reaction to form a thin cured layer, and the layer is flattened with a smooth roller each time it is further stacked. This process is repeated to form a three-dimensional object. After the modeling, an unnecessary support material is removed to obtain a desired modeled object using the model material.

  Further, in the stereolithography (SL) shown in FIG. 3, the surface layer is cured and the lower layer is joined by scanning the surface of the photocurable resin according to the cross-sectional shape with a laser beam (FIG. 3A). reference). Then, the table is lowered by the thickness of one layer (see FIG. 3B), and a desired shaped object can be obtained by repeating this process (see FIG. 3C).

  Further, in the powder sintering method (SLS) shown in FIG. 4, the powders are scanned according to the cross-sectional shape with an infrared laser beam after the powders are spread, thereby forming a thin solidified layer. At this time, bonding to the lower layer is also performed by sintering. Then, a desired shaped object can be obtained by spreading a thin powder on the solidified layer and repeating this treatment.

  Further, in the ink-jet binder method shown in FIG. 5, a binder is dripped based on the cross-sectional shape with an ink-jet nozzle after the powder is spread, and the powders are bonded together to form a thin solidified layer. Then, a desired shaped object can be obtained by spreading a thin powder on the solidified layer and repeating this treatment.

  Here, the powder sintering method and the inkjet binder method are methods that do not have a support material, and in the stereolithography method, the model material and the support material are the same material. On the other hand, in the melt deposition method and the UV curable ink jet method, modeling of the support material is performed simultaneously with the lamination of the model material, and an unnecessary support material removal operation is required after the modeling of the three-dimensional object. Accordingly, the melt deposition method and the UV curable ink jet method are modeling methods to which the present invention is applied. In addition, even if it is modeling methods other than the above, the modeling method which laminates | stacks a model material and a support material, models a solid object, and requires the removal operation | work of a support material after modeling becomes all applicable objects of this invention.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a three-dimensional object forming apparatus using a melt deposition method and a UV curable ink jet method, which are objects of the present invention. This three-dimensional object shaping apparatus mainly includes three blocks: a control block 10, a head moving mechanism block 20, and a modeling material handling block 30 (the head moving mechanism block 20 and the modeling material handling block 30 are collectively referred to as a mechanism unit). Composed. In the melt deposition method, the modeling material handling block 30 includes a heater 35 for decreasing the viscosity when the model material or the support material is discharged from the nozzle. Further, the UV curable ink jet method includes a UV lamp 40 for curing the model material and the support material discharged from the ink jet head. Hereinafter, each component will be described.

[Control block]
The control block 10 includes a 3D data input unit 11 and a device control unit 12.

  The 3D data input unit 11 acquires 3D data (CAD data, design data, etc.) of the modeling target from a computer device or the like, and transfers it to the device control unit 12. The created CAD data and design data include not only the shape data of the modeling object but also color image information (color information) on a part or the entire surface and inside. The 3D data may be acquired directly from a computer that designs the modeling object, or may be acquired from a server that manages / stores 3D data.

  The apparatus control unit 12 includes a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and data for each layer (hereinafter, slice data) for modeling a modeling material in three dimensions based on the input 3D data. Called). Moreover, the apparatus control part 12 controls operation | movement of the whole apparatus during modeling operation. For example, mechanism control information for discharging the modeling material to a desired place is transmitted to the head moving mechanism block 20 and slice data is transmitted to the modeling material handling block 30. That is, the apparatus control unit 12 controls the modeling material handling block 30 and the head moving mechanism block 20 in synchronization.

  Moreover, the apparatus control part 12 provides the function etc. which apply the optimal combination of a model material and a support material as a modeling material used for the modeling material handling block 30. FIG. The optimal combination of model material and support material means that at least one of the model material and the support material does not have the same color as the other at the time of modeling. The combination is a material having a function of changing color. That is, a model material that does not have the same color as the support material at the time of modeling, but changes color to the color specified by the color information by receiving an external stimulus after modeling, and / or a color similar to the model material at the time of modeling. Rather, it is a combination consisting of a support material that changes color to the same color or transparent color as the model material by receiving external stimuli after modeling. Further, the color change by receiving an external stimulus is a color change caused by a chemical change with a predetermined substance, a predetermined temperature change, irradiation with light of a specific wavelength, or the like.

  The 3D data input unit 11 and the device control unit 12 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a control program that functions as the 3D data input unit 11 and the device control unit 12, and the control program may be a three-dimensional object. It is good also as a structure operated with the apparatus which controls a modeling apparatus or the said three-dimensional object modeling apparatus.

[Head moving mechanism block]
The head moving mechanism block 20 includes a head moving block 21 and a stage moving block 22. The head moving block 21 includes an X direction moving unit 21a and a Y direction moving unit 21b. The stage moving block 22 includes a Z-direction moving unit 22a and the like.

  The head moving block 21 (X direction moving unit 21a and Y direction moving unit 21b) drives a motor and a driving mechanism (not shown) according to the mechanism control information acquired from the control block 10, and discharges model material and support material. The head is freely moved in the X direction (lateral direction) and the Y direction (lateral direction).

  The stage moving block 22 (Z direction moving unit 22a) drives a motor and a driving mechanism (not shown) according to the mechanism control information acquired from the control block 10, and moves the modeling stage in the Z direction (downward), or moves the head. The distance between the head and the modeled object is adjusted by moving the block 21 in the Z direction (upward).

[Building material handling block]
The modeling material handling block 30 includes a model material supply unit 31, a model material discharge unit 32, a support material supply unit 33, a support material discharge unit 34, and the like.

  The model material supply unit 31 and the support material supply unit 33 are configured to supply the model material and the support material stored in the designated cartridge tank to the model material discharge unit 32 through the modeling material tube by the supply pump according to the instruction of the apparatus control unit 12. And supplied to the support material discharge unit 34. The role of the support material is to provide it under the model material in advance to support the model material when modeling an overhanging part etc. Is. Further, it is provided around the model material to protect the model material.

  In addition, the model material discharge unit 32 and the support material discharge unit 34 put the model material and the support material specified at a desired timing on the modeling stage in accordance with the slice data acquired from the control block 10. To discharge. The model material discharge unit 32 and the support material discharge unit 34 may be provided with a heater 35. This is because heat is applied to the model material and the support material, the viscosity of the modeling material is lowered, and the discharge of the model material from the model material discharge unit 32 and the discharge of the support material from the support material discharge unit 34 are facilitated. is there. In this case, the modeling material immediately after discharge is in a low-viscosity state at a high temperature and needs to be cured by natural cooling or UV irradiation. Note that the model material supply unit 31, the model material discharge unit 32, the support material supply unit 33, and the support material discharge unit 34 may each be mounted on the three-dimensional object forming apparatus, or a plurality of them may be mounted. .

  The UV lamp 40 is used to cure these materials when UV curable resin is used as a model material or a support material.

  After stacking the model material and the support material using the three-dimensional object forming apparatus having the above configuration, the support material finely adhered to the surface is scraped off using a brush, or the uneven portion is used using a pointed tool. The support material is removed by removing the support material adhering to the surface. Since these operations are performed manually, it is a very time-consuming operation, which is one of the problems in modeling a three-dimensional object.

  Further, as a method for removing the support material, a method of removing the support material with a powerful water jet has been proposed in addition to a method of peeling with a hand or a tool. Although the removal of the support material by the water jet has a certain amount of effort reduction effect, it requires a dedicated device, and also causes problems such as scraping the model material or isolating it between layers, This is one of the challenges in modeling solid objects.

  As described above, in the method of removing the support material by manpower or the water jet, the work is often completed after giving up to completely remove the support material because of the trouble. Further, if the model material and the support material are similar in color, the support material is often left behind. In particular, the support material that has entered the fine portions often remains without being removed. The leftover of the support material is a factor that deteriorates the appearance of the model.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which the degree of conspicuity due to the difference in color between the model material and the support material is compared. In this figure, the color difference is expressed by greatly changing the type of hatching according to the color difference. In FIG. 7A, the model material is gray (hatching of a line rising to the right), and the support material is red (hatching of fine dots). As described above, when at least one of the hue, brightness, and saturation of the model material and the support material is greatly different, the model material and the support material can be clearly distinguished.

  In FIG. 7 (b), the model material is gray (similarly, hatching with a line rising to the right), and the support material is bluish gray (hatching with a broken line rising to the right), and the colors are approximated by approximating the type of hatching. It expresses that As in this example, when the model material and the support material have similar colors that are similar in hue, lightness, and saturation, the model material and the support material are unlikely to be distinguished from each other as compared with FIG. . In FIG. 7C, the model material is gray (similarly, hatching of a line rising to the right), the support material is transparent (hatching of coarse dots), and transparency is expressed by thinning the hatching. As in this example, when the support material is transparent, it is difficult to distinguish between the model material and the support material regardless of the color of the model material.

  That is, when the model material and the support material are the same color or similar colors, or the support material is transparent, it is difficult to distinguish the model material and the support material. For this reason, it is difficult to remove the support material, but if the support material is left behind, the remaining support material is not noticeable. On the other hand, when the color combination of the model material and the support material is an opposite color (complementary color) such as red and green, purple and yellow, or a color with greatly different brightness such as white and black, the model material and support The materials are easy to distinguish. Therefore, although the support material can be easily removed, when the support material is left behind, the remaining support material is easily noticeable, and the appearance of the modeled object is remarkably deteriorated.

  Thus, no matter what color model material and support material are combined, it is not possible to make it easy to remove the support material and make the remaining support material inconspicuous. Therefore, in this embodiment, a material having a function of changing color is applied to at least one of the model material and the support material in order to facilitate the removal work of the support material and to make the remaining support material inconspicuous. The color change in this specification is not limited to the case where the color changes from the color to the color, but includes the case where the color changes from the transparent color to the transparent color.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which a material having a function of changing color is applied to the support material. In this example, a material that changes color so that the color difference from the model material is large in the removal operation and the color difference from the model material is small after the removal operation is used as the support material.

  FIG. 8A shows a modeled object in a state where the model material and the support material are integrated immediately after being modeled by the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus (3D printer). Here, the model material is a light gray color (hatching of a line rising to the right), and the support material is red (hatching of fine dots). In the case of this combination of colors, the model material and the support material can be clearly distinguished because the hues (hue, lightness, saturation) of the two are greatly different. Therefore, the portion where the support material has not been removed from the model material can be clearly determined, so that the remaining support material can be suppressed.

  However, even if it is clear that the support material is left behind, it is difficult to remove the fine parts. In some cases, the support material that cannot be completely removed may be given up. Therefore, immediately after the removal work, as shown in FIG. 8B, the remaining support material becomes conspicuous.

  With respect to this problem, in the present embodiment, the support material remaining on the surface of the model material after the support material removal work is made of a material that changes color, so that the remaining support material can be made inconspicuous. . For example, in FIG. 8C, since a material that changes to a color similar to that of the model material is applied as the support material, it becomes difficult to distinguish the model material from the support material, and the remaining support material is inconspicuous. be able to. Moreover, in FIG.8 (d), since the material which changes to a transparent color is applied as a support material, a support material becomes difficult to visually recognize and it can make the left support material inconspicuous.

  As explained above, by applying a material with the function of changing color to at least one of the model material and the support material, the support material is made conspicuous during the support removal work to prevent it from being left behind, and after the support material is removed It is possible to obtain a highly beautiful model without making the leftover support material inconspicuous.

  There are several methods for changing the color of the model material or the support material. The first method is a method in which the model material or the support material contains a structure such as a capsule that contains a dye or a dye that exhibits a discoloring function when mixed with water or a predetermined chemical substance. In the second method, the model material or the support material has a color which appears in a certain temperature range and disappears in a certain temperature range, and a structure such as a capsule containing a colorant which exhibits a color changing function. It is the method of containing. In the third method, a model material or a support material is gradually reacted with a gaseous substance such as oxygen, and a structure such as a capsule enclosing a dye or a dye that exhibits a desired discoloring function after a certain time is obtained. It is a method of containing. The fourth method is a method in which the model material or the support material contains a structure such as a dye that exhibits a desired color-changing function by a photoreaction by receiving light of a specific wavelength such as ultraviolet light or a capsule that contains a dye. is there.

  Hereinafter, the dye technology for realizing the first to fifth methods will be described.

  First, the technique described in JP-A-7-090214 can be applied as a dye technique (first method) that exhibits a color changing function when mixed with water or a predetermined chemical substance. This technology is used in marker pen ink that disappears with water, known by the product name Water Clear Pen from Papiecco. This technique is realized by a colored ink in which a specific electron donating color changing compound and a specific electron accepting color developing compound are mixed. By including this colored ink in the model material or support material of the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus, the color of the model material or the support material is changed by immersing it in water after modeling, and the remaining support material is changed to an inconspicuous state. I can do it. In addition, when applying this technology, if the shaped article after the color change is immersed in a developer obtained by stirring zinc salicylate in dimethyl phthalate polymer and ethanol polymer for about 20 minutes, the color immediately after shaping is obtained. Although it returns, in other words, the appearance of the model is maintained unless it is exposed to such a developer.

  Next, as a dye technology (second method) that exhibits a color changing function in which a color appears in a certain temperature range and disappears in a certain temperature range, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-039936 is applied. it can. This technology is used in ink pens that disappear with heat known by the trade name of friction. This technology is a capsule in which a leuco dye (color-changing organic compound), a developer (electron-accepting compound), and a color-change temperature adjusting material (temperature-sensitive color-change color memory composition) are sealed in one microcapsule. Realized with pigments. A leuco dye is a transparent or white dye that usually appears in color when reacted with a developer. The color change temperature adjusting material functions to inhibit the binding of the leuco dye and the developer at a certain temperature or higher. When the temperature falls below a certain temperature, the inhibitory function is lowered, and the binding of the leuco dye and the developer is resumed, and the color appears. When this capsule pigment is included in a model material or a support material of a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus, for example, once the color is erased at 60 ° C. or higher, the color does not change unless the temperature is 0 ° C. or lower. By exposing to a temperature environment of 0 ° C., the color of the model material or the support material can be changed or colorless, and the remaining support material can be changed to an inconspicuous state. In addition, when this technology is applied, if the model is exposed to a constant cryogenic environment of 0 ° C or lower, it will return to the color immediately after modeling. In other words, unless the model is exposed to such a cryogenic environment, The good-looking is preserved.

  In addition, the technique described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-090214 and the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-039936 are basically techniques for erasing colors. It is easy to realize a color changing function by combining ordinary pigments that do not color. For example, if magenta with a decoloring function and yellow without a decoloring function are mixed, the color before merasing becomes red, which is a mixed color of magenta and yellow. If magenta is decolored, only yellow remains. It can be a discolored ink that looks yellow.

  Next, as a dye technique (third method) that exhibits a desired color change function after a certain time by gradually reacting with a gaseous substance such as oxygen, a technique described in JP-A-2005-111310 is disclosed. Can be applied. According to this technique, the time from coating to contact with oxygen in the atmosphere to discolor is set to about 24 hours. If this pigment is applied to the model material of the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus or the pigment of the support material, the color identification between the model material and the support material can be easily performed within 24 hours from the modeling, and within that time If the support material is removed, efficient removal work can be performed. Further, after 24 hours have passed, the remaining support material becomes inconspicuous. The technology that changes color when oxygen is detected is an existing technology that is also applied to the oxygen detection agent included in food packaging.

  Next, as a dye technology (fourth method) that exhibits a desired color changing function by photoreaction by receiving light of a specific wavelength such as ultraviolet rays, the technology used in the UV label of NOF Corporation can be applied. The UV label is a pigment that changes from colorless to colored when irradiated with light including ultraviolet rays, and the color change is irreversible and has a property that does not return to the original state after the color change. If this UV discoloration ink is included in the model material or support material of the three-dimensional object modeling device, the model material or support material is changed by irradiating ultraviolet light after modeling, leaving the remaining support material inconspicuous Can be changed.

  In this way, by applying the above technology, it is possible to impart a color changing function to the model material or the support material. However, the model material and the support material containing the color-changing pigments are usually non-color-changeable. There is also a problem that it is likely to be expensive compared to a material having a property. Accordingly, there is a need for a method that can reduce the use of expensive discolorable modeling material as much as possible and obtain the same effect.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a method of using a discolorable support material and a non-discolorable support material in combination is provided at a low cost so that the support material is conspicuous when the support material is removed and is not conspicuous after the support material is removed. . In that case, in addition to the means for discharging and stacking the model material and the means for discharging and stacking the color change support material, the non-color change support material is discharged to the modeling material handling block 30 of the three-dimensional object forming apparatus. A means for stacking is provided.

  FIG. 9A shows the modeled object before the support material removal work. The discoloration support material is used only in the vicinity of the model material or only in the part in direct contact, and the inexpensive conventional non-discoloration support material is not used in the part in direct contact with the model material. use. In this example, gray is used for the model material (hatching of the line rising to the right), blue resin is used for the non-color change support material (hatching of the fine line of the right drop), and before the color change is applied to the color change support material. Use red resin (fine dot hatching). In this way, by making the model material, the color change support material, and the non-color change support material different from each other, each can be easily visually distinguished.

  FIG.9 (b) shows the molded article after a support material removal operation | work. In the figure, the non-color-changeable support material placed in the part away from the model material can be completely removed without omission, but some of the color-changeable support material placed in the vicinity of the model material or in the direct contact part is slightly It is in a state where a leftover has occurred. In this way, by setting the color change support material and the non-color change support material to different colors, it is possible to visually check the remaining of the non-color change support material and completely remove the non-color change support material. be able to.

  FIG. 9 (c) shows that the discoloration support material that could not be removed was subjected to external stimulation (contact with a predetermined substance causing a chemical change, a predetermined temperature change, a specific wavelength) It shows a state in which the color of the model material is changed to an inconspicuous color (for example, light gray). As described above, by changing the discoloration support material arranged in the vicinity of the model material to a color similar to the model material or a transparent color, the remaining support material can be made inconspicuous.

  In other words, disposing the discoloring support material near the model material and disposing an inexpensive non-discoloring support material in other parts makes it easy to remove the support material, making the remaining support material inconspicuous, and The cost required for modeling a three-dimensional object can be reduced.

  In the above, a case has been described in which a modeling material that has a function of changing to a similar color or a transparent color with the other by receiving an external stimulus after modeling is prepared in advance, but not the same color as the other during modeling. It is also possible to prepare a modeling material of a color of and select a desired modeling material from a plurality of modeling materials or mix a plurality of modeling materials during modeling.

  For example, when the model material is a color with high brightness such as white, it becomes conspicuous if the support material is a color with low brightness such as black. Similarly, when the model material is black, it becomes noticeable if the support material is white. Usually, the three-dimensional object shaping apparatus is used by selectively setting a plurality of model materials according to the purpose of use of the customer. Some of these model materials have different physical properties such as strength and heat resistance, but materials with different colors, such as white, black, gray, transparent, red, blue, and yellow, are also prepared. Since the model material has a plurality of colors as described above, in order to obtain the effects of the present invention, the support material can also provide a material of a plurality of colors and concentrations according to the color of the model material. desirable.

  On the other hand, unlike model materials that require various physical properties and colors depending on the application, the main purpose of support materials is to support model materials during modeling, so many support materials with different colors and concentrations can be developed, It is cumbersome to change the support material each time according to the model material. Therefore, as the support material, it is only necessary to prepare a few color types, mix in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the model material to be used, and mix a conspicuous color as much as possible with respect to the model material. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), two colors of white and black are prepared as support materials, and a mechanism for enabling selection of the support material is provided in the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus. The selection mechanism can be controlled in accordance with the brightness of the model material defined by the color information included, and either a white or black support material can be selected. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10B to 10D, two colors of white and black are prepared as the support material, and a mechanism that allows the support material to be prepared in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus is provided. The above-described mixing mechanism is controlled in accordance with the lightness of the model material, so that the white and black support materials can be mixed so as to obtain the desired lightness. Further, as shown in FIG. 10E, three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan are prepared as support materials, and a mechanism for blending the support material is provided in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus. It is possible to control the blending mechanism according to the color and blend the support materials of three colors yellow, magenta and cyan so as to obtain a desired color.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a mechanism for selecting a resin and mixing a resin when discharging a modeling material (model material, support material).

  FIG. 11A shows a method of preparing a plurality of heads for discharging a modeling material. The apparatus control unit 12 can cause the mechanism unit to eject a desired modeling material by selecting one of the plurality of ejection heads. The figure on the right is an example of a mechanism that can supply a plurality of modeling materials with one ejection head. In this example, a material selector mechanism (detailed configuration is omitted) is mounted inside the ejection head, and the device control unit 12 selects a desired modeling material from a plurality of modeling materials. , And can be discharged from the discharge port.

  FIG. 11B shows a method of providing a mixing unit in a discharge head that can supply a plurality of modeling materials. The apparatus control unit 12 can cause the mechanism unit to discharge a desired modeling material by mixing the respective modeling materials at a desired ratio. The figure on the right is an example of a mechanism that can mix two types of modeling materials at an arbitrary ratio. In this example, the central separation block can be moved to the left and right. If the separation block is in the central position, the modeling material can be mixed at a ratio of 1: 1, and if the separation block is at the right end, the mixture is 10: 1. If the ratio is at a specific position slightly to the right, it can be mixed at a ratio of 7 to 3, etc. Therefore, the apparatus control part 12 can mix a modeling material by a desired ratio by moving a separation block, and can make it discharge from a discharge outlet.

  Next, an application example in the case of applying the structure of the present invention to a full-color three-dimensional object modeling apparatus capable of layering and modeling a full-color model material will be described with reference to FIG.

  The full-color three-dimensional object modeling apparatus enables full-color modeling, for example, by a function of laminating a YMC color modeling material in an arbitrary part in addition to a white modeling material. In FIG. 12A, a yellow model material 1 (represented by hatching of a line rising to the right) and a light blue model material 2 (represented by hatching of a line falling to the right) are stacked. At this time, the support material 1 in contact with the surface of the yellow model material 1 uses a cyan color that is conspicuous with respect to the yellow model material 1 (represented by the hatching of a fine line to the lower right), and the light blue system The support material 2 in contact with the surface of the model material 2 is formed by using a magenta color (represented by a bold line rising to the right) that stands out from the light blue model material 2. In this way, even in a full-color machine where the color of the model material for each part is different, the support material is made conspicuous when removing the support material by modeling the support material by appropriately changing the color of the support material for each part. Therefore, the efficiency of the support removal work can be increased.

  Here, the cyan support material 1 has a color changing function capable of changing to a yellow color (expressed by hatching with a dashed line rising to the right), and the magenta support material 2 is a light green color. Color change function (represented by the hatching of the lower right broken line). After the support material removal operation, the discoloration function of the support material is activated, and when the support material 1 and the support material 2 are discolored as shown in FIG. 12B, the model material 1 and the support material 1 become similar colors. In addition, the model material 2 and the support material 2 are similar in color, and the effect that the support material left behind in both portions becomes inconspicuous can be obtained.

  In the description of FIG. 12, the case where the color of each part is changed to the same color is shown. However, by making the support material transparent after the support material removing operation, the remaining support material can be made inconspicuous, Similarly, the effect of enhancing the aesthetics of the modeled object can be obtained.

  8, 9, and 12, the case where the support material is discolored has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the model material is discolored.

  Further, in the above, one of the model material or the support material is discolored, and the model material and the support material become a combination of colors that are not similar colors at the time of modeling, and after modeling, the model material and the support material are subjected to external stimulation. Is a combination of similar colors, but if it is difficult to change the color to the above combination, a mode that simplifies support removal work by giving priority to color combinations that are easy to distinguish It is also possible to set the color combination in accordance with the specified conditions so that a mode for preventing deterioration of aesthetics by the support material remaining in preference to similar color combinations can be specified.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention, the structure and control method of a solid-object modeling apparatus can be changed suitably.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus such as a 3D printer that models a three-dimensional object and a three-dimensional object modeling method using the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control block 11 3D data input part 12 Apparatus control part 20 Head moving mechanism block 21 Head moving block 21a X direction moving part 21b Y direction moving part 22 Stage moving block 22a Z direction moving part 30 Modeling material handling block 31 Model material supply part 32 Model Material Discharge Part 33 Support Material Supply Part 34 Support Material Discharge Part 35 Heater 40 UV Lamp

Claims (16)

In a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional object by stacking a model material that defines the outer shape of an object and a support material that supports or protects the model material,
A mechanism for discharging and stacking the model material and the support material;
An apparatus control unit that controls the mechanism unit,
The device controller does not change the color of the model material and the support material to the same color or transparent color as the other by receiving an external stimulus after shaping without being the same color as the other during modeling. A three-dimensional object forming apparatus characterized by applying a material having a function.   The apparatus control unit applies a material containing a color material that changes color due to a chemical change with a predetermined substance to a colored or transparent resin as a base material, to at least one of the model material and the support material. The three-dimensional object modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is characterized.   The apparatus control unit applies, to at least one of the model material and the support material, a material containing a color material that changes color according to a predetermined temperature change to a colored or transparent resin serving as a base material. The three-dimensional object modeling apparatus according to claim 1.   The apparatus control unit applies a material containing a color material that changes color by irradiation with light of a specific wavelength to a colored or transparent resin as a base material, to at least one of the model material and the support material. The three-dimensional object shaping apparatus according to claim 1. The mechanism has a mechanism capable of discharging the model material, a support material having a function of changing color, and a support material having no function of changing color,
The apparatus control unit has the mechanism unit arranged with a support material having the function of changing color in the vicinity of the model material, and a support material having no function of changing color in a portion other than the vicinity of the model material. The three-dimensional object shaping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional object shaping apparatus is arranged. The mechanism has a mechanism for selecting or mixing support materials of two or more different colors,
The device control unit in accordance with the color of the model material, said support material selected or by mixing the mechanism unit, and adjusting the color of the support member for discharging, of claims 1 to 5 The three-dimensional object formation apparatus as described in any one. The mechanism unit has a mechanism for selecting or blending model materials of two or more different colors, and a mechanism for selecting or blending support materials of two or more different colors,
The apparatus control unit selects or mixes the model material in the mechanism unit, adjusts the color of the model material to be discharged for each layer, and supports the mechanism unit in accordance with the color of the model material for each layer. The solid object forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a color of a support material to be discharged is adjusted by selecting or mixing materials.   The apparatus control unit is configured to prioritize increasing the color difference between the model material and the support material at the time of modeling, and after receiving modeling, the model material and the support material The three-dimensional object according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a mode that prioritizes reducing a color difference between the support materials can be specified, and the support material is selected or mixed according to the specified mode. Object modeling device. A three-dimensional object forming method for forming a three-dimensional object by discharging and laminating a model material that defines the outer shape of an object and a support material that supports or protects the model material, and removing the support material after lamination. There,
At least one of the model material and the support material is applied with a material that does not have the same color as the other at the time of modeling, but has the function of changing to the same color or transparent color as the other by receiving external stimulation after modeling. A first step of laminating the model material and the support material;
A second step of removing at least a part of the support material after the first step;
After the second step, there is a third step of applying the stimulus to the material having the function of changing color and changing the color to the same color or transparent color as the other, and a three-dimensional object forming method.   In the first step, at least one of the model material and the support material is applied with a material containing a color material that changes color due to a chemical change with a predetermined substance in a colored or transparent resin as a base material. The three-dimensional object modeling method according to claim 9, wherein:   In the first step, at least one of the model material and the support material is applied with a material containing a color material that changes color with a predetermined temperature change in a colored or transparent resin as a base material. The three-dimensional object modeling method according to claim 9.   In the first step, at least one of the model material and the support material is applied with a material containing a color material that changes color when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, to a colored or transparent resin as a base material. The three-dimensional object shaping method according to claim 9, wherein the three-dimensional object shaping method is characterized. In the first step, a support material having a function of changing color is arranged in the vicinity of the model material, and a support material having no function of changing color is arranged in a part other than the vicinity of the model material,
The three-dimensional object modeling method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the second step, at least the support material that does not have the function of changing color is removed.   In the first step, according to the color of the model material, a support material of two or more different colors provided in advance is selected or mixed, and the color of the support material to be discharged is adjusted, The three-dimensional object shaping | molding method as described in any one of Claims 9 thru | or 13.   In the first step, selecting or blending two or more different color model materials provided in advance, adjusting the color of the model material to be discharged for each layer, and depending on the color of the model material for each layer, The three-dimensional object modeling method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a support material of two or more different colors provided in advance is selected or mixed to adjust the color of the support material to be discharged. . At the time of modeling, a mode that prioritizes increasing the color difference between the model material and the support material, and a small color difference between the model material and the support material by receiving external stimulation after modeling. And a mode for specifying a mode to prioritize
16. The three-dimensional object modeling method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein in the first step, the support material is selected or mixed according to a designated mode.

Images