JP2017164958A - Additive manufacturing apparatus and additive manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

For example, an additive manufacturing apparatus and additive manufacturing method having a novel configuration capable of forming a porous object are obtained. An additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment includes, for example, a first application unit, a bubble injection unit, and a curing processing unit. The first application unit applies a fluid material on a stage or a material applied on the stage. The bubble injection unit injects bubbles into the material before being applied or the material after being applied. The curing processing unit cures the applied material. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an additive manufacturing apparatus and an additive manufacturing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an additive manufacturing apparatus including an application unit that applies a material on a stage or a material applied on the stage, and a curing processing unit that cures the applied material.

JP-A-2015-196268

  In this type of additive manufacturing apparatus, for example, it is preferable if a novel configuration capable of modeling a porous model is obtained.

  The additive manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment includes, for example, a first application unit, a bubble injection unit, and a curing processing unit. The first application unit applies a fluid material on a stage or a material applied on the stage. The bubble injection unit injects bubbles into the material before being applied or the material after being applied. The curing processing unit cures the applied material.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state after the state of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state after the state of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view of the first application unit of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of the first application unit of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary bubble injection method of the bubble injection unit of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an exemplary bubble injection method of the bubble injection unit of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, and shows a state after the state of FIG. 6. is there. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary bubble injection method of the bubble injection unit of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state after the state of FIG. 7. is there. FIG. 9 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of the first application unit of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view of a first application unit of a first modification of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view for explaining an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a process after the process of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a process after the process of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a process after the process of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a process after the process of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus of the fifth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a process after the process of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a schematic side view illustrating an exemplary modeling method of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a process after the process of FIG. 18.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. The configuration of the embodiment shown below, and the operation and result (effect) brought about by the configuration are examples.

  Moreover, the same component is contained in several embodiment disclosed below. Therefore, below, the same code | symbol is provided to those similar components, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In the following drawings, for convenience, three directions of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction that are orthogonal to each other are defined. The X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions, and are along the radial direction of the application part 3 (head part 31). The Z direction is a vertical direction and is along the axial direction of the application unit 3 (head unit 31).

<First Embodiment>
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the layered modeling apparatus 1 is configured as a modeling apparatus having an inkjet type coating mechanism, for example, and includes a stage 2, a coating unit 3, a curing processing unit 4, and moving mechanisms 5 and 6. Etc. The application unit 3 includes a head unit 31 that applies a photocurable material M (for example, photocurable resin) onto the stage 2 or the material M applied onto the stage 2. The curing processing unit 4 includes a light irradiation unit 41 that can irradiate light L (for example, ultraviolet rays) that can cure the applied material M. The light irradiation unit 41 and the head unit 31 are arranged in the X direction, for example, in a unitized state, that is, integrally provided. The light irradiation unit 41 can move following the movement of the head unit 31. The moving mechanisms 5 and 6 move the positions of the head unit 31 and the light irradiation unit 41 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction with respect to the stage 2. By the movement of the head unit 31 and the light irradiation unit 41 in the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the stage 2, the cross-sectional shape of the modeled object 10 extending along the X direction is expanded along the Y direction, and the layer 10 a of the modeled object 10 is expanded. Modeled. Further, the movement of the head unit 31 and the light irradiation unit 41 in the Z direction with respect to the stage 2 expands another layer 10 a so as to be stacked on the layer 10 a, and thus the modeled object 10 is modeled. In the present embodiment, the case where the layered modeling apparatus 1 is configured by an ink jet method is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured by other layered modeling methods. The application unit 3 is an example of a first application unit. The light L1 is an example of an energy ray.

  For example, the head portion 31 is configured in a cylindrical shape that extends along the Z direction and gradually tapers as it approaches the stage 2. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the head portion 31 is provided with an introduction port 31a, a discharge port 31b, and a flow path 31c. The introduction port 31 a is located at the end of the head portion 31 opposite to the stage 2. A material M having liquid fluidity is supplied to the introduction port 31a from a material supply unit (not shown).

  The discharge port 31b is located at the end of the head unit 31 on the stage 2 side, that is, the end opposite to the introduction port 31a. The discharge port 31b is connected to the introduction port 31a through the flow path 31c. In the present embodiment, for example, a voltage is applied to an actuator (not shown) having a channel wall provided upstream of the discharge port 31b and made of a piezoelectric material or the like, and the channel wall is elastic in a direction in which the internal pressure increases. By deforming the material M, the material M is ejected from the discharge port 31b in a droplet shape (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow path 31 c extends over the introduction port 31 a and the discharge port 31 b. Here, in this embodiment, the bubble injection part 7 is provided inside the head part 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the bubble injection unit 7 includes a tubular nozzle 32 extending along the Z direction. The nozzle 32 and the head part 31 are arranged concentrically with each other. Thereby, between the nozzle 32 and the head part 31, the annular | circular shaped flow path 31c which has the substantially constant space | interval around the central axis which follows a Z direction on XY plane is formed. Further, the cross-sectional area along the XY plane of the flow path 31c is gradually reduced by the tapered head portion 31 from the introduction port 31a toward the discharge port 31b. The channel 31c is an example of a first channel.

  The nozzle 32 is provided with an introduction port 32a, a discharge port 32b, and a flow path 32c. The introduction port 32a is located at the end of the nozzle 32 opposite to the stage 2 (discharge port 31b). The introduction port 32a and the introduction port 31a are arranged along the same plane (XY plane). For example, gas is supplied to the introduction port 32a from a gas supply unit (not shown).

  The discharge port 32b is located at the end of the nozzle 32 on the stage 2 (discharge port 31b) side, that is, the end opposite to the introduction port 32a. The discharge port 32b is connected to the introduction port 32a through the flow path 32c. The discharge port 32b is located on the opposite side of the discharge port 31b from the stage 2 and is offset from the discharge port 31b in the Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in this embodiment, for example, a gas flowing through the flow path 32c is applied by applying a voltage to the above-described actuator (not shown) to elastically deform the channel wall in a direction in which the internal pressure increases. Is extruded into the material M from the discharge port 32b, and as a result, the droplet-like material M is discharged from the discharge port 31b in a state where the bubbles B are injected. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the bubble B can be injected into the material M flowing through the flow path 31c by the bubble injection unit 7. In the present embodiment, the case where the bubbles B are injected into the material M by the actuator is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the internal pressure of the nozzle 32 is provided between the introduction port 32a and the gas supply unit. And a valve portion for adjusting the flow rate of gas and the like may be provided. The discharge port 32b is an example of a bubble injection port. In addition, although the gas used as the bubble B is inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, for example, it is not limited to this.

  Next, a manufacturing method of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first, a material M containing bubbles B injected before application is applied onto the stage 2 by the application unit 3.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the material M containing the bubbles B is cured by the curing processing unit 4.

  And the material M is apply | coated again on the material M apply | coated (hardened) on the stage 2, and the layer 10a of the molded article 10 is laminated | stacked sequentially by repeating the above-mentioned process as FIG. 3 shows. A model 10 is formed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 applies the material M having fluidity on the stage 2 or the material M applied on the stage 2 (the first part 1 An application unit), a bubble injection unit 7 for injecting bubbles B into the material M, and a curing processing unit 4 for curing the material M. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, since the bubbles B can be injected into the material M by the bubble injection unit 7, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 that can form the porous shaped article 10 has a relatively simple configuration. It is easy to obtain with. In addition, for example, the bubbles B can be directly injected into the material M by the bubble injection unit 7 as compared with the case where the bubbles B are formed inside the molded article 10 by heating the material M containing the foaming agent. Therefore, it may be easier to adjust the porosity of the modeled object 10 and the specifications (distribution, arrangement, shape, size) of the bubbles B more easily or more accurately.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the application unit 3 includes the introduction port 31a for introducing the material M, the discharge port 31b for discharging the material M, and the flow path 31c (the first channel across the introduction port 31a and the discharge port 31b). And a bubble injecting unit 7 injects bubbles B into the material M flowing through the channel 31c. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, the bubbles B can be injected into the material M before being applied by the head unit 31 and the bubble injection unit 7. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the bubbles B are injected into the material M after being applied, the modeling process is likely to be reduced, and thus the time required for modeling the modeled object 10 is likely to be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the bubble injection unit 7 includes a tubular nozzle 32 provided with a discharge port 32 b (bubble injection port), and the channel 31 c is configured as an annular channel surrounding the nozzle 32. Has been. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, the material M flowing in the flow path 31c can easily cover the periphery of the bubble B, and thus the bubble B is included in a position closer to the center of the material M, that is, the bubble B is the material. It is easy to be discharged in a state where it is contained more reliably in M.

Second Embodiment
The additive manufacturing apparatus 1A of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has the same configuration as the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle 32 is provided with a wall portion 32d made of a porous material, which is different from the above embodiment. The wall portion 32d is located at the end portion of the nozzle 32 on the stage 2 (discharge port 31b) side, and extends along the X direction and the Y direction. The wall portion 32d is provided with a plurality of holes 32e. The plurality of holes 32e function as the discharge ports 32b of the bubble injection part 7A. Thus, in this embodiment, since the nozzle 32 is provided with a plurality of holes 32e, a plurality of bubbles B are injected into the material M ejected in droplets by the plurality of holes 32e, that is, the discharge ports 32b. Can be formed.

<First Modification>
In the second embodiment and the first embodiment, the case where the bubble injection portions 7 and 7A are provided inside the head portion 31 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first embodiment shown in FIG. As in one modification, the bubble injection part 7B is in a state where a part of the nozzle 32 penetrates the head part 31 and at least the discharge port 32b is positioned in the passage 31d, or the discharge port 32b faces the passage 31d. And may be provided.

<Third Embodiment>
The additive manufacturing apparatus 1B of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 has the same configuration as the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the point that the bubbles B are injected into the material M after the bubble injection portion 7 </ b> C is applied is different from the above embodiment. The bubble injection part 7C has a nozzle 32B. The nozzle 32B is configured in a needle shape having a point 32g provided with a discharge port (not shown) as a fine hole. The nozzle 32B is supported so as to be movable in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction with respect to the stage 2 by a moving mechanism 5 (see FIG. 1 and the like) that supports the coating unit 3 or another moving mechanism. At least the nozzle 32B has a first position (see FIG. 12) in which the tip 32g (discharge port) is positioned inside the material M, and a second position in which the tip 32g (discharge port) is positioned outside the material M. It is provided to be movable along the Z direction between the positions. The nozzle 32B can inject the bubbles B into the material M at the first position (see FIG. 12). The nozzle 32B (see FIG. 12), the head unit 31 (see FIG. 11), and the light irradiation unit 41 (see FIG. 13) are, for example, in a unitized state, that is, in an integrally provided state in the X direction. Are lined up. The nozzle 32 </ b> B can move following the movement of the head unit 31 and the light irradiation unit 41.

  Next, a manufacturing method of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1B will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, the material M is applied onto the stage 2 by the application unit 3.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the nozzle 32B is pierced into the material M, and the bubbles B are injected into the material M by the bubble injection portion 7C. In this case, the bubble injection unit 7C injects the bubbles B in a state before the material M is cured by the curing processing unit 4, for example.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the material M in a state where the bubbles B are injected is cured by the curing processing unit 4.

  And the material M is apply | coated again on the material M apply | coated (cured) on the stage 2, and the layer 10a of the molded article 10 is laminated | stacked one by one by repeating the above-mentioned process, and the molded article 10 is modeled.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, the bubble B can be injected into the applied material M by the bubble injection unit 7C. Therefore, for example, compared to the case where the bubble B is injected into the material M before being applied, the entire device configuration is easily simplified because the application unit 3 and the bubble injection unit 7C can be configured separately. There is. In addition, the void ratio of the modeled object 10 and the specifications (distribution, arrangement, shape, size) of the bubbles B may be easily adjusted with higher accuracy.

<Fourth embodiment>
The additive manufacturing apparatus 1C of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 has the same configuration as the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the bubble injecting portion 7 </ b> D is different from the above-described embodiment in that the applying portion 9 is provided. The application unit 9 applies a hollow body 12 in which bubbles B are included in the applied material M. The hollow body 12 can be configured by, for example, beads containing bubbles B or the like. A hollow body 12 is supplied to the application unit 9 from a material supply unit (not shown). The application part 9 (refer FIG. 14), the head part 31, and the light irradiation part 41 (refer FIG. 15) are located in the X direction in the united state, ie, the state provided integrally, for example. The application unit 9 can move following the movement of the head unit 31 and the light irradiation unit 41. The application unit 9 may be provided so as to be movable with respect to the stage 2 by a moving mechanism different from the moving mechanism 5 (see FIG. 1 and the like). The application unit 9 is an example of a second application unit.

  Next, a manufacturing method of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1C will be described.

  First, the material M is applied onto the stage 2 by the application unit 3.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the hollow body 12 is coated on the coated material M by the coating unit 9. In this case, the application unit 9 applies the hollow body 12 onto the material M at an arbitrary interval along the X direction. In the example of FIG. 14, in this step, the material M has flexibility, and the hollow body 12 is applied in a state in which a part thereof is embedded in the material M.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the application unit 3 applies the material M onto the material M applied onto the stage 2 so as to cover the hollow body 12.

  Next, the material M in which the hollow body 12 is accommodated is cured by the curing processing unit 4.

  And the material M is apply | coated again on the material M apply | coated (cured) on the stage 2, and the layer 10a of the molded article 10 is laminated | stacked one by one by repeating the above-mentioned process, and the molded article 10 is modeled.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, the bubble injection unit 7D includes the application unit 9 (second application unit) that applies the hollow body 12 in which the material M includes the bubbles B. A porous shaped article 10 can be shaped by the portion 9. In addition, it is easy to obtain a state in which the bubbles B are more reliably formed, and specifications such as individual volumes of the bubbles B can be adjusted in advance, so that the model 9 can be formed by the application unit 9 (hollow body 12). In some cases, the porosity of 10 or the specifications (distribution, arrangement, shape, size) of the bubbles B can be adjusted more easily or more accurately.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The additive manufacturing apparatus 1D of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 has the same configuration as the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the point that the layered modeling apparatus 1 </ b> D includes the recess forming unit 8 is different from the above embodiment. The recess forming part 8 can be constituted by, for example, a blower. The recess forming portion 8 forms the recess 11 in the material M by blowing air from the side opposite to the stage 2 of the applied material M. The recessed part 11 is open | released on the surface of the apply | coated material M, ie, the surface 10b of the layer 10a of the molded article 10. FIG. The recess forming portion 8 (see FIG. 17), the head portion 31 (see FIGS. 16 and 19), and the light irradiation portion 41 (see FIG. 18) are, for example, in a unitized state, that is, in a state of being provided integrally. It is lined up in the X direction. The recess forming part 8 can move following the movement of the head part 31 and the light irradiation part 41.

  Next, a manufacturing method of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1D will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16, first, the material M is applied onto the stage 2 by the application unit 3 (S1).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the concave portion 11 is formed in the applied material M by the concave portion forming portion 8 (S2). In this case, the recessed portion forming portion 8 forms the recessed portions 11 at an arbitrary interval and an arbitrary size along the X direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the material M in which the concave portion 11 is formed is cured by the curing processing unit 4 (S <b> 3).

  Next, the material M is applied again on the material M applied (cured) on the stage 2 (S1). In this case, the application unit 3 applies the material M onto the applied material M so as to cover the recess 11 while being separated from the bottom 11a of the recess 11, that is, while maintaining the gap B1 in the recess 11. (S4). And the layer 10a of the molded article 10 is laminated | stacked one by one by repeating the above-mentioned process, and the molded article 10 is modeled.

  As described above, the additive manufacturing method of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1D of the present embodiment is the first step of applying the fluid material M onto the stage 2 or the material M applied onto the stage 2 ( S1), a second step (S2) of forming a concave portion 11 opened on the surface 10b of the material M in the applied material M, and a third step of curing the applied material M Step (S3), and the first step (S1) applies the material M on the applied material M so as to cover the recess 11 while maintaining the gap B1 in the recess 11. A fourth step (S4) is included. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the porous shaped article 10 can be modeled by, for example, the fourth step (S4). In addition, the concave portion forming part 8 may easily adjust the porosity of the modeled object 10 and the specifications (distribution, arrangement, shape, size) of the void B1 more easily or more accurately.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was illustrated, the said embodiment is an example to the last, Comprising: It is not intending limiting the range of invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof. The present invention can be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the above embodiments, and various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the basic configuration (technical features) can be obtained. is there. In addition, the specifications of each component (structure, type, direction, shape, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) should be changed as appropriate. Can do.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A-1D ... Laminate shaping apparatus, 2 ... Stage, 3 ... Application | coating part (1st application part), 4 ... Hardening process part, 7, 7A-7D ... Bubble injection part, 9 ... Application | coating part (2nd Application part), 10b ... surface, 11 ... recess, 11a ... bottom, 12 ... hollow body, 31 ... head part, 31a ... inlet, 31b ... discharge port, 31c ... channel (first channel), 32 ... Nozzle, 32b ... discharge port (bubble injection port), 32d ... wall portion, 32e ... hole, B ... bubble, B1 ... gap, M ... material.

Claims (7)

A first application unit for applying a fluid material on the stage or on the material applied on the stage;
A bubble injection part for injecting bubbles into the material before being applied or the material after being applied;
A curing processing unit for curing the material after being applied;
An additive manufacturing apparatus. The first application unit includes a head unit provided with an introduction port for introducing the material, a discharge port for discharging the material, and a first flow path extending between the introduction port and the discharge port. Have
The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bubble injection unit injects the bubbles into the material flowing through the first flow path. The bubble injection part has a tubular nozzle provided with a bubble injection port,
The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first flow path is an annular flow path surrounding the nozzle. The bubble injection part has a wall part provided with a plurality of holes and made of a porous material,
The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bubble inlet is the plurality of holes.   The additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bubble injection unit includes a second application unit that applies a hollow body in which the bubbles are included in the material after application. Applying a fluid material on a stage or on the material applied on the stage; and
Injecting bubbles into the material before being applied or the material after being applied;
Curing the material after being applied;
An additive manufacturing method comprising: A first step of applying a fluid material on a stage or the material applied on the stage;
A second step of forming an open recess on the surface of the material after being applied;
A third step of curing the material after being applied;
Have
Said 1st process is an additive manufacturing method including the 4th process of apply | coating the said material on the said material after apply | coating so that the said recessed part may be covered, maintaining a space | gap in the said recessed part.

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