JPH06246838A - Stereolithography device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] An object of the present invention is to provide a stereolithography apparatus capable of reliably preventing damage to a hardened layer even if the hardened layer is rapidly peeled off from a transparent window side. [Structure] On the molding base 20 side of the light-transmitting window 11, a peripheral portion 51 fluid-tightly fixed to the light-transmitting window 11 and a peeling portion 52 having elasticity capable of coming into contact with and separating from the light-transmitting window 11 are formed. In addition to providing the transparent film 50, a fluid supplying / discharging means 60 for supplying / discharging a predetermined fluid is provided between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11, and when the modeling base 20 is separated from the transparent window 11, the transparent film 50 is provided. When a predetermined fluid is supplied between the transparent windows 11 to elastically deform the peeling portion 52 so as to follow the hardening layer 2, and when the hardening layer 2 is separated from the transparent window 11 by a predetermined distance, the transparent film 50 and the transparent film 50 are transparent. The fluid between the light windows 11 is discharged to peel the peeling portion 52 from the hardened layer 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereolithography apparatus for selectively solidifying a fluid material by light to produce a three-dimensional object, and more particularly to a stereolithography apparatus using a molding container having a transparent window at the bottom. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an optical modeling apparatus has been developed which exposes a fluid material such as UV (ultraviolet) curing resin to form a cured layer, and sequentially laminates the cured layers to form a three-dimensional object. However, in this stereolithography apparatus, there is one in which the bottom of the modeling container is used as a transparent window. As this type of stereolithography apparatus, for example, the one described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-11331 is known, and this apparatus approaches and separates the modeling container and the light transmitting window from the inner side thereof. The base, a light emitting unit for selectively irradiating the fluid material between the base and the translucent window with light through the translucent window to cure the fluid material in a predetermined pattern, and the molding base to the translucent window. And an elevator for separating an uncured fluid material of the next layer into the space between the hardened layer and the light-transmitting window by separating the layer by one layer.

In such an optical modeling apparatus, the exposed surface is in a fixed position at a flat position, the variation in the thickness of the hardened layer can be suppressed, and the shaped hardened layer does not have to be submerged in the fluid material. Therefore, an expensive fluid material can be used efficiently.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional stereolithography apparatus, the hardening layer adhered to the base and the transparent window when being cured by exposure is separated from the molding base by the molding layer. Since it is configured to be peeled from the light-transmitting window by doing so, it is easy to damage the cured layer,
There is a problem that a high modeling accuracy cannot be expected and that the modeling work takes a lot of time. That is, in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, although the treatment for improving the peelability of the transparent window is performed, the hardened layer firmly adhered to the transparent window and solidified is pulled from the flat transparent window at once. Since it is peeled off, it is not easy to prevent damage to the hardened layer. In addition, since the rapid peeling operation cannot be executed to reduce the damage to the hardened layer, this peeling operation is performed once every time the hardened layer is formed, and is repeated many times during the molding operation. ,
It has to be a very time-consuming modeling operation.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical molding apparatus which can quickly peel off a hardened layer from a light-transmitting window side and can surely prevent damage to the hardened layer.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a molding container having a transparent window at the bottom and containing an uncured fluid material that is hardened by light, and an inner side of the molding container. A shaping base that faces the transparent window from the side and is movable so as to approach and separate from the transparent window, and selectively illuminates the fluid material between the shaping base and the transparent window through the transparent window. And an exposure unit that cures a fluid material by the light to form a cured layer, and an uncured fluidity between the cured layer and the transparent window by separating the modeling base from the transparent window. In an optical modeling apparatus provided with a molding base moving means for allowing a material to flow in, a peripheral portion fluid-tightly fixed to the transparent window and a contacting and separating space between the transparent window and the transparent base on the molding base side. And a transparent film having a peelable portion having possible elasticity. A fluid supplying / discharging means for supplying / discharging a predetermined fluid is provided between the transparent windows, and a predetermined fluid is supplied between the transparent film and the transparent window when the modeling base is separated from the transparent window. Elastically deforms the peeling portion so as to follow the hardened layer, and when the hardened layer is separated from the transparent window by a predetermined distance, the fluid between the transparent film and the transparent window is discharged to separate the peeled portion. The part is separated from the cured layer.

[0007]

In the present invention, the fluid material flowing between the modeling base and the transparent window is exposed by the light from the exposure unit through the transparent window and the transparent film provided on the modeling base side, The cured layer has a predetermined pattern. During this exposure, a predetermined fluid is discharged between the transparent film and the transparent window by the fluid supply / discharge means, and the transparent film is in close contact with the transparent window. On the other hand, when the modeling base is separated from the light-transmitting window after the hardened layer is formed, a predetermined fluid is supplied between the transparent film and the light-transmitting window so that the peeled portion of the transparent film follows the hardened layer. Elastically deforms. Then, when the hardened layer is separated from the transparent window by a predetermined distance, the fluid between the transparent film and the transparent window is again discharged, so that the transparent film returns to the transparent window side and from the periphery of the hardened layer. It is peeled off one after another. Therefore, even if the molding base is quickly separated from the transparent window side, the transparent film is very easily peeled off from the cured layer closest to the transparent window, and the cured layer is less likely to be damaged.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 are views showing an embodiment of a stereolithography apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram thereof, and FIG.
5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of the operation. First, the configuration will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a molding container having a transparent window 11 at the bottom thereof, and the molding container 10 accommodates a predetermined fluid material 1. The fluid material 1 is a material that is hardened by a predetermined light, that is, an uncured liquid of a known photocurable resin. Reference numeral 20 denotes a flat plate-shaped molding base that faces the transparent window 11 from the inside of the molding container 10. The molding base 20 can be moved to an elevator 40 (molding base moving means) so as to approach and separate from the transparent window 11. Supported by. An exposure unit 30 is provided below the modeling container 10. The exposure unit 30 selectively irradiates the fluid material 1 between the transmissive window 10 and the modeling base 20 with predetermined light through the translucent window 11, and cures the fluid material 1 by the light. Although not shown in detail, it forms the hardened layer 2 having a predetermined pattern. For example, the lower surface of the fluid material 1 along the transparent window 11 while modulating the light emitted from the laser light source and deflecting the light by the reflection optical system. The laser beam is focused on a portion and is scanned in a plane (in the X and Y directions orthogonal to each other) along the light transmitting window 11. The laser light emitted from this laser light source is light that matches the properties of the fluid material 1 (for example, light in the ultraviolet range or visible light). In addition, the drawing pattern by the optical scanning corresponds to each shape of the hardened layer 2 when the shaped object is a three-dimensional object which is a laminated body of a plurality of hardened layers 2. The fluid material 1 between the bases 20 is selectively exposed and cured corresponding to this drawing pattern, whereby the cured layer 2 having a predetermined shape is formed. Then, the hardened layer 2 firmly adheres to the modeling base 20 at the same time as the hardening when forming the first layer, and from the next layer, adheres to the hardened layer 2 formed immediately before. The elevator 40 has, for example, a servo motor and a ball screw mechanism (not shown), and drives the base 20 up and down during modeling to provide a fluid material having a predetermined thickness corresponding to the hardened layer 2 between the transparent window 11 and the modeling base 20. To form one layer. When this layer hardens to become the hardened layer 2, the elevator 40 raises the modeling base 20 once, and lowers it again to the position where the next material layer is formed.

On the other hand, on the molding base 20 side of the transparent window 11, a transparent film having a predetermined elasticity so as to cover the entire upper surface of the transparent window 11.
50 are provided. The transparent film 50 is a transparent film formed of a transparent material having rubber elasticity or flexibility, for example, an elastomer, and can be restored to its original state by itself even when stretched or bent. Further, the transparent film 50 has a peripheral portion 51 that is fluid-tightly fixed to the transparent window 11, and a peeling portion 52 that can come into contact with and separate from the transparent window 11. And
An air pipe 61 is provided in a part near the periphery of the transparent window 11 so as to face the peeling portion 52 of the transparent film 50, and this pipe 61 is an air pump.
Connected to 62. The air pipe 61 and the air pump 62 constitute a fluid supply / discharge means 60 for supplying / discharging air (predetermined fluid) between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11, and the fluid supply / discharge means 60 is an exposure unit. When the hardened layer 2 is formed by the light from 30, the vacuum is suctioned between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11 to bring the peeled portion 52 of the transparent film 50 into close contact with the transparent window 11. Further, the fluid supply / drainage means 60 supplies air between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11 to separate the molding base 20 from the transparent window 11 after the hardened layer 2 is formed, thereby separating the transparent film 50. When 52 is elastically deformed so as to follow the hardened layer 2 and the hardened layer 2 is separated from the light transmitting window 11 by a predetermined distance, the air between the transparent film 50 and the light transmitting window 11 is discharged to the outside and the peeling portion is formed. 52 is biased toward the transparent window 11 side, and the peeling portion 52 is peeled off sequentially from the vicinity of the periphery of the lower surface of the hardened layer 2.

In this embodiment, the exposure unit
A control device 70 for controlling the elevator 30, the elevator 40, and the fluid supply / discharge means 60 is provided, and a known three-dimensional CAD (computer aided design) system (not shown) is connected to the control device 70. This 3D CAD system
It is possible to create a plurality of cross-sectional shape data with a minute interval for the designed three-dimensional object, and use each cross-sectional shape data as each drawing pattern data of the hardened layer 2,
Control device using the interval of the cross section as layer thickness data of the hardened layer 2
It is supposed to send to 70. Based on the cross-sectional shape data transmitted from this three-dimensional CAD system, the control device 70 creates data for optical scanning by the exposure unit 30 and lifting / lowering drive of the modeling base 20 by the elevator 40, and controls these. Further, the fluid supply / discharge means 60 is controlled in accordance with these operations.

Next, the operation will be described. First, when a three-dimensional object is designed in advance by the three-dimensional CAD system, the three-dimensional CAD system creates a plurality of cross-sectional shape data and the like at minute intervals for the object to be modeled, and the data is created at the time of modeling. It is sent to the control device 70 as the data of the drawing patterns and the layer thickness of the plurality of cured layers 2.

On the other hand, in the control device 70, the laser drive signal, the scan drive signal of the exposure unit 30, the elevator 40, and the like, based on the sent drawing pattern data and layer thickness data, etc.
Drive signals and the like are generated, and these signals are output at predetermined timings, respectively, and the fluid supply / discharge signals are output to the fluid supply / discharge means 60 at predetermined timings corresponding to the operation of the elevator 40.

In this state, first, the fluid supply / discharge means
The air of the transparent window 11 and the transparent film 50 is vacuumed by 60, and when the peeling portion 52 of the transparent film 50 adheres to the transparent window 11, the transparent film is formed.
An exposure unit facing the layer of the fluid material 1 located between the molding base 20 and the modeling base 20 through the transparent window 11 and the transparent film 50.
Laser light is emitted from 30. Therefore, the layer of the fluid material 1 is selectively exposed in a predetermined drawing pattern, and the fluid material 1 between the transparent window 11 and the transparent film 50 and the modeling base 20 is required. Hardens. When the hardened layer 2 is the first layer, the hardened layer 2 firmly adheres to the modeling base 20 at the same time as it is hardened, and the transparent film
Also adheres to 50.

When one hardened layer 2 is supported on the modeling base 20 by such one exposure operation, first, the modeling base 20 driven by the elevator 40 rises so as to be separated from the transparent window 11. Then, at this time, the fluid supply / discharge means 60 introduces atmospheric air into the pipe 61. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
Air is supplied between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11, and the peeling portion 52 of the transparent film 50 elastically deforms so as to follow the hardened layer 2.

When the hardened layer 2 is separated from the transparent window 11 by a predetermined distance, the fluid supply / discharge means 60 sucks the air between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11 to the outside, and the peeling portion 52. Is urged toward the transparent window 11. At this time, the transparent film 50 is strongly pulled by the translucent window 11 at a portion outside the portion attached to the hardened layer 2, and as shown in FIG. 3, the peeling portion 52 is near the lower surface of the hardened layer 2 by its force. From the cured layer 2 to the original state, as shown in FIG. In this way, the peeled portion 52 of the transparent film 50 having elasticity is applied to the hardened layer 2 which has become solid.
Since the molding base 20 is immediately peeled off after the hardened layer 2 is formed after the hardened layer 2 is formed, the hardened layer 2 will not be damaged even if the above peeling operation is quickly performed.

Next, the building base 20 is lifted by the elevator 40.
As shown in FIG. 5, the latest hardened layer 2 is moved by a predetermined gap Tc corresponding to the thickness of one hardened layer.
The modeling base 20 is positioned so as to be spaced apart from. And
The next exposure operation by the exposure unit 30 is started while maintaining a predetermined negative pressure state between the translucent window 11 and the transparent film 50 by the fluid supply / drainage means 60, and thereafter, the peeling operation and the exposure operation similar to the above. By repeating the above, 3
A three-dimensional object is formed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the hardened layer 2 is used.
When the modeling base 20 is separated from the light-transmitting window 11 after the formation, the air is supplied between the transparent film 50 and the light-transmitting window 11 so that the peeling portion 52 of the transparent film 50 follows the hardened layer 2. When the hardened layer 2 is elastically deformed as described above and is separated from the transparent window 11 by a predetermined distance, the air between the transparent film 50 and the transparent window 11 is exhausted again, so that the transparent film 50 becomes transparent. While returning to the side, it is peeled off sequentially from the periphery of the hardened layer 2. Therefore, the modeling base
Even if 20 is rapidly separated from the transparent window 11 side, the transparent film 50 is very easily peeled from the hardened layer 2 closest to the transparent window 11, and the hardened layer 2 is removed during the peeling operation. Since it is less likely to be damaged, high modeling accuracy can be realized and rapid modeling work is possible.

[0019]

According to the present invention, when the molding base is separated from the light transmitting window, a predetermined fluid is supplied between the transparent film and the light transmitting window to elastically deform the peeled portion so as to follow the cured layer. ,
When the cured layer is separated from the translucent window by a predetermined distance, the fluid between the transparent film and the translucent window is discharged to the outside to urge the transparent film toward the translucent window, and the transparent film is applied from the periphery of the cured layer. Therefore, it is possible to provide a stereolithography apparatus capable of quickly peeling off the cured layer from the transparent window side and reliably preventing the cured layer from being damaged.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a stereolithography apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of one embodiment showing a step of separating the modeling base from the light transmitting window and introducing a predetermined fluid between the light transmitting window and the transparent film.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view of one embodiment showing a step of discharging a fluid between the transparent window and the transparent film to separate the transparent film from the cured layer.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view of an example showing a stage where the transparent film is completely peeled from the cured layer and returned to the initial state.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of one embodiment showing a step of lowering the modeling base to form an uncured layer of a fluid material for the next layer between the lowermost cured layer and the light-transmitting window.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Fluid Material 2 Hardened Layer 10 Molding Container 11 Light-transmitting Window 20 Molding Base 30 Exposure Unit 40 Elevator (Molding Base Moving Means) 50 Transparent Film 51 Peripheral Area 52 Peeling Area 60 Fluid Supply / Drainage Means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A molding container (10) having a transparent window (11) at the bottom and containing an uncured fluid material (1) that is cured by light, and an inner side of the molding container (10). A molding base (20) facing the transparent window (11) and movable toward and away from the transparent window (11), and a molding base (20) through the transparent window (11). An exposure unit (30) for selectively irradiating the fluid material (1) between the light windows (11) with light and curing the fluid material (1) by the light to form a cured layer (2). ) And separating the modeling base (20) from the transparent window (11) to allow the uncured fluid material (1) to flow between the hardening layer (2) and the transparent window (11). A shaping base moving means (40), and an optical shaping device provided with, in the shaping base (20) side of the transparent window (11), a peripheral part (fluid-tightly fixed to the transparent window (11) ( 51) and a peeling portion (52) having elasticity capable of contacting and separating from the translucent window (11) A transparent film (50) for supplying and discharging a predetermined fluid between the transparent film (50) and the translucent window (11), and the molding base (20) When separating from the transparent window (11), a predetermined fluid is supplied between the transparent film (50) and the transparent window (11) to cause the peeling portion (52) to the hardening layer (2). When the hardening layer (2) is separated from the transparent window (11) by a predetermined distance, the fluid between the transparent film (50) and the transparent window (11) is discharged. An optical modeling apparatus, characterized in that the peeling part (52) is peeled from the cured layer (2).