CN115816826A - Mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a three-dimensional printing method and a three-dimensional printing system for mixed multi-material. The printing method comprises the following steps: step S1: determining a printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and an excess area outside the printing area; step S2: disposing a printing paste on the exposure stage; and step S3: exposing the surplus area of the printing paste on an exposure platform; and step S4: removing the exposed surplus area and leaving the area to be exposed and printed on the exposure platform; step S5: exposing the printing area on an exposure platform; and step S6: transferring the exposed printing area; steps S2 to S6 are performed for each printing paste so that the exposed printing region corresponding to each printing paste forms a printed multi-material layer by stitching. The mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method and the system can realize high-efficiency multi-material printing, obviously reduce waste liquid pollution and improve production efficiency.

Description

Hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method and system

technical field

The present invention mainly relates to the field of three-dimensional printing, in particular to a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method and system.

Background technique

3D printing technology is becoming more and more mature, and the demand for printing materials is also gradually diversifying. In the prior art, some solutions have been proposed for multi-material printing, such as laser sintering combined with separate material laying for dry materials, but for the three-dimensional printing process of slurry as raw material, there is no good way The multi-material combination of different regions is realized in the layer printing slice, and the degree of automation is low. In addition, in order to arrange raw materials with preset shapes and positions in different areas of the same layer slice, unnecessary surplus printing paste will be removed by cleaning, etc., resulting in a large amount of paste waste, and cleaning will consume a lot of cost, resulting in Waste liquid waste water is not conducive to environmental protection.

Contents of the invention

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method and system, which can significantly reduce waste liquid pollution and improve production efficiency while realizing efficient multi-material printing.

In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method, which is suitable for printing three-dimensional printing models. The three-dimensional printing model includes at least one multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is printed by at least two Printed with paste, including the following steps: Step S1: Determine the print area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the print area; Step S2: Arrange a print on the exposure platform Paste; step S3: expose the surplus area of the printing paste on the exposure platform; step S4: remove the exposed surplus area, and leave the printing area to be exposed on the exposure platform; step S5: Expose the printed area on the exposure platform; and step S6: transfer the exposed printed area; wherein, the steps S2-S6 are performed for each printing paste, so that the exposed printed area corresponding to each printing paste is spliced A printed multi-material layer is formed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes determining the size of the printing area and the surplus area of each slurry according to the characteristic parameters of the multi-material layer before performing the step S2.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step S3 includes pressing the removal platform on one surface of the exposure platform, and controlling the light source to pass through the other surface of the exposure platform to the printing paste in the surplus area. material for exposure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step S4 includes removing the removal platform, so that the exposed surplus area is separated from the exposure platform along with the removal platform.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step S4 further includes detaching the exposed surplus area from the removal platform.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step S5 includes pressing the printing platform on one surface of the exposure platform, and controlling the light source to pass through the other surface of the exposure platform to the printing paste in the printing area Make an exposure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step S6 further includes transferring the printing platform, so that the exposed printing area is separated from the exposure platform along with the printing platform.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it also includes retaining the exposed printing area of each printing paste in different areas of the printing platform, so that the exposed printing area corresponding to each printing paste forms the already printed area by splicing. Print multi-material layers.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the exposure platform includes a release film.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it also includes controlling the one-way or two-way rolling of the release film, so as to continuously provide a clean release film that can be used to expose the surplus area and/or the printing area during the printing process .

In an embodiment of the present invention, it also includes cleaning, rolling and/or replacing the release film after performing the steps S2-S6 for any printing paste.

Another aspect of the present invention also proposes a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing system, which is suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model, and the three-dimensional printing model includes at least one multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is composed of at least two printing pastes The system includes: an exposure platform having an opposite first surface and a second surface, the first surface is suitable for carrying printing paste to be exposed; a printing paste supply mechanism arranged on the exposure platform One side of the platform, to arrange printing paste on the exposure platform; an exposure system, arranged opposite to the second surface of the exposure platform, the exposure system is used to selectively expose the printing area of the printing paste and the surplus area outside the printing area; the removal platform is arranged near the exposure platform; the removal platform driving mechanism is connected to the removal platform, and the removal platform kinematic mechanism is suitable for driving the removal platform. a platform that moves between a first position pressing the first surface and a second position away from the exposure platform to remove exposed surplus areas; a printing platform disposed adjacent to the exposure platform; a printing platform motion mechanism, The printing platform is connected, and the printing platform moving mechanism is adapted to drive the printing platform to move between a third position pressing the first surface and a fourth position away from the exposure platform, so as to transfer the exposed printing area The upper computer is electrically connected to the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing paste supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism and the printing platform movement mechanism, and the upper computer is configured to: determine the The printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer and the surplus area outside the printing area; control the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing paste supply mechanism, the removal platform The operation of the driving mechanism and the printing platform moving mechanism to sequentially obtain the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the host computer is further configured to execute the following operations in order to sequentially obtain the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform: control the printing paste supply mechanism in the Arranging a printing paste on the exposure platform; controlling the removal platform driving mechanism to move the removal platform to the first position; controlling the exposure system to expose the surplus area of the printing paste, the through exposing a surplus area adhered to the removal platform; controlling the removal platform drive mechanism to move the removal platform to the second position to remove the exposed surplus area; controlling the print platform drive a mechanism to move the print platform to the third position; control the exposure system to expose a remaining printed area on the exposed platform, the exposed printed area adhered to the print platform; and control the printing The platform driving mechanism moves the printing platform to the fourth position; wherein, the exposed printing area corresponding to each printing paste is spliced on the printing platform to form a printed multi-material layer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the removal platform is also attached with a cleaning device, and the cleaning device is suitable for removing the exposed surplus on the removal platform after the removal platform is detached from the exposure platform. area.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the exposure platform includes a release film.

In an embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a light-transmitting limiting portion, the limiting portion is located below the exposure platform, and the limiting portion is suitable for being pressed on the first removal platform. One position or the printing platform supports the exposure platform when it is overlaid in the third position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it also includes an automatic film changing device, the release film is located in the automatic film changing device, and the automatic film changing device includes at least two opposite rolls, and the rolls are suitable for It drives the release film to move in one direction and/or two directions, so as to continuously provide a clean release film that can be used to expose the surplus area and/or the printing area during the printing process.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the reel is suitable for driving the release film to move in two directions, and the automatic film changer also includes a release film cleaning brush for cleaning the release film. The surface of the above-mentioned release film makes the same section of release film suitable for repeated use after cleaning.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the printing paste supply mechanism includes a plurality of sets of slurry input pipes, each set of slurry input pipes includes a plurality of paste input pipes, and the plurality of pastes in each set of paste input pipes The material input pipe is correspondingly loaded with the same printing slurry.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the printing paste supply mechanism further includes a spreading scraper adapted to move horizontally and/or vertically.

Another aspect of the present invention also proposes a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method system, including: a memory for storing instructions executable by a processor; and a processor for executing the instructions to realize the above-mentioned mixed multi-material 3D printing method.

The present invention also proposes a computer-readable medium storing computer program codes, the computer program codes implement the above-mentioned mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method when executed by a processor.

Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: the multi-material printing scheme proposed by the present invention adopts the area array exposure method, and the printing speed of large-area and large-volume is fast, and multi-material printing can be realized efficiently. There is no limit to the number of materials, and different materials can be used between layers; since the unnecessary parts are directly removed after exposure and curing, there is no cleaning process, and no waste liquid and liquid pollution are generated; preferably, reciprocating circular motion can also be applied The advanced release film can further enhance the automation of equipment, reduce production costs and improve production efficiency.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present application, and they are included and constitute a part of the present application. The accompanying drawings show the embodiments of the present application, and together with the description, serve to explain the principle of the present invention. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c are schematic structural diagrams of a mixed multi-material 3D printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b are schematic diagrams of an exposure platform in a hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b are schematic diagrams of surplus area and printing area in a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4c is a schematic diagram of a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 is a system block diagram of a mixed multi-material 3D printing system according to another implementation of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings that need to be used in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some examples or embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can also apply the present application to other similar scenarios. Unless otherwise apparent from context or otherwise indicated, like reference numerals in the figures represent like structures or operations.

As indicated in this application and claims, the terms "a", "an", "an" and/or "the" do not refer to the singular and may include the plural unless the context clearly indicates an exception. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" only suggest the inclusion of clearly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or device may also contain other steps or elements.

The relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application unless specifically stated otherwise. At the same time, it should be understood that, for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. Techniques, methods and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods and devices should be considered part of the Authorized Specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be construed as exemplary only, and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiment may have different values. It should be noted that like numerals and letters denote like items in the following figures, therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not require further discussion in subsequent figures.

In the description of the present application, it should be understood that orientation words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" etc. indicate the orientation Or positional relationship is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the application and simplifying the description. In the absence of a contrary statement, these orientation words do not indicate or imply the device or element referred to It must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, so it should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present application; the orientation words "inner and outer" refer to the inner and outer relative to the outline of each component itself.

For the convenience of description, spatially relative terms may be used here, such as "on ...", "over ...", "on the surface of ...", "above", etc., to describe the The spatial positional relationship between one device or feature shown and other devices or features. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, devices described as "above" or "above" other devices or configurations would then be oriented "beneath" or "above" the other devices or configurations. under other devices or configurations". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can encompass both an orientation of "above" and "beneath". The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

In addition, it should be noted that the use of words such as "first" and "second" to define components is only for the convenience of distinguishing corresponding components. To limit the protection scope of this application. In addition, although the terms used in this application are selected from well-known and commonly used terms, some terms mentioned in the specification of this application may be selected by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are listed in this article described in the relevant section of the description. Furthermore, it is required that this application be understood not only by the actual terms used, but also by the meaning implied by each term.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to" or "contacting" another element, it can be directly on the other element. On, connected or coupled to, or in contact with, the other component, or there may be an intervening component. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to" or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Likewise, when a first component is referred to as being "electrically contacting" or "electrically coupled to" a second component, there exists an electrical path between the first component and the second component that allows electrical current to flow. This electrical path may include capacitors, coupled inductors, and/or other components that allow current to flow, even without direct contact between conductive components.

An embodiment of the present invention proposes a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method 30 (hereinafter referred to as "printing method 30") as shown in FIG. 3 . The printing method 30 is suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model. The three-dimensional printing model includes at least one multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is printed by at least two printing pastes. In order to better illustrate the printing method 30 , the structure of a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing system 10 (hereinafter referred to as “printing system 10 ”) proposed by the present invention, on which the printing method 30 is based, will be described first with reference to FIGS. 1 a to 2 b.

According to Fig. 1a, the printing system 10 includes an exposure platform 11, a removal platform 12, a removal platform movement mechanism 13, a printing platform 14, a printing platform movement mechanism 15, a printing paste supply mechanism 16, an exposure system 17 and a host computer (Fig. 1a not shown). Specifically, the exposure platform 11 has an opposite first surface 1101 and a second surface 1102 , wherein the first surface 1101 is suitable for carrying printing paste to be exposed, and the exposure platform 17 is arranged opposite to the second surface 1102 . The removal platform 12 is arranged near the exposure platform 11 and is suitable for adhering the exposed surplus area corresponding to each printing paste. The removal platform movement mechanism 13 is connected to the removal platform 12, and the removal platform movement mechanism 13 is suitable for driving the removal platform 12 to perform horizontal rotation and vertical linear movement. In this embodiment, the removal platform moving mechanism 13 is embodied as a first moving mechanism 131 and a second moving mechanism 132 . The first movement mechanism 131 can control the removal platform 12 to move up and down in the vertical direction, while the second movement mechanism 132 controls the removal platform 12 to make a rotation movement in the horizontal direction. Through the cooperation of the first movement mechanism 131 and the second movement mechanism 132, the removal platform 12 can be moved to the area to be exposed pressed on the exposure platform 11 in good time and away from the exposure platform 11 after exposure.

Similarly, the printing platform 14 is also arranged near the exposure platform 11, and the printing platform 14 is suitable for adhering the exposed printing area corresponding to each printing paste. The printing platform moving mechanism 15 is connected to the printing platform 14, and the printing platform moving mechanism 15 is suitable for driving the printing platform 14 to perform horizontal rotation and/or vertical linear movement. In this embodiment, the printing platform moving mechanism 15 is embodied as a third moving mechanism 151 and a fourth moving mechanism 152, the third moving mechanism 151 can control the printing platform 14 to move up and down in the vertical direction, and the fourth moving mechanism The mechanism 152 controls the printing platform 14 to rotate in the horizontal direction. Through the cooperation of the third movement mechanism 151 and the fourth movement mechanism 152 , the printing platform 14 can be moved to the area to be exposed pressed on the exposure platform 11 in good time and away from the exposure platform 11 after exposure.

During practical application, when printing each type of printing paste, the printing platform 14 and the removal platform 12 will alternately switch between the states of pressing the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11 and leaving the exposure platform 11 respectively. 1b and 1c, wherein FIG. 1b shows the first position where the removal platform 12 is pressed against the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11, and the fourth position where the printing platform 14 is away from the exposure platform 11. State schematic diagram, the working state shown in FIG. 1b can be used for exposure of the surplus area and removal of the exposed surplus area; and FIG. 1c shows the third position where the printing platform 14 is pressed against the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11, As well as a schematic view of the state where the removal platform 12 leaves the second position of the exposure platform 11 , the state shown in FIG. 1c can be used for the exposure of the printed area and the subsequent transfer of the exposed printed area.

The printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 a also includes a host computer not shown in FIG. 1 a. The upper electromechanically connects the exposure platform 11 , the exposure system 17 , the printing platform 14 and the removal platform 12 . The upper computer is specifically configured to determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area, and control the exposure platform 11, exposure system 17, printing paste supply mechanism 16, removal platform The operation of the driving mechanism 13 and the printing platform moving mechanism 15 finally obtains the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform 14 sequentially.

Specifically, in multiple embodiments of the present invention, the host computer also has the following configuration, and the host computer can perform the following operations cyclically to sequentially obtain the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform 14:

Controlling the printing paste supply mechanism 16 to arrange a printing paste on the exposure platform 11;

Control the removal platform drive mechanism 13 to move the removal platform 12 to the first position as shown in Figure 1b;

Control the exposure system 17 to expose the excess area of the printing paste, and the exposed excess area adheres to the removal platform 12;

Controlling the removal platform driving mechanism 13 to move the removal platform 12 to the second position shown in FIG. 1c to remove the exposed surplus area;

Control the printing platform driving mechanism 15 to move the printing platform 14 to the third position as shown in FIG. 1c;

Controlling the exposure system 17 to expose on the exposure platform 11 the remaining print area after removing the above-mentioned exposed surplus area, and the exposed print area adheres to the print platform 14; and

Control the printing platform drive mechanism 15 to move the printing platform 14 to the fourth position as shown in Figure 1b, so that the removal platform 12 can continue to print the surplus area of the next printing paste on the exposure platform 11, and for each After repeating the above steps for each printing paste, it can be spliced on the printing platform 14 to form a printed multi-material layer.

Through the printing system 10 shown in Figure 1a, when printing the multi-material layer of the three-dimensional printing model, for each printing paste in the multi-material layer, it is possible to first expose and cure the unnecessary parts of the printing paste. The surplus area is taken away from the exposure platform 11 by the removal platform 12 by means of adhesion, and then the printing area required for curing is exposed and temporarily taken away from the exposure platform 11 by the printing platform 14 by means of adhesion, and ready for the next printing Paste printing. After performing the same operation for each printing paste in turn, a multi-material layer spliced with multiple materials will be formed on the printing platform 14 . The specific printing method will be further described with reference to FIG. 3 .

Preferably, in the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1a, a cleaning device 121 is attached to one side of the removal platform 12, and the cleaning device 121 is suitable for removing the cleaning device 121 from the removal platform 12 after the removal platform 12 is detached from the exposure platform 11. The exposed surplus area of . The surplus area will change from liquid to solid after exposure, so the solidified surplus area can be conveniently removed from the removal platform 12 through the cleaning device 121 by analogy to the stripping step in the field of 3D printing, so that the removal platform 12 can continue to be exposed Surplus area for next print paste. Exemplarily, the cleaning device 121 may be implemented as a structure such as a push blade, which is not limited in the present invention.

In this embodiment, preferably, the exposure platform 11 is composed of a release film 11 . More preferably, since the release film is a consumable in the three-dimensional printing process, in order to improve the automation of the solution and facilitate replacement or cleaning of the release film, in the printing system 10, the release film 11 is located in an automatic film changing device. The automatic film changing device includes two opposite rollers 111, and the rollers 111 are suitable for driving the release film 11 to move along a single direction a or b, or along two directions a and b (in this embodiment, a single direction a or b, and both directions a and b are horizontal), so as to continuously provide a clean release film 11 that can be used to expose surplus areas and/or print areas during the printing process. Specifically, the release film 11 is usually in the form of a roll. In this embodiment, the automatic film changing device further includes clamping structures 112 and 113 for fixing two ends of a section of the release film. What are not shown in Fig. 1a are unused release film and used release film. Exemplarily, the unused release film can be located at one end of the clamping structure 112, and the used release film The release film can be located at one end of the clamping structure 113, and provide storage spaces for storing unused and used release films respectively.

Preferably, the reel 111 can drive the release film 11 to move along the two directions ab, and the automatic film change device also includes a release film cleaning brush 114, which is suitable for cleaning the surface of the release film 11 so that the same section of the release film The molded membrane 11 is reused after cleaning. Exemplarily, the release film cleaning brush 114 can reciprocate along the horizontal ab direction, so as to clean the dirt on the surface of the release film 11 or the residue after exposure, etc., this way can reduce the production cost as much as possible When the release film is not damaged, the release film cleaning brush 114 is used to clean the surface of the release film 11 in good time, so that the same section of release film can be used repeatedly.

Of course, in some embodiments of the present invention, the moving direction of the release film can also be set as unidirectional a or b, for example, if the direction of the release film is set as unidirectional direction a, then the clamping One end of the structure 112 is configured with a storage space to store the unused release film, and one end of the clamping structure 113 is provided with a storage space to store the used release film. Under such a setting, no release film can be configured Film cleaning brush 114, and set a single exposure, a fixed number of exposures or when the release film is damaged, the reel 111 directly drives the release film 11 to move along the direction a, thereby providing a new unused release film 11 . According to the needs of actual production and the quality and exposure conditions of the release film, etc., the release film 11 can be configured to move in one direction or in two directions.

On the other hand, the printing system 10 further includes a printing paste supply mechanism 16 . It has been clearly shown in Fig. 1a that the printing paste supply mechanism 16 is arranged on one side of the exposure platform 11, and there are a plurality of slurry input pipes 160 in it. In this embodiment, preferably, the plurality of slurry input pipes 160 are divided into Three groups, more clearly can be shown in Figure 2b on the basis of Figure 1a, three groups of slurry input pipes 1601, 1602 and 1603 each include a plurality of slurry input pipes 160, and in the extension direction of the release film 11 They are placed side by side, wherein the multiple slurry input tubes in each set of slurry input tubes 1601, 1602 and 1603 are correspondingly loaded with the same printing slurry. Exemplarily, in the actual printing process, the multiple slurry input tubes 160 in the first group of slurry input tubes 1601 are used to arrange the first printing slurry on the release film 11 , and so on.

During actual material laying, the release film 11 can be driven to move in direction a and/or direction b by starting the reel 111 , so as to cause relative movement with the slurry input pipes 160 in each group to complete the material laying. Preferably, in order to better complete the laying process, the printing paste supply mechanism 16 also includes a laying scraper 161, which is adapted to move horizontally or vertically, thereby perfecting the printing paste on the exposure platform 11 layout. Exemplarily, for any certain section of release film, when arranging the printing paste, this section of release film is located at the position of the printing paste supply mechanism 16. After the material is laid, the release film can be controlled by the roller 111. Move in the horizontal direction to move to the position where the removal platform 12 is located, presenting the positional relationship shown in Figure 1b; and after printing the surplus area, when continuing to print the above-mentioned printing area, this section of the release film can remain motionless; When all printing of this kind of printing paste is completed, this section of release film can be directly moved to the side where the used release film is stored for final waste disposal through the control of roller 111, and can also be returned to printing. The position of the slurry supply mechanism 16 continues to arrange the next printing slurry on the section of the release film after cleaning the surface.

In particular, since the laying scraper 161 can move vertically, if there are special requirements for the thickness of the layer when printing any multi-material layer, different materials can be achieved by moving the laying scraper 161 in the vertical direction. layer thickness. In addition, when the release film 11 needs to be replaced, rolled or cleaned, especially if there are relatively large obstacles (such as particles or residual printing paste, etc.) move in a straight direction, so as to avoid contact with obstacles on the surface of the release film 11 to hinder the movement of the release film 11 in direction a and/or direction b. Although the paving scraper 161 has a similar structure and movement mechanism to the above-mentioned release film cleaning brush 114 , they perform different functions.

It should be added that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, the exposure system 17 is located below the exposure platform 11, and will expose and cure the printing paste on the exposure platform 11 from below, and the exposure system 17 can selectively expose The print area of the print paste and the surplus area outside the print area. For clearer illustration, Fig. 2 a has shown the independent of exposure platform 11 (specifically realized as the release film 11 and the automatic film changing device where the release film 11 is located, comprising reels 111, clamping structures 112 and 113). schematic diagram. Preferably, in this embodiment, a light-transmitting stopper 115 can also be arranged under the release film 11, and the stopper 115 is suitable for supporting the exposure when the platform 12 is removed or the printing platform 14 is pressed against the exposure platform 11. Platform 11. Exemplarily, the limiting portion 115 may be embodied as a material such as glass. When the exposure platform 11 is embodied as a release film 11 , the function of the limiting part 115 is more important and obvious.

A hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing method 30 proposed by the present invention will be introduced below with reference to FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 in the present application uses a flow chart to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to the embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in an exact order. Instead, various steps may be processed in reverse order or concurrently. At the same time, other operations are either added to these procedures, or a certain step or steps are removed from these procedures.

According to FIG. 3, the printing method 30 specifically includes the following steps:

Step S1: Determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area;

Step S2: arranging a printing paste on the exposure platform;

Step S3: Exposing the surplus area of the printing paste on the exposure platform;

Step S4: removing the exposed surplus area, and leaving a printing area to be exposed on the exposure platform;

Step S5: exposing the printing area on the exposure platform; and

Step S6: Transferring the exposed printing area.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, it also shows a judgment step S7, judging whether the printing paste printed this time is the last printing paste in this layer, if the judgment result is yes, then the printing paste of this layer can be ended Print to obtain the printed multi-material layer; if the judgment result is otherwise, continue to print the next printing paste of this layer. However, the present invention is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the type and quantity of printing paste to be printed for each layer can be planned in advance, as long as the appropriate control method is used for Steps S2-S6 as shown in FIG. 3 are executed for each printing paste, which all belong to the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As mentioned above, the printing method 30 shown in FIG. 3 can be realized by the printing system 10 shown in FIG. The steps of the printing method 30 and the technical features of other variants will be described in detail below by taking the printing system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 a to 2 b as an example.

First, step S1 is to determine the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area. In order to better illustrate the printing area and the surplus area, an exemplary description will be given below by referring to FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in combination with FIG. 1a to FIG. 2b. Referring first to Fig. 2a, in Fig. 2a, the area to be exposed 110 corresponding to the position of the stopper 115 on the release film 11 is shown. Expose in. 4a and 4b, in the area to be exposed 110, at first arrange any printing paste in the printing area 110 by the printing paste supply mechanism 16, and determine the printing area 41 and surplus in the area to be exposed 110 Area 42 , print area 41 means the area that is required in the multi-material layer, and surplus area 42 means the area that is not required in the multi-material layer.

Further preferably, in order to save costs, in some embodiments of the present invention, the printing method further includes before performing step S2, according to the characteristic parameters of the multi-material layer, such as the size of the multi-material layer, the required printing paste The number of types of pastes and the size of the area to be printed by each printing paste, etc., to determine the size of the arrangement area of each paste on the exposure platform, the size of the arrangement area includes the size of the printing area and the size of the surplus area . Referring to FIG. 2a, according to the size of the printing area and the surplus area to be printed by one of the printing pastes shown in FIG. 4a, a rectangular area to be exposed 110 that can just meet the size of the printing paste is preset, so that Reduce waste as much as possible and further optimize cost control in the 3D printing process.

Preferably, using the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1a, step S3 may further include pressing the removal platform 12 on a surface of the exposure platform 11 (referring to FIG. 1a can be understood as the first surface 1101 of the exposure platform 11), And control the light source (exposure system 17 in this embodiment) to expose the printing paste in the surplus area 42 through the other surface of the exposure platform 11 (referring to FIG. 1a can be understood as the second surface 1102 of the exposure platform 11).

In such an embodiment, further, step S4 specifically includes moving the removal platform 12 so that the exposed surplus area is separated from the exposure platform 11 as the removal platform 12 moves. Since the removal platform 12 has been pressed on the exposure platform 11 before exposure, after exposure of the surplus area 42 on the exposure platform 11, the exposed part will directly adhere to the removal platform 12 (according to FIG. 1a The positional relationship shown will be attached to the removal platform 12 on the side with the cleaning device 121 ), and will be taken away from the exposure platform 11 as the removal platform 12 moves. At the same time, the cleaning device 121 can be used to assist in removing the exposed surplus area 42 on the removal platform 12 , so that it is separated from the removal platform 12 , so that the removal platform 12 can continue to print the next printing paste.

Similarly, if the printing system 10 shown in FIG. The other side (the second surface 1102 of the exposure platform 11 ) exposes the printing paste in the printing area 41 . In such an embodiment, step S4 further includes removing the printing platform 14, so that the exposed print area is separated from the exposure platform 11 as the printing platform 14 moves, and the exposure platform 11 thus continues to prepare the next printing paste material printing.

The printing task for the printing area 41 of a certain printing paste has been completed through the above-mentioned steps. After printing the printing area and the surplus area of the paste, and after the surplus area is printed on the removal platform, the printing area of the other printing paste is continued to be printed on the printing platform 14 with the printing area 41 adhered thereto. By analogy, the printing of all the printing pastes of the multi-material layer is completed, so that the printed multi-material layer has different materials at the same time. In this way, it can be realized that the exposed printing area of each printing paste is kept in different areas of the printing platform 14 , so that the exposed printing area corresponding to each printing paste forms the printed multi-material layer by splicing.

An example of a certain printing paste having a rectangular shape has been given above with reference to FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b. A printing example of a multi-material layer that can be split into a pie chart shape is given below according to FIG. 4c. According to FIG. 4 c , firstly, the first printing paste is arranged in the area to be exposed 110 on the release film 11 , including the surplus area 431 and the printing area 432 of this printing paste. In combination with the printing method described above, the excess area 431 is removed by removing the platform 12 and the printing area 432 to be exposed is left on the release film 11; after the area is exposed, the exposed printing area 432 is transferred by the printing platform 14; By analogy, the exposed printing areas 442 , 452 and 462 of the other three printing pastes are sequentially formed on the printing platform 14 , and finally a printed multi-material layer spliced with various materials is formed.

When the printing system 10 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a is used, the exposure platform 11 can be embodied as a release film 11 . In such an embodiment, the printing method further includes controlling the release film 11 to move in a single direction a or b, or in a bidirectional ab direction through an automatic film changing device, so as to continuously provide a surplus area available for exposure and/or during the printing process. or a release film in the printing area. Further preferably, it is also possible to clean, roll and/or replace the release film after performing steps S2 to S6 as shown in FIG. 3 for any printing paste.

It is understandable that for the existing technology of multi-material layer printing, it is often necessary to clean a large amount of surplus printing paste, which is costly and not environmentally friendly, and will generate a large amount of waste liquid and wastewater. After adopting the scheme of the present invention, when printing multi-material layers, first expose and solidify the unnecessary surplus area, cooperate with the removal platform in the printing system to remove the surplus area after exposure, because the printing paste in the surplus area has been exposed and cured , no need to produce a large amount of waste liquid and wastewater for cleaning, which greatly reduces the production cost. At the same time, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the reasonable area to be exposed can be predicted in advance on the exposure platform according to the size of the multi-material layer and the number of different printing pastes to be printed, so as to minimize the The area of the surplus area is further optimized to save costs.

An embodiment of the present invention also proposes a mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 as shown in FIG. 5 . According to FIG. 5 , the hybrid multi-material 3D printing system 50 may include an internal communication bus 51 , a processor (Processor) 52 , a read only memory (ROM) 53 , a random access memory (RAM) 54 , and a communication port 55 . When applied on a personal computer, the hybrid multi-material three-dimensional printing system 50 may also include a hard disk 56 .

The internal communication bus 51 can realize data communication between components of the hybrid multi-material 3D printing system 50 . The processor 52 can make a judgment and issue a prompt. In some embodiments, processor 52 may consist of one or more processors. The communication port 55 can realize data communication between the hybrid multi-material 3D printing system 50 and the outside. In some embodiments, the hybrid multi-material 3D printing system 50 can send and receive information and data from the network through the communication port 55 .

The mixed multi-material 3D printing system 50 may also include different forms of program storage units and data storage units, such as hard disk 56, read-only memory (ROM) 53 and random access memory (RAM) 54, capable of storing computer processing and/or communication Various data files used, and possibly program instructions executed by processor 52. The processor executes these instructions to implement the main parts of the method. The result processed by the processor is transmitted to the user equipment through the communication port, and displayed on the user interface.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention also proposes a computer-readable medium storing computer program codes, and the computer program codes implement the above-mentioned mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method when executed by a processor.

The basic concepts have been described above, and obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above disclosure of the invention is only an example, and does not constitute a limitation to the present application. Although not expressly stated here, various modifications, improvements and amendments to this application may be made by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements, and amendments are suggested in this application, so such modifications, improvements, and amendments still belong to the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

Meanwhile, the present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application. For example, "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and/or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that two or more references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment . In addition, certain features, structures or characteristics of one or more embodiments of the present application may be properly combined.

Some aspects of the present application may be entirely implemented by hardware, may be entirely implemented by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software. The above hardware or software may be referred to as "block", "module", "engine", "unit", "component" or "system". The processor can be one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DAPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors , a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a combination thereof. Additionally, aspects of the present application may be embodied as a computer product comprising computer readable program code on one or more computer readable media. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape...), optical disks (e.g., compact disk CD, digital versatile disk DVD...), smart cards, and flash memory devices ( For example, cards, sticks, key drives...).

A computer readable medium may contain a propagated data signal embodying a computer program code, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The propagated signal may take many forms, including electromagnetic, optical, etc., or a suitable combination. The computer readable medium can be any computer readable medium, other than computer readable storage medium, which can communicate, propagate or transfer the program for use by being connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus or device. Program code on a computer readable medium may be transmitted over any suitable medium, including radio, electrical cables, fiber optic cables, radio frequency signals, or the like, or combinations of any of the foregoing.

In the same way, it should be noted that in order to simplify the expression disclosed in the present application and help the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, in the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application, sometimes multiple features are combined into one embodiment, drawings or descriptions thereof. This method of disclosure does not, however, imply that the subject matter of the application requires more features than are recited in the claims. Indeed, embodiment features are less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of the embodiments use the modifiers "about", "approximately" or "substantially" in some examples. grooming. Unless otherwise stated, "about", "approximately" or "substantially" indicates that the stated figure allows for a variation of ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired characteristics of individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account the specified significant digits and adopt the general digit reservation method. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used in some embodiments of the present application to confirm the breadth of the scope are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such numerical values are set as precisely as practicable.

Although the present application has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and can also be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. Various equivalent changes or substitutions, therefore, as long as the changes and modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments are within the spirit of the present application, they will all fall within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims (22)

1. A mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method, suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model, the three-dimensional printing model includes at least one multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is printed by at least two printing pastes, its characteristics It consists of the following steps: Step S1: determining the printing area of each printing paste in the multi-material layer to be printed and the surplus area outside the printing area; Step S2: arranging a printing paste on the exposure platform; Step S3: exposing the surplus area of the printing paste on the exposure platform; Step S4: removing the exposed surplus area and leaving a print area to be exposed on the exposure platform; Step S5: exposing the printing area on the exposure platform; and Step S6: transferring the exposed printing area; Wherein, the steps S2-S6 are performed for each printing paste, so that the exposed printing area corresponding to each printing paste forms a printed multi-material layer through splicing. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the printing area and the surplus area of each slurry according to the characteristic parameters of the multi-material layer before performing the step S2 the size of. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step S3 comprises pressing the removal platform on one surface of the exposure platform, and controlling the light source to pass through the other surface of the exposure platform to the The print paste in the surplus area is exposed. 4 . The method according to claim 3 , wherein the step S4 comprises removing the removal platform, so that the exposed surplus area is separated from the exposure platform along with the removal platform. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step S4 further comprises detaching the exposed surplus area from the removal platform. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step S5 comprises pressing a printing platform on one surface of the exposure platform, and controlling the light source to pass through the other surface of the exposure platform to the printing surface. The print paste in the area is exposed. 7 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein the step S6 further comprises transferring the printing platform, so that the exposed printing area is separated from the exposure platform along with the printing platform. 8 . 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising retaining the exposed print area of each print paste in a different area of the print platform such that the corresponding exposed print area of each print paste The printed multi-material layers are formed by splicing. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the exposure platform comprises a release film. 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising controlling the one-way or two-way scrolling of the release film, thereby continuously providing area of clean release film. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising cleaning, rolling and/or replacing the release film after performing the steps S2-S6 for any printing paste. 12. A mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing system, suitable for printing a three-dimensional printing model, the three-dimensional printing model includes at least one multi-material layer, and the multi-material layer is printed from at least two printing pastes, its characteristics In that, the system includes: an exposure platform having opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface being adapted to carry printing paste to be exposed; a printing paste supply mechanism arranged on one side of the exposure platform to arrange printing paste on the exposure platform; an exposure system, arranged opposite to the second surface of the exposure platform, the exposure system is used to selectively expose the printing area of the printing paste and the surplus area outside the printing area; a removal platform, arranged near the exposure platform; a removal platform drive mechanism connected to the removal platform, the removal platform movement mechanism is suitable for driving the removal platform to a first position pressing on the first surface and a second position away from the exposure platform to remove the exposed surplus area; a printing platform arranged near the exposure platform; a printing platform movement mechanism, connected to the printing platform, and the printing platform movement mechanism is suitable for driving the printing platform to move between a third position pressing the first surface and a fourth position away from the exposure platform, so as to transferring the exposed print area; The upper computer is electrically connected to the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing paste supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism and the printing platform movement mechanism, and the upper computer is configured as: determining said print area and a surplus area outside said print area for each print paste in a multi-material layer to be printed; controlling the operation of the exposure platform, the exposure system, the printing paste supply mechanism, the removal platform driving mechanism and the printing platform movement mechanism, so as to sequentially obtain each printing paste on the printing platform of the exposed print area. 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the host computer is further configured to perform the following operations cyclically to sequentially obtain the exposed printing area of each printing paste on the printing platform: controlling the printing paste supply mechanism to arrange a printing paste on the exposure platform; controlling the removal platform drive mechanism to move the removal platform to the first position; controlling the exposure system to expose a surplus area of the printing paste, the exposed surplus area adhered to the removal platform; controlling the removal platform drive mechanism to move the removal platform to the second position to remove the exposed surplus area; controlling the printing platform driving mechanism to move the printing platform to the third position; controlling the exposure system to expose the remaining print area on the exposure platform, the exposed print area adhered to the print platform; and controlling the printing platform driving mechanism to move the printing platform to the fourth position; Wherein, the exposed printing areas corresponding to each printing paste are spliced on the printing platform to form a printed multi-material layer. 14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a cleaning device is attached to the removal platform, and the cleaning device is suitable for removing the exposure platform after the removal platform is separated from the exposure platform. Remove the exposed surplus area on the platform. 15. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the exposure platform comprises a release film. 16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a light-transmitting stopper, the stopper is located below the exposure platform, and the stopper is adapted to be placed on the removal platform The exposure platform is supported when the pressing is at the first position or the printing platform is pressing at the third position. 17. The system according to claim 15, further comprising an automatic film changing device, the release film is located in the automatic film changing device, and the automatic film changing device comprises at least two relative reels The roller is adapted to drive the release film to move in one direction and/or two directions, so as to continuously provide a clean release film that can be used to expose the surplus area and/or the printing area during the printing process. 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the reel is adapted to drive the release film to move in both directions, and the automatic film changer also includes a release film cleaning brush, and the release film The cleaning brush is used for cleaning the surface of the release film so that the same section of the release film is suitable for repeated use after cleaning. 19. The system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the printing paste supply mechanism comprises a plurality of sets of slurry input tubes, each set of slurry input tubes comprises a plurality of slurry input tubes, and each set of slurry input tubes The multiple slurry input tubes in the material input tube are correspondingly loaded with the same printing slurry. 20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the printing paste supply mechanism further comprises a laying scraper adapted to move horizontally and/or vertically. 21. A mixed multi-material three-dimensional printing method system, comprising: a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor; and a processor for executing the instructions to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-11. 22. A computer-readable medium storing computer program code, the computer program code implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-11 when executed by a processor.

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