A multi-mode printing device and method

Abstract

The multi-mode printing device of the present application comprises a microfluidic device and a printing nozzle, and the present application also provides a multi-mode printing method using the above multi-mode printing device. In operation, the microfluidic device can be installed on a printing platform, the printing platform can drive the microfluidic device and the printing nozzle to move, printing materials are added into a printing cylinder, the printing materials are extruded by a printing needle, enter a material channel, enter a converging channel, and are extruded by a printing channel together with the printing materials from other material channels to complete printing. It is emphasized that by changing the type of printing materials in the printing cylinder, adjusting the flow and speed of the printing nozzle, and changing the relative position of the printing needle and the installation channel, the printing mode can be changed and the printing flexibility can be improved. The multi-mode printing device of the present application has simple structure and convenient operation, and improves the flexible adaptability of 3D printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a multi-mode printing apparatus and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, it has been applied to aerospace, biomedicine, and other fields, showing broad application prospects. Printing single materials can no longer meet the growing needs. Printing different materials in a single operation—such as materials with different functions, colors, hardness, and viscosity—greatly expands the applications of 3D printing. Printing multiple materials at once significantly reduces printing time and improves efficiency. The integrated molding of complex materials with different functions also holds great promise for 4D printing research.

[0003] Most existing extrusion-based multi-material printers currently use multiple printheads for printing. Switching between multiple printheads greatly reduces printing efficiency. Some printers use a rotary method to switch between different printheads, which improves printing efficiency to some extent, but switching between multiple printheads still requires a large area and is difficult to program.

[0004] Devices that use a single nozzle to print multiple materials through multiple channels can only print one or two modes. Furthermore, such nozzles are complex in design, significantly increase manufacturing costs, and are difficult to assemble. They can also only print a few materials with similar compositions at the same time.

[0005] Currently, most printing of concentric, coaxial, or eccentric structures utilizes specialized coaxial printheads. These printheads have a rigid structure, are difficult to manufacture, and are highly specialized, only suitable for one printing mode.

[0006] How to change the current situation where most switchable printing devices are large in size and have complex structures and operations has become an urgent problem for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-mode printing device and method to solve the problems existing in the prior art, simplify the structure of switchable mode printing equipment, and reduce the difficulty of multi-mode printing.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a multi-mode printing apparatus, comprising:

[0009] A microfluidic device is provided, which can be connected to a printing platform; the microfluidic device is provided with a printing channel and at least two input channels, the input channels and the printing channel are at an angle, the input channels include a mounting channel and a material channel, one end of the material channel is connected to the mounting channel, the other end of the material channel is connected to the printing channel, all the material channels are interconnected at the ends connected to the printing channel to form a converging channel, and the converging channel is connected to the printing channel;

[0010] A print head, each print head corresponding to one of the input channels; the print head includes a print cylinder and a print needle, the print cylinder can contain printing material, the print needle is connected to the print cylinder, the printing material in the print cylinder can be extruded through the print needle, the print needle is slidably disposed in the mounting channel, and the end of the print needle away from the print cylinder can extend into the material channel and the converging channel.

[0011] Preferably, the printing needle is clearance-fitted with the mounting channel.

[0012] Preferably, a sealing layer is provided between the printing needle and the mounting channel, and the sealing layer is made of lubricating oil.

[0013] Preferably, the diameter of the material channel is larger than the diameter of the installation channel.

[0014] Preferably, the included angle between each input channel and the printing channel is equal.

[0015] Preferably, when there are two input channels, the input channels and the printing channel form a Y-shaped structure.

[0016] Preferably, the printing channel has an inverted frustum structure, and the larger diameter end of the printing channel is connected to the converging channel.

[0017] The present invention also provides a multi-mode printing method, which utilizes the above-mentioned multi-mode printing device, connects the microfluidic device to the printing platform, adds printing material into the printing cylinder, and the printing platform drives the microfluidic device and the printing nozzle to move. The printing material is extruded from the printing needle and printed through the printing channel.

[0018] The printing mode can be changed by altering one or more of the following factors:

[0019] The type of printing material in the printing cylinder, the flow rate of the printing nozzle, the flow velocity of the printing nozzle, and the relative position of the printing needle to the mounting channel.

[0020] Preferably, when there are two printheads, the printing materials in the two print cylinders are different, and the two printheads alternately extrude the printing materials to achieve an alternating printing mode of different materials.

[0021] Preferably, when there are two printheads, the printing materials in the two print cylinders are different, so that one of the print needles slides along the material channel and extends into the converging channel, and the two printheads simultaneously extrude the printing material to achieve a mixed printing mode of different materials.

[0022] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0023] The multi-mode printing apparatus of the present invention includes a microfluidic device and a print head. The present invention also provides a multi-mode printing method. Utilizing the aforementioned multi-mode printing apparatus, during operation, the microfluidic device can be mounted on a printing platform. The printing platform can drive the movement of the microfluidic device and the print head, adding printing material into the printing cylinder. The printing material is extruded from the print head, enters the converging channel through the material channel, and is simultaneously extruded from the printing channel along with printing material entering through other material channels, completing the printing process. It is important to emphasize that by changing the type of printing material in the printing cylinder, combined with adjustments to the flow rate and velocity of the print head, and changes in the relative position of the print head and the mounting channel, variations in printing modes can be achieved, improving printing flexibility. The multi-mode printing device of the present invention has at least two input channels, each corresponding to a printing nozzle. Each input channel is connected to a printing channel, and the printing needle is slidably disposed within the mounting channel. Therefore, the printing material, the flow rate and volume of the printing nozzle, and the relative position of the printing needle and the mounting channel are all variable factors. By changing one or more of these variable factors, the printing mode of the printing device can be changed, realizing multi-mode printing. The multi-mode printing device of the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and improves the flexibility and adaptability of 3D printing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-mode printing device of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the multi-mode printing device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic device in the multi-mode printing apparatus of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a microfluidic device in other embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a first embodiment of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a second embodiment of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the printing filament in Embodiment 2 of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of Embodiment 3 of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle section structure;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-section of the printing filament in Embodiment 3 of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-section of the printing filament in Embodiment 3 of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of Embodiment 4 of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of Embodiment 5 of the multi-mode printing method of the present invention.

[0038] Among them, 1 is a microfluidic device, 2 is a print head, 3 is a print channel, 4 is an input channel, 5 is a mounting channel, 6 is a material channel, 7 is a converging channel, 8 is a print cylinder, and 9 is a print needle. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-mode printing device and method to solve the problems existing in the prior art, simplify the structure of switchable mode printing equipment, and reduce the difficulty of multi-mode printing.

[0041] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] This invention provides a multi-mode printing device, including a microfluidic device 1 and a print head 2. The microfluidic device 1 can be connected to a printing platform. The microfluidic device 1 is provided with a printing channel 3 and at least two input channels 4. The input channels 4 and the printing channel 3 are at an angle. The input channels 4 include a mounting channel 5 and a material channel 6. One end of the material channel 6 is connected to the mounting channel 5, and the other end of the material channel 6 is connected to the printing channel 3. All the material channels 6 are interconnected at the ends connected to the printing channel 3 to form a converging channel 7, which is connected to the printing channel 3. The print head 2 corresponds one-to-one with the input channels 4. The print head 2 includes a printing cylinder 8 and a printing needle 9. The printing cylinder 8 can contain printing material. The printing needle 9 is connected to the printing cylinder 8, and the printing material in the printing cylinder 8 can be extruded through the printing needle 9. The printing needle 9 is slidably disposed in the mounting channel 5, and the end of the printing needle 9 away from the printing cylinder 8 can extend into the material channel 6 and the converging channel 7.

[0043] In the multi-mode printing device of the present invention, during operation, the microfluidic device 1 can be mounted on the printing platform. The printing platform can drive the microfluidic device 1 and the print head 2 to move, adding printing material into the printing cylinder 8. The printing material is extruded by the print needle 9, enters the converging channel 7 through the material channel 6, and is simultaneously extruded from the printing channel 3 along with other printing materials entering through the material channel 6, completing the printing process. It should be emphasized that by changing the type of printing material in the printing cylinder 8, combined with adjusting the flow rate and velocity of the print head 2, and changing the relative position of the print needle 9 and the mounting channel 5, the printing mode can be changed, improving printing flexibility. The multi-mode printing device of the present invention has at least two input channels 4, each corresponding to a printing nozzle 2. Each input channel 4 is connected to a printing channel 3, and the printing needle 9 is slidably disposed within the mounting channel 5. Therefore, the printing material, the flow rate and volume of the printing nozzle 2, and the relative position of the printing needle 9 and the mounting channel 5 are all variable factors. By changing one or more of these variable factors, the printing mode of the printing device can be changed, achieving multi-mode printing. The multi-mode printing device of the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and improves the flexibility and adaptability of 3D printing. It should also be explained here that the printing platform is mostly a three-axis platform or a multi-axis motion platform, which can drive the printing nozzle 2 to move and complete the printing work. Since the printing platform is a common means for those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here. In this specific embodiment, the printing cylinder 8 is a pneumatically driven dispensing syringe. Pneumatic drive ensures the smooth extrusion of printing material. In practical applications, other driving methods can also be used. In addition, the printing needle 9 is a tubular structure that can communicate with the printing cylinder 8, with an outlet at the end, through which printing material can be extruded.

[0044] The printing needle 9 is fitted with the mounting channel 5 with a clearance to ensure that the printing needle 9 can slide back and forth along the mounting channel 5, while reducing the gap between the printing needle 9 and the mounting channel 5 to prevent leakage of printing material.

[0045] In this specific embodiment, a sealing layer is provided between the printing needle 9 and the mounting channel 5. The sealing layer is made of lubricating oil. By using lubricating oil as a sealing layer, the reliability of the reciprocating motion of the printing needle 9 is further improved while avoiding leakage of printing material.

[0046] Specifically, the diameter of the material channel 6 is larger than that of the installation channel 5 to ensure the smooth extrusion of printing material and avoid discontinuous printing. In addition, the converging channel 7, which is formed by the interconnection of multiple material channels 6, allows the printing needle 9 to easily enter the converging channel 7, thereby changing the printing mode and realizing multi-mode printing.

[0047] More specifically, the angle between each input channel 4 and the printing channel 3 is equal, which facilitates the sliding operation of the printing needle 9 and reduces the difficulty of controlling the device.

[0048] In this specific embodiment, when there are two input channels 4, the input channels 4 and the printing channel 3 form a Y-shaped structure, which improves the structural symmetry of the microfluidic device 1 and reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the microfluidic device 1. It should be noted that the microfluidic device 1 can be manufactured by 3D printing. In addition, the dimensions of both the printing channel 3 and the input channel 4 can be set to the micrometer level to achieve the printing of micrometer-level filaments. In practical applications, the specifications of the microfluidic device 1 can also be adjusted according to specific working conditions.

[0049] Furthermore, printing channel 3 has an inverted frustum structure, see details. Figure 4 The larger diameter end of the printing channel 3 is connected to the converging channel 7. The printing channel 3, with its inverted frustum-shaped structure, helps improve printing accuracy. In practical applications, the microfluidic device 1 can be configured as a split structure, with the upper part containing the input channel 4 and the lower part containing the printing channel 3. The upper and lower parts are detachably connected, allowing for easy replacement of the lower part with different specifications and shapes according to printing needs, thus improving the flexibility and adaptability of the device.

[0050] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a multi-mode printing method, which utilizes the above-mentioned multi-mode printing device to connect the microfluidic device 1 to the printing platform, add printing material into the printing cylinder 8, and drive the microfluidic device 1 and the printing nozzle 2 to move. The printing material is extruded from the printing needle 9 and printed through the printing channel 3.

[0051] The printing mode can be changed by altering one or more of the following factors:

[0052] The type of printing material in the printing cylinder 8, the flow rate of the printing nozzle 2, the flow rate of the printing nozzle 2, and the relative position of the printing needle 9 and the mounting channel 5.

[0053] The multi-mode printing method of the present invention can change the printing mode and improve printing flexibility by changing the type of printing material in the printing cylinder 8, combined with the adjustment of the flow rate and velocity of the printing nozzle 2, and the change of the relative position of the printing needle 9 and the mounting channel 5.

[0054] The multi-mode printing method of the present invention will be further explained and illustrated below through specific embodiments.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] Taking two printheads 2 as an example, please refer to... Figure 5Both the left and right printing nozzles 9 are located at the top of the converging channel 7. When the left printing nozzle 2 extrudes material, the right printing nozzle 2 does not extrude material. That is, the left and right printing nozzles 2 do not extrude material at the same time, so as to print two different materials alternately.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] Again, taking two printheads 2 as an example, see details. Figure 6 Both the left and right printing nozzles 9 are located above the converging channel 7. When the left printing nozzle 2 extrudes material, the right printing nozzle 2 extrudes material simultaneously. Based on the laminar flow characteristics of the liquid, a cylindrical filament containing both materials can be printed. By controlling the flow rate and velocity of the left and right printing nozzles 2, the ratio of the two materials can be controlled. For details on the cross-sections of cylindrical filaments with different ratios, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 .

[0059] Example 3

[0060] Please refer to Figure 8 Taking two printheads 2 as an example, the left printhead 9 slides along the mounting channel 5 and extends into the converging channel 7, see details. Figure 9 The right printing needle 9 is located at the top of the converging channel 7. When the left printing nozzle 2 extrudes material, the right printing nozzle 2 also extrudes material simultaneously. The material extruded by the left printing needle 9 is wrapped by the material extruded by the right printing needle 9, printing a cylindrical filament containing two different materials, with the two materials coaxial. The inner core is the material extruded by the left printing needle 9, and the outer layer is the material extruded by the right printing needle 9. The specific position of the inner layer material can be adjusted by moving the left printing needle 9 to the center of the converging channel 7. Fine-tuning at this point will print a concentric structure when the needle is at the very center of the converging channel 7. When it is slightly closer to the wall of the converging channel 7, an eccentric structure will be printed. The specific cross-sectional structure of the printed cylindrical filament is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, this method can be widely used in the printing of conductive filaments and sensor filaments. By controlling the flow rate and velocity of the left and right printing nozzles 2, the volume ratio of the two materials can be controlled, i.e., the specific size of the inner layer material. The specific cross-sectional structure of the cylindrical filament printed by changing the volume ratio is shown below. Figure 11 As shown.

[0061] Example 4

[0062] Similar to Example 3, please refer to Figure 12This embodiment can print a coaxial cylindrical filament composed of two different materials. The right printing needle 9 slides and moves to the converging channel 7, while the left printing needle 9 is located above the converging channel 7. Simultaneously, the left printing nozzle 2 extrudes material, and the right printing nozzle 2 extrudes material at the same time, printing a coaxial cylindrical filament containing both materials. The inner layer is the material extruded by the right printing nozzle 2, and the outer layer is the material extruded by the left printing nozzle 2. For controlling the specific position and size of the inner layer material, please refer to Embodiment 3. Furthermore, when the inner layer material is a soluble material, hollow tubes and eccentric hollow tubes can be printed, reducing the printing cost of the pneumatic robot.

[0063] Example 5

[0064] Similar to Examples 3 and 4, this example can simultaneously print a cylindrical filament with droplet inclusions formed by mixing two different materials. The right printing needle 9 slides along the mounting channel 5 and extends to the converging channel 7. The left printing needle 9 is located at the upper part of the converging channel 7. The left and right printing nozzles 2 contain two immiscible materials. The right printing nozzle 2 contains a low-viscosity liquid, while the left printing nozzle 2 contains a solidifiable high-viscosity material. While the left and right printing nozzles 2 extrude their materials, the right printing nozzle 2 also extrudes its material. By adjusting the flow rates of both, a cylindrical filament with droplet inclusions can be printed. See details... Figure 13 By controlling the flow rate ratio between the inner and outer layers, the size of droplet inclusions can be controlled. This printing method can be applied to locally alter the properties of materials in 4D printing.

[0065] The multi-mode printing device of the present invention has two or more input channels 4 in the microfluidic device 1, and the printing needle 9 is movably connected to the microfluidic device 1, so as to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the printing needle 9 so that it extends into the material channel 6 or the converging channel 7. Combined with the control of the flow rate and flow rate of different printing nozzles 2, multi-mode printing is realized, which greatly improves the flexibility and adaptability of the device.

[0066] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A multi-mode printing device, characterized in that, include: A microfluidic device is provided, which can be connected to a printing platform; the microfluidic device is provided with a printing channel and at least two input channels, the input channels and the printing channel are at an angle, the input channels include a mounting channel and a material channel, one end of the material channel is connected to the mounting channel, the other end of the material channel is connected to the printing channel, all the material channels are interconnected at the ends connected to the printing channel to form a converging channel, and the converging channel is connected to the printing channel; A print head, each print head corresponding to one of the input channels; the print head includes a print cylinder and a print needle, the print cylinder can hold printing material, the print needle is connected to the print cylinder, the printing material in the print cylinder can be extruded through the print needle, the print needle is slidably disposed in the mounting channel, and the end of the print needle away from the print cylinder can extend into the material channel and the converging channel; The printing needle is fitted with the mounting channel with a clearance. A sealing layer made of lubricating oil is provided between the printing needle and the mounting channel.

2. The multi-mode printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the material channel is larger than the diameter of the installation channel.

3. The multi-mode printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between each input channel and the printing channel is equal.

4. The multi-mode printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: When there are two input channels, the input channels and the printing channel form a Y-shaped structure.

5. The multi-mode printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The printing channel has an inverted frustum structure, and the larger diameter end of the printing channel is connected to the converging channel.

6. A multi-mode printing method, utilizing the multi-mode printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The microfluidic device is connected to the printing platform, printing material is added into the printing cylinder, the printing platform drives the microfluidic device and the printing nozzle to move, and the printing material is extruded from the printing needle and printed through the printing channel. The printing mode can be changed by altering one or more of the following factors: The type of printing material in the printing cylinder, the flow rate of the printing nozzle, the flow velocity of the printing nozzle, and the relative position of the printing needle to the mounting channel.

7. The multi-mode printing method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When there are two printheads, the printing materials in the two print cylinders are different, and the two printheads alternately extrude the printing materials to achieve an alternating printing mode of different materials.

8. The multi-mode printing method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When there are two printheads, the printing materials in the two print cylinders are different, causing one of the print needles to slide along the material channel and extend into the converging channel, and the two printheads simultaneously extrude the printing material, thus realizing a mixed printing mode of different materials.

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