A continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing device and method, which addresses the problems of gradient continuity, printing efficiency, and complexity in existing extrusion-based 3D printing. Specifically, the system includes: an additive manufacturing platform, a continuously adjustable flow control integration module, a digital material supply module, and a centralized control module. The method primarily relies on the continuously adjustable flow control integration module to enable multiple splitting and integration of two or more component materials, achieving gradient material output. Furthermore, by dynamically adjusting the delivery speed of different component materials, the gradient distribution of the material within a single extrusion channel can be adjusted in real time. Secondly, by combining the selection and assembly of different gradient flow channel modules, the programmatic adjustment of the material gradient continuity characteristics can be achieved. This invention has advantages such as wide applicability, simple device, and easy operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a high-efficiency 3D printing apparatus and method for continuously adjustable gradient materials. Background Technology

[0002] Functionally graded materials (FJTs) achieve optimized internal stress distribution and meet the performance requirements of different components by creating a continuous gradient of microscopic elements (such as material composition and microstructure) in specific directions. They show great promise for engineering applications in aerospace, biomedicine, flexible electronics, electromagnetics, optics, and nuclear engineering. However, traditional fabrication methods, including chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, plasma spraying, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, powder metallurgy, centrifugal forming, slip casting, chemical vapor infiltration, and electrolytic deposition, can only produce relatively simple FJTs and parts, and cannot achieve integrated manufacturing of complex three-dimensional structures.

[0003] In recent years, 3D printing technology has provided a new technical solution for the manufacture of functionally graded materials and structures. For example, technologies such as directional energy deposition, laser cladding, and polymer jetting all have problems such as expensive equipment, limited materials, and complicated processes. Extrusion-based 3D printing usually achieves the printing of quasi-continuous graded materials through two material supply systems and an active mixing device, but it faces huge challenges in terms of material gradient continuity, printing efficiency, and complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems of material gradient continuity, printing efficiency, and complexity in existing extrusion-based 3D printing, this invention provides a high-efficiency 3D printing device for gradient materials with adjustable continuity, and further, a high-efficiency 3D printing method for gradient materials with adjustable continuity.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing device, comprising:

[0007] The additive manufacturing molding platform is designed directly below the continuously adjustable fluid control integrated module. It can move at a constant speed in any direction in the XY two-dimensional plane and move up and down in the vertical Z-axis direction. The continuously adjustable fluid is extruded from the continuously adjustable fluid control integrated module and deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform to realize the three-dimensional molding of gradient material structure entities.

[0008] The continuous adjustable flow control integrated module adjusts the continuity of the material gradient within the extrusion channel by assembling different types of gradient flow channel modules. It is located directly above the additive manufacturing platform, and its material inlet is connected to the digital material supply module via a delivery hose, thereby enabling the supply of printing material.

[0009] The digital material supply module is mainly used to achieve variable or uniform speed supply of various component materials. It is connected to the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module through the delivery hose to deliver the component materials to the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module. The adjustable variables include the real-time delivery speed, extrusion amount and delivery time of the component materials.

[0010] The centralized control module, which is the control module of the entire 3D printing device, is directly connected to the additive manufacturing molding platform, the continuous adjustable flow control integration module, and the digital material supply module. It is mainly used to control the workflow and related process parameters of each module, so as to realize the orderly operation of the 3D printing system on demand.

[0011] Furthermore, the additive manufacturing platform includes:

[0012] The additive manufacturing molding platform software system is used to control the workflow and movement speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform hardware device in three-dimensional space.

[0013] The hardware device of the additive manufacturing molding platform, which moves in the XY plane and the Z-axis direction, is the physical basis for realizing continuous adjustable gradient material additive manufacturing three-dimensional molding.

[0014] Furthermore, the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module includes:

[0015] The intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system can select and assemble different types of gradient flow channel modules and integrated printheads online as needed during the printing process, realizing the continuous real-time adjustment of gradient material during printing.

[0016] The material inlet, which is connected to the delivery hose, can transport the component materials of the digital material supply module to the corresponding material inlet to realize the supply of component materials;

[0017] The gradient flow channel module is the core component of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module and even the entire 3D printing device. By assembling and splicing different types of gradient flow channel modules, different component materials flow through different branch flow channels and are then recombined, thereby achieving continuous adjustable material gradient.

[0018] The module rotation device causes the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module to rotate clockwise 0-90° and counterclockwise 0-90° as needed during the printing process, thereby achieving precise distribution of gradient material in the XY plane;

[0019] An integrated printhead is connected to a gradient flow channel module, which integrates the gradient material of the gradient flow channel module and extrudes it from the integrated printhead.

[0020] An in-situ UV curing system is integrated and fixed on an integrated printhead to cure the photosensitive resin matrix material extruded from the integrated printhead, maintaining the continuity of the gradient material.

[0021] The material inlets are adjusted according to the types of component materials, and include two or more material inlets;

[0022] The gradient flow channel module can be designed as needed, and can be divided into two-to-three gradient flow channel modules, three-to-four gradient flow channel modules, four-to-five gradient flow channel modules, five-to-six gradient flow channel modules, and so on. It can also be designed as a two-to-six gradient flow channel module, a three-to-nine gradient flow channel module, a four-to-ten gradient flow channel module, and so on.

[0023] The rotating speed of the module is 0.1-2 rpm, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0024] The integrated printhead is divided into two-in-one integrated printhead, three-in-one integrated printhead, four-in-one integrated printhead, five-in-one integrated printhead, and so on, and its number is closely related to the number of outlets of the gradient flow channel module connected above.

[0025] Furthermore, the digital material supply module includes:

[0026] Digital supply system for component A materials, digital supply system for component B materials, etc.;

[0027] The digital material supply system is equivalent to the types of component materials in the gradient material, and the number of component materials corresponds to the number of digital material supply systems in the digital material supply module.

[0028] Furthermore, the digital supply system for component A and the digital supply system for component B also include:

[0029] The delivery hose is used to connect the material inlet of the digital material supply module and the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module to realize the delivery of component materials without hindering the rotational movement of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module.

[0030] Material cylinder, which is used to hold different component materials, in preparation for material supply and printing;

[0031] The variable speed conveying pump is used to convey the component materials in the material cylinder at a certain speed, either uniformly or at a variable speed, through the conveying hose to the material inlet of the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module, so as to realize the on-demand supply of component materials;

[0032] The supply system support is used to secure other hardware within the digital material supply module, maintaining structural stability.

[0033] Furthermore, the centralized control module includes:

[0034] The additive manufacturing module controls the workflow and movement speed of the additive manufacturing platform, enabling the layer-by-layer accumulation and molding of adjustable continuous gradient materials.

[0035] An integrated fluid control rotation module, based on the predefined distribution of gradient materials within the constructed 3D model, drives the rotation of the continuously adjustable fluid control module in real time during the construction of the printed body, thereby achieving precise distribution of gradient materials;

[0036] The material supply module is used to control the conveying speed and conveying time of each component material in the digital material supply module.

[0037] Additionally, a method for efficient 3D printing of continuously tunable gradient materials includes:

[0038] S101, Material Preparation

[0039] Component A: Soft material precursor: 20-55 vol% bisphenol A type epoxy resin, 20-40 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 16-23 vol% 3-ethyl-3-oxabutane methanol, 20-40 vol% epoxy-modified nitrile rubber, 0.5-5 vol% 369 free radical photoinitiator, and 0.5-5 vol% diphenyl-(4-phenylthio)phenylsulfonium hexachlorophosphate;

[0040] Component B rigid material precursor

[0041] Matrix materials 95-100 vol%: bisphenol A type epoxy acrylate 20-55 vol%, polyurethane acrylate 20-40 vol%, 1,6-2 diol diacrylate 18-25 vol%, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide 1-5 vol%;

[0042] Filler 0-5 vol%: any one of nano alumina, nano zirconium oxide, nano silicon nitride, and nano yttrium oxide;

[0043] Mix the soft material precursor (component A) and the hard material precursor (component B) in a specific ratio until homogeneous and set aside.

[0044] S102, additive manufacturing of continuously tunable gradient materials, specifically including:

[0045] Step 1: Construction and decomposition of the 3D model. Define the material gradient distribution, continuity, and structural geometric parameters according to functional requirements. Then, discretize the 3D model and decompose it into the hardware selection and process parameters of the 3D printing system.

[0046] Step 2 involves programming the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system. Based on the geometric information and the distribution and continuity information of gradient materials obtained from the decomposition in Step 1, the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform in three-dimensional space, the layer thickness shifted down the Z-axis, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system in the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module for real-time replacement and assembly of gradient flow channel modules and integrated printing nozzles, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the module rotation device, and the material conveying speed in the variable speed conveying pump in the digital material supply module.

[0047] The additive manufacturing platform hardware moves at a speed of 2.5 mm / s to 30 mm / s in the XY plane.

[0048] In the additive manufacturing molding platform, the z-axis shifts down by one layer thickness during the printing process, which is 0.02-1mm.

[0049] The conveying speed of each component material in the variable speed conveying pump is 0 ml / min-65 ml / min;

[0050] Step 3: Load the soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B into the digital supply system for component A and the digital supply system for component B, respectively.

[0051] Step 4 involves additive manufacturing of continuously adjustable gradient materials. Based on the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system obtained in Step 2, this includes the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing platform in three-dimensional space, the thickness of the Z-axis downward movement, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system in the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module for real-time replacement of the gradient flow channel module and integrated printing nozzle, the rotation direction and speed of the module rotating device, and the material delivery speed in the variable speed delivery pump in the digital material supply module. The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are delivered to the material inlet through the delivery hose at a fixed time and speed via the variable speed delivery pump. After gradient diversion and integration by the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module, the fluid containing different material gradient continuity is deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing platform and initially cured in situ by the in-situ ultraviolet curing system to fix the material gradient continuity characteristics.

[0052] S103, Post-processing step: Place the formed gradient material 3D printed sample in a UV curing machine for 2-15 hours at a power of 300-2000W.

[0053] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0054] Firstly, we develop a continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing system and method that can realize the gradient distribution of materials in a single printing pass. It can not only realize the gradient distribution of two materials, but also realize the gradient distribution of three or more materials through slight structural adjustments and optimizations.

[0055] Secondly, the 3D printing system and method proposed in this invention can achieve controllable material gradient distribution by dynamically adjusting the conveying speed of different component materials during the printing process. If the conveying speed of the component materials is variable, the material gradient along the printing direction changes continuously.

[0056] Thirdly, the 3D printing system and method proposed in this invention can adjust the continuity of material gradient by selecting different gradient flow channel modules. For example, compared with a single two-to-three gradient flow channel module and a single two-to-nine gradient flow channel module, the two-to-nine gradient flow channel module can achieve a material gradient distribution with relatively good continuity.

[0057] Fourthly, the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module unique in the 3D printing system proposed in this invention can programmatically adjust the continuity of gradient material within a single extrusion channel by assembling different gradient channel module types. For example, compared to a single two-to-nine gradient channel module, two component materials flow through two-to-three, three-to-four... eight-to-nine gradient channel modules to assemble a continuous adjustable flow control integrated module. After multiple diversions and integrations, a more gentle and continuous material gradient distribution can be achieved.

[0058] Fifthly, the 3D printing system and method proposed in this invention have a wide range of material adaptability, simple device, and easy operation. They are not only applicable to photosensitive resin materials, but also to gradient distribution of materials such as hydrogels and polymers. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system configuration of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a two-dimensional schematic diagram of the three-connected four-gradient flow channel module of the high-efficiency 3D printing device and method for continuously adjustable gradient materials of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a two-dimensional schematic diagram of the five-connection six-gradient flow channel module described in the efficient 3D printing device and method for continuously adjustable gradient materials of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 4This is a two-dimensional schematic diagram of the integrated printing nozzle module described in the present invention, which is a high-efficiency 3D printing device and method for continuously adjustable gradient materials.

[0064] Figure 5 The present invention relates to a continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing device and method, which achieves material gradient distribution by changing the transport speed of two component materials.

[0065] Figure 6 The present invention relates to a continuous adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing device and method, which describes the material gradient continuity characteristics obtained by the two-to-three gradient flow channel module and the two-to-three+three-to-four+four-to-five+five-to-six gradient flow channel module.

[0066] Figure 7 The present invention relates to a continuous adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing device and method, which describes the material gradient continuity characteristics obtained by the two-to-six gradient flow channel module and the two-to-three + three-to-four + four-to-five + five-to-six gradient flow channel module.

[0067] The reference numerals in the figure are:

[0068] Additive manufacturing molding platform 1. Continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2. Digital material supply module 3. Centralized control module 4;

[0069] Intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21, material inlet 22, gradient flow channel module 23, module rotation device 24, integrated printing nozzle 25, in-situ ultraviolet curing system 26;

[0070] Digital supply system for component A materials 31, digital supply system for component B materials 32; delivery hose 311, material cylinder 312, variable speed delivery pump 313, supply system support 314.

[0071] Specific Implementation Cases

[0072] 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.

[0073] This invention solves the technical problems of material gradient continuity, printing efficiency, and complexity in existing extrusion 3D printing technologies. For details of the technical solution, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 As shown, a high-efficiency 3D printing device for continuously adjustable gradient materials includes:

[0074] The additive manufacturing molding platform 1 is designed directly below the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2. It can move at a constant speed in any direction in the XY two-dimensional plane and move up and down in the vertical Z-axis direction. It extrudes continuously adjustable fluid from the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2 and deposits it layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 to realize the three-dimensional molding of gradient material structure entities.

[0075] The continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2, by assembling different types of gradient flow channel modules 23, realizes the adjustment of the material gradient continuity in the extrusion channel. It is located directly above the additive manufacturing molding platform 1. Its material inlet 22 is connected to the digital material supply module 3 via the delivery hose 311, thereby realizing the supply of printing material.

[0076] The digital material supply module 3 is mainly used to realize the variable speed or uniform speed supply of each component material. It is connected to the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2 through the delivery hose 311 to deliver the component material to the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2. The adjustable variables include the real-time delivery speed, extrusion amount and delivery time of the component material.

[0077] The centralized control module 4 is the control module of the entire 3D printing device. It is directly connected to the additive manufacturing molding platform 1, the continuous adjustable flow control integration module 2, and the digital material supply module 3. It is mainly used to control the workflow and related process parameters of each module, so as to realize the orderly operation of the 3D printing system on demand.

[0078] Furthermore, the additive manufacturing platform 1 includes:

[0079] The additive manufacturing molding platform software system is used to control the workflow and movement speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform hardware device in three-dimensional space.

[0080] The hardware device of the additive manufacturing molding platform, which moves in the XY plane and the Z-axis direction, is the physical basis for realizing continuous adjustable gradient material additive manufacturing three-dimensional molding.

[0081] Furthermore, the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2 includes:

[0082] The intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 can select and assemble different types of gradient flow channel modules 23 and integrated printheads 25 online as needed during the printing process, so as to realize the real-time adjustment of gradient material continuity during the printing process;

[0083] The material inlet 22 is connected to the delivery hose 311, which can deliver the component materials of the digital material supply module 3 to the corresponding material inlet 22 to realize the supply of component materials.

[0084] The gradient flow channel module 23 is the core component of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2 and even the entire 3D printing device. By assembling and splicing different types of gradient flow channel modules 23, different component materials flow through different branch flow channels and are then recombined, thereby achieving continuous adjustable material gradient.

[0085] The module rotation device 24, during the printing process, causes the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2 to rotate clockwise 0-90° and counterclockwise 0-90° as needed, thereby achieving precise distribution of gradient material in the XY plane;

[0086] An integrated printhead 25 is connected to a gradient flow channel module 23, which integrates the gradient material of the gradient flow channel module 23 and extrudes it from the integrated printhead 25.

[0087] The in-situ ultraviolet curing system 26 is integrated and fixed on the integrated print head 25 to cure the photosensitive resin matrix material extruded from the integrated print head 25, maintaining the continuity of the gradient material;

[0088] The material inlet 22 is adjusted according to the type of component material and includes two or more material inlets;

[0089] The gradient flow channel module 23 can be designed as needed, and can be divided into a two-to-three gradient flow channel module or a three-to-four gradient flow channel module. Figure 2 ), four-to-five gradient flow channel module, five-to-six gradient flow channel module ( Figure 3 Similarly, it can also be designed as a two-to-six gradient flow channel module, a three-to-nine gradient flow channel module, a four-to-ten gradient flow channel module, and so on.

[0090] The module rotating device 24 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise at a speed of 0.1-2 rpm.

[0091] The integrated printhead 25 is divided into two-in-one integrated printhead, three-in-one integrated printhead, four-in-one integrated printhead, five-in-one integrated printhead, and six-in-one integrated printhead. Figure 4 Similarly, the number of outlets is closely related to the number of outlets of the gradient flow channel module 23 connected above.

[0092] Furthermore, the digital material supply module 3 includes:

[0093] Digital supply system for component A materials 31, digital supply system for component B materials 32, etc.;

[0094] The digital material supply system is equivalent to the types of component materials in the gradient material, and the number of component materials corresponds to the number of component material digital supply systems in the digital material supply module 3.

[0095] Furthermore, the digital supply system 31 for component A materials and the digital supply system 32 for component B materials also include:

[0096] The delivery hose 311 is used to connect the material inlet 22 of the digital material supply module 3 and the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2 to realize the delivery of component materials without hindering the rotational movement of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2.

[0097] Material cylinder 312 is used to hold different component materials, preparing for material supply and printing;

[0098] The variable speed conveying pump 313 is used to convey the component materials in the material cylinder 312 at a certain speed, either uniformly or at a variable speed, through the conveying hose 311 to the material inlet 22 of the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2, so as to realize the on-demand supply of component materials.

[0099] The supply system bracket 314 is used to fix other hardware in the digital material supply module 3 and maintain the stability of the structure.

[0100] Furthermore, the centralized control module 4 includes:

[0101] The additive manufacturing module controls the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing platform 1, enabling the layer-by-layer accumulation molding of adjustable continuous gradient materials.

[0102] The integrated fluid control rotation module, based on the predefined distribution of gradient materials within the constructed 3D model, drives the rotation of the continuously adjustable fluid control integrated module 2 in real time during the construction of the printed body, thereby achieving precise distribution of gradient materials.

[0103] The material supply module is used to control the conveying speed and conveying time of each component material in the digital material supply module 3.

[0104] Additionally, a method for efficient 3D printing of continuously tunable gradient materials includes:

[0105] S101, Material Preparation

[0106] Component A: Soft material precursor: 20-55 vol% bisphenol A type epoxy resin, 20-40 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 16-23 vol% 3-ethyl-3-oxabutane methanol, 20-40 vol% epoxy-modified nitrile rubber, 0.5-5 vol% 369 free radical photoinitiator, and 0.5-5 vol% diphenyl-(4-phenylthio)phenylsulfonium hexachlorophosphate;

[0107] Component B rigid material precursor

[0108] Matrix materials 95-100 vol%: bisphenol A type epoxy acrylate 20-55 vol%, polyurethane acrylate 20-40 vol%, 1,6-2 diol diacrylate 18-25 vol%, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide 1-5 vol%;

[0109] Filler 0-5 vol%: any one of nano alumina, nano zirconium oxide, nano silicon nitride, and nano yttrium oxide;

[0110] Mix the soft material precursor (component A) and the hard material precursor (component B) in a specific ratio until homogeneous and set aside.

[0111] S102, additive manufacturing of continuously tunable gradient materials, specifically including:

[0112] Step 1: Construction and decomposition of the 3D model. Define the material gradient distribution, continuity, and structural geometric parameters according to functional requirements. Then, discretize the 3D model and decompose it into the hardware selection and process parameters of the 3D printing system.

[0113] Step 2 involves programming the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system. Based on the geometric information and gradient material distribution and continuity information obtained from the decomposition in Step 1, the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 in three-dimensional space, the layer thickness shifted down the Z-axis, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 in the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2 for real-time replacement and assembly of gradient flow channel module 23 and integrated printing nozzle 25, the rotation direction and rotation speed of module rotation device 24, and the material conveying speed of variable speed conveying pump 313 in digital material supply module 3 are determined.

[0114] The additive manufacturing platform hardware moves at a speed of 2.5 mm / s to 30 mm / s in the XY plane.

[0115] In the process of printing and forming, the additive manufacturing platform 1 shifts down the z-axis by a layer thickness of 0.02-1mm.

[0116] The conveying speed of each component material in the variable speed conveying pump 313 is 0 ml / min-65 ml / min;

[0117] Step 3: Load the soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B into the digital supply system 31 for component A and the digital supply system 32 for component B, respectively.

[0118] Step 4 involves additive manufacturing of continuously adjustable gradient materials. Based on the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system obtained in Step 2, this includes the workflow and movement speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 in three-dimensional space, the thickness of the Z-axis downward movement, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 in the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2 for real-time replacement and assembly of the gradient flow channel module 23 and the integrated printing nozzle 25, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the module rotation device 24, and the material delivery speed in the variable speed delivery pump 313 in the digital material supply module 3. The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are delivered to the material inlet 22 through the delivery hose 311 at a fixed time and speed by the variable speed delivery pump 313. After gradient diversion and integration by the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2, the fluid containing different material gradient continuity is deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 and initially cured in situ by the in-situ ultraviolet curing system 26 to fix the material gradient continuity characteristics.

[0119] S103, Post-processing step: Place the formed gradient material 3D printed sample in a UV curing machine for 2-15 hours at a power of 300-2000W.

[0120] A more preferred first embodiment of the method relating to this application is as follows:

[0121] Component A: Soft material precursor: 30 vol% bisphenol A type epoxy resin, 30 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 17 vol% 3-ethyl-3-oxabutane methanol, 21 vol% epoxy-modified nitrile rubber, 1 vol% 369 free radical photoinitiator, and 1 vol% diphenyl-(4-phenylthio)phenylsulfonium hexachlorophosphate.

[0122] Component B rigid material precursor

[0123] Matrix materials (95 vol%): 40 vol% bisphenol A epoxy acrylate, 36 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 20 vol% 1,6-2-diol diacrylate, and 4 vol% 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide; filler (5 vol%) was selected as nano alumina.

[0124] Mix the soft material precursor (component A) and the hard material precursor (component B) in the specified proportions until homogeneous and set aside.

[0125] The three-dimensional model is constructed and decomposed. The material gradient distribution, continuity, and structural geometric parameters are defined according to the functional requirements. Then, the three-dimensional model is discretized and decomposed into the hardware selection and process parameters of the 3D printing system.

[0126] The programming of the hardware system's workflow and process parameters, based on the geometric information and gradient material distribution and continuity information obtained from the decomposition in step 1, determines the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 in three-dimensional space as 10 mm / s and the Z-axis downward layer thickness as 0.5 mm; the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 in the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module 2 real-time replaces and assembles the gradient flow channel module 23 and the integrated printing nozzle 25, respectively connecting two to four gradient flow channel modules and four-in-one integrated printing nozzles. Most importantly, the material delivery in the variable speed delivery pump 313 of the digital material supply module 3 implements variable speed delivery, increasing the A-component soft material precursor from 10 ml / min to 40 ml / min, and decreasing the B-component soft material precursor from 40 ml / min to 10 ml / min; the module rotation device 24 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise at a speed of 1 rpm (material gradient distribution within a single extrusion pass is as follows). Figure 5 (as shown);

[0127] The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are loaded into the digital supply system 31 for component A and the digital supply system 32 for component B, respectively.

[0128] Additive manufacturing of continuous adjustable gradient materials is based on the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system obtained in step 2, including the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 in three-dimensional space and the thickness of the Z-axis downward movement, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 in the continuous adjustable flow control integration module 2 to replace and assemble the gradient flow channel module 23 and the integrated printing nozzle 25 in real time, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the module rotation device 24, and the material delivery speed in the variable speed delivery pump 313 in the digital material supply module 3. The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are delivered to the material inlet 22 through the delivery hose 311 at a fixed time and speed by the variable speed delivery pump 313. After gradient diversion and integration by the continuous adjustable flow control integration module 2, the fluid containing different material gradient continuity is deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform 1, and then initially cured in situ by the in-situ ultraviolet curing system 26 to fix the material gradient continuity characteristics.

[0129] In the post-processing step, the formed gradient material 3D printed sample is placed in a UV curing machine for 10 hours at a power of 1000W.

[0130] A more preferred second embodiment of the method relating to this application is as follows:

[0131] Component A: Soft material precursor: 25 vol% bisphenol A type epoxy resin, 35 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 16 vol% 3-ethyl-3-oxabutane methanol, 22 vol% epoxy-modified nitrile rubber, 0.5 vol% 369 free radical photoinitiator, and 1.5 vol% diphenyl-(4-phenylthio)phenylsulfonium hexachlorophosphate.

[0132] Component B, rigid material precursor: 37 vol% bisphenol A epoxy acrylate, 40 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 21 vol% 1,6-2-diol diacrylate, and 2 vol% 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide;

[0133] Mix the soft material precursor (component A) and the hard material precursor (component B) in a specific ratio until homogeneous and set aside.

[0134] The three-dimensional model is constructed and decomposed. The material gradient distribution, continuity, and structural geometric parameters are defined according to the functional requirements. Then, the three-dimensional model is discretized and decomposed into the hardware selection and process parameters of the 3D printing system.

[0135] The programming of the hardware system's workflow and process parameters, based on the geometric information and gradient material distribution and continuity information obtained from the decomposition in step 1, determines the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 in three-dimensional space as 12 mm / s and the Z-axis downward layer thickness as 0.7 mm; the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 in the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2 real-time replaces and assembles the gradient flow channel module 23 and the integrated printing nozzle 25, transforming it from a two-to-three gradient flow channel module and a three-in-one integrated printing nozzle to a two-to-three + three-to-four + four-to-five + five-to-six gradient flow channel module and a six-in-one integrated printing nozzle (the material gradient distribution within the extrusion single channel is as follows). Figure 6 (As shown), or it can be transformed from a two-to-six gradient flow channel module and a six-in-one integrated printhead to a two-to-three + three-to-four + four-to-five + five-to-six gradient flow channel module and a six-in-one integrated printhead (the material gradient distribution within the extrusion single channel is as shown). Figure 7 (As shown); In the digital material supply module 3, the variable speed conveying pump 313 conveys each material at a uniform speed of 25 ml / min; The module rotating device 24 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise at a speed of 2 rpm;

[0136] The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are loaded into the digital supply system 31 for component A and the digital supply system 32 for component B, respectively.

[0137] Additive manufacturing of continuous adjustable gradient materials is based on the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system obtained in step 2, including the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform 1 in three-dimensional space and the thickness of the Z-axis downward movement, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system 21 in the continuous adjustable flow control integration module 2 to replace and assemble the gradient flow channel module 23 and the integrated printing nozzle 25 in real time, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the module rotation device 24, and the material delivery speed in the variable speed delivery pump 313 in the digital material supply module 3. The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are delivered to the material inlet 22 through the delivery hose 311 at a fixed time and speed by the variable speed delivery pump 313. After gradient diversion and integration by the continuous adjustable flow control integration module 2, the fluid containing different material gradient continuity is deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform 1, and then initially cured in situ by the in-situ ultraviolet curing system 26 to fix the material gradient continuity characteristics.

[0138] In the post-processing step, the formed gradient material 3D printed sample is placed in a UV curing machine for 15 hours at a power of 1500W.

Claims

1. A high-efficiency 3D printing device for continuously adjustable gradient materials, characterized in that, include: The additive manufacturing molding platform (1) is designed directly below the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2). It can move at a constant speed in any direction in the XY two-dimensional plane and move up and down in the vertical Z-axis direction. The continuously adjustable fluid is extruded from the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) and deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform (1) to realize the three-dimensional molding of the gradient material structure entity. The continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) adjusts the material gradient continuity in the extrusion channel by assembling different types of gradient flow channel modules (23). It is located directly above the additive manufacturing molding platform (1). Its material inlet (22) is connected to the digital material supply module (3) via the delivery hose (311) to realize the supply of printing materials. The digital material supply module (3) is mainly used to realize the variable speed or uniform speed supply of each component material. It is connected to the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) through the delivery hose (311) to deliver the component material to the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2). The adjustable variables include the real-time delivery speed, extrusion amount and delivery time of the component material. The centralized control module (4) is the control module of the entire 3D printing device. It is directly connected to the additive manufacturing molding platform (1), the continuous adjustable flow control integration module (2), and the digital material supply module (3). It is mainly used to control the workflow and related process parameters of each module, so as to realize the orderly operation of the 3D printing system on demand. The additive manufacturing platform (1) includes: The additive manufacturing molding platform software system is used to control the workflow and movement speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform hardware device in three-dimensional space. The hardware device of the additive manufacturing molding platform, which moves in the XY plane and the Z-axis direction, is the physical basis for realizing continuous adjustable gradient material additive manufacturing three-dimensional molding. The continuously adjustable flow control integrated module (2) includes: The intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system (21) can select and assemble different types of gradient flow channel modules (23) and integrated printheads (25) online as needed during the printing process, so as to realize the real-time adjustment of the gradient material continuity during the printing process; The material inlet (22) is connected to the delivery hose (311) and can deliver the component materials of the digital material supply module (3) to the corresponding material inlet (22) to realize the supply of component materials; The gradient flow channel module (23) is the core component of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) and even the entire 3D printing device. By assembling and splicing different types of gradient flow channel modules (23), different component materials flow through different flow channels and are then recombined, thereby achieving continuous adjustable material gradient. The module rotation device (24) causes the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module 2 to rotate clockwise 0~90° and counterclockwise 0~90° as needed during the printing process, thereby realizing the precise distribution of gradient material in the XY plane; An integrated printhead (25) is connected to a gradient flow channel module (23), which integrates the gradient material of the gradient flow channel module (23) and extrudes it from the integrated printhead (25). An in-situ UV curing system (26) is integrated and fixed on an integrated printhead (25) to cure the photosensitive resin matrix material extruded from the integrated printhead (25) and maintain the continuity of the gradient material. The material inlet (22) is adjusted according to the type of component material, including two or more material inlets; The gradient flow channel module (23) can be designed as needed, and can be divided into two-to-three gradient flow channel module, three-to-four gradient flow channel module, four-to-five gradient flow channel module, five-to-six gradient flow channel module and so on. It can also be designed as two-to-six gradient flow channel module, three-to-nine gradient flow channel module, four-to-ten gradient flow channel module and so on. The module rotating device (24) rotates clockwise or counterclockwise at a speed of 0.1-2 rpm; Among them, the integrated printing nozzle (25) is divided into two-in-one integrated printing nozzle, three-in-one integrated printing nozzle, four-in-one integrated printing nozzle, five-in-one integrated printing nozzle and so on, which are closely related to the number of outlets of the gradient flow channel module (23) connected above. The digital material supply module (3) includes: Digital supply system for component A materials (31), digital supply system for component B materials (32); The digital material supply system is equivalent to the types of component materials in the gradient material, and the number of component materials corresponds to the number of component material digital supply systems in the digital material supply module (3). Furthermore, the digital supply system (31) for component A materials and the digital supply system (32) for component B materials also include: The delivery hose (311) is used to connect the material inlet (22) of the digital material supply module 3 and the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) to realize the delivery of component materials without hindering the rotational movement of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2); Material cylinder (312) is used to hold different component materials to prepare for material supply and printing; The variable speed delivery pump (313) is used to deliver the component materials in the material cylinder (312) at a certain speed or at a certain speed as needed, through the delivery hose (311) to the material inlet (22) of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2), so as to realize the on-demand supply of component materials; Supply system bracket (314) is used to fix other hardware in the digital material supply module (3) and maintain the stability of the structure; The centralized control module (4) includes: The additive molding module controls the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing platform (1) to achieve the layer-by-layer accumulation molding of adjustable continuous gradient materials. The integrated flow control rotation module, based on the distribution of predefined gradient materials within the constructed three-dimensional model, drives the rotation of the continuously adjustable flow control integrated module (2) in real time during the construction of the printed body, thereby achieving precise distribution of gradient materials; The material supply module is used to control the conveying speed and conveying time of each component material in the digital material supply module (3).

2. A continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing method, using the continuously adjustable gradient material high-efficiency 3D printing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: include: S101, Material Preparation Component A: Soft material precursor: 20-55 vol% bisphenol A type epoxy resin, 20-40 vol% polyurethane acrylate, 16-23 vol% 3-ethyl-3-oxabutane methanol, 20-40 vol% epoxy-modified nitrile rubber, 0.5-5 vol% 369 free radical photoinitiator, 0.5-5 vol% diphenyl-(4-phenylthio)phenylsulfonium hexachlorophosphate. Component B rigid material precursor Matrix material 95-100 vol%: bisphenol A type epoxy acrylate 20-55 vol%, polyurethane acrylate 20-40 vol%, 1,6-2-diol diacrylate 18-25 vol%, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide 1-5 vol% Filler 0-5 vol%: any one of nano alumina, nano zirconium oxide, nano silicon nitride, and nano yttrium oxide; Mix the soft material precursor (component A) and the hard material precursor (component B) in a specific ratio until homogeneous and set aside. S102, additive manufacturing of continuously tunable gradient materials, specifically including: Step 1: Construction and decomposition of the 3D model, defining material gradient distribution and continuity according to functional requirements. The structural geometric parameters are then discretized, and the 3D model is decomposed into hardware selection and process parameters for the 3D printing system. Step 2 Programming of the hardware system's workflow and process parameters, based on the geometric information and gradient material distribution and continuity information obtained from the decomposition in Step 1, determine the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform (1) in three-dimensional space and the layer thickness shifted down the Z-axis, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system (21) in the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) to replace and assemble the gradient flow channel module (23) and the integrated printing nozzle (25) in real time, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the module rotation device (24), and the material conveying speed in the variable speed conveying pump (313) in the digital material supply module (3); The additive manufacturing platform hardware moves at a speed of 2.5 mm / s to 30 mm / s in the XY plane. In the process of printing and forming, the additive manufacturing platform (1) shifts down the z-axis by a layer thickness of 0.02-1mm. The conveying speed of each component material in the variable speed conveying pump (313) is 0 ml / min-65 ml / min; Step 3: Load the soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B into the digital supply system (31) for component A and the digital supply system (32) for component B, respectively; Step 4 The additive manufacturing of continuous adjustable gradient materials is based on the workflow and process parameters of the hardware system obtained in step 2, including the workflow and moving speed of the additive manufacturing molding platform (1) in three-dimensional space and the thickness of the Z-axis downward movement, the type and process of the intelligent flow control autonomous replacement system (21) in the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2) to replace and assemble the gradient flow channel module (23) and the integrated printing nozzle (25) in real time, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the module rotation device (24), and the material conveying speed in the variable speed conveying pump (313) in the digital material supply module (3). The soft material precursor of component A and the hard material precursor of component B are conveyed to the material inlet (22) through the conveying hose (311) at a fixed time and speed by the variable speed conveying pump (313). After the gradient diversion and integration of the continuous adjustable flow control integrated module (2), the fluid containing different material gradient continuity is deposited layer by layer on the additive manufacturing molding platform (1) and initially cured in situ by the in-situ ultraviolet curing system (26) to fix the material gradient continuity characteristics. S103, Post-processing step: Place the formed gradient material 3D printed sample in a UV curing machine for 2-15 hours at a power of 300-2000W.

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