Improving adhesive force between FDM printing layer and metal part

Abstract

The invention provides a method of providing a composite object (400) comprising a 3D printed part (1) adhered to a metal part (420) wherein: the method comprises a step of providing the metal part (420) followed by a 3D printing stage comprising depositing a 3D printable material (201) layer by layer by fused deposition modeling on the metal part (420) to provide the composite object (400); wherein the 3D printed component (1) comprises a layer (322) of 3D printed material (202); the 3D printing stage includes directing a 3D printable material (201) through a printer nozzle (502) at a nozzle temperature TN; during a first of the 3D printing phases in which a 3D printable material (201) is deposited on the metal part (420), the following are adapted: (i) the 3D printable material (201) comprises a first 3D printable material (2011), the first 3D printable material (2011) comprising a thermoplastic material (401) and metal particles (410); wherein the metal (411) of the metal particles (410) has a melting temperature TP, and (ii) TNgt; and TP.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite object comprising a 3D printed part adhered to a metal part. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a filament for use in the method. The present invention also relates to a composite object comprising a metal part and a 3D printed part obtained by the method. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lighting device comprising such a composite object. Background Art

[0002] Filaments containing metal and / or ceramic powders are known in the art. For example, EP3167101 describes a filament suitable for a 3D printing device, wherein the filament comprises or consists of: (a) metal and / or ceramic powders; (b) a thermoplastic binder comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least one plasticizer; and (c) 0 to 10 wt% of an additive based on the total weight of the filament, and wherein the filament has a Shore A hardness of at least 85 at 20°C, wherein at least one plasticizer is a mixture of esters, and wherein the mixture of esters comprises esters that are solid at 20°C and esters that are liquid at 20°C. Summary of the invention

[0003] Digital manufacturing will continue to change the nature of global manufacturing over the next 10-20 years. One aspect of digital manufacturing is 3D printing. Currently, many different technologies have been developed to produce various 3D printed objects using various materials (such as ceramics, metals and polymers).

[0004] The most widely used additive manufacturing technology is the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology that is often used for molding, prototyping and production applications. FDM uses the "additive" principle to lay down material layer by layer; plastic filaments or metal wires are unwound from coils to provide material to produce the part. Possibly (for thermoplastics, for example) the filament is melted and extruded before being laid down. FDM is a rapid prototyping technology. Other terms for FDM are "fused filament fabrication" (FFF) or "filament 3D printing" (FDP), which are considered equivalent to FDM. In general, FDM printers use thermoplastic filaments, which are heated to the melting point and then extruded layer by layer (actually one strand at a time) to create a three-dimensional object. FDM printers are relatively fast, low-cost and can be used to print complex 3D objects. Such printers are used to print a wide range of shapes using a variety of polymers. The technology is also being further developed in the production of LED lamps and lighting solutions.

[0005] There appears to be a need to produce composite materials including 3D printed thermoplastic parts that adhere to metal parts. However, thermoplastic materials may have poor adhesion to metals. Therefore, it may be difficult to produce a durable composite material because the material interface between the thermoplastic material and the metal may not be durable.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an alternative 3D printing method and / or 3D (printed) article, which preferably further at least partially eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. The purpose of the present invention may be to overcome or improve at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a composite object, the composite object comprising a 3D printed component adhered to a metal component. Specifically, the method may include providing the metal component and then performing a 3D printing phase, the phase comprising depositing an extrudate comprising a 3D printable material layer by layer by fused deposition modeling on the metal component to provide the composite object. In an embodiment, the composite object may include the metal component and the 3D printed component. Specifically, the 3D printed component may include a layer of 3D printed material. In an embodiment, the 3D printing phase may include a nozzle temperature T N The 3D printable material is directed through a printer nozzle. Specifically, the 3D printing stage may include a first 3D printing stage, wherein the 3D printable material may be deposited on the metal component. In an embodiment, during the first 3D printing stage, the 3D printable material may include a first 3D printable material. Specifically, the first 3D printable material may include a thermoplastic material and metal particles. The metal particles may in particular be at least partially embedded in the thermoplastic material. Specifically, the metal of the metal particles has a melting temperature T P During the first 3D printing phase, in certain embodiments, T N >T P Thus, in a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing a composite object, the composite object comprising a 3D printed part adhered to a metal part, wherein: the method comprises providing the metal part, followed by a 3D printing phase, the 3D printing phase comprising depositing a 3D printable material layer by layer by fused deposition modeling on the metal part to provide the composite object; wherein the 3D printed part comprises layers of 3D printed material; the 3D printing phase comprises depositing a 3D printed material layer by layer at a nozzle temperature T N Directing a 3D printable material through a printer nozzle; during a first 3D printing phase of the 3D printing phase, wherein the 3D printable material is deposited on a metal part, the following apply: (i) the 3D printable material comprises a first 3D printable material, the first 3D printable material comprising a thermoplastic material and metal particles; wherein the metal of the metal particles has a melting temperature T P , and (ii) TN >T P .

[0008] In this way, the metal particles may (partially) melt during the extrusion process, and at least a portion of the metal particles in contact with the metal component may adhere to the metal component. In embodiments, the metal particles may deform due to melting. Thus, the metal particles in the 3D printed component may have a different size and / or shape than the metal particles before the 3D printing stage.

[0009] In an embodiment, the molten metal particles may be spherical (because the surface tension is relatively low). In an embodiment, the molten metal particles may have substantially the same shape as the metal particles prior to melting.

[0010] After printing, the metal particles may solidify and form a (mechanical) attachment to the metal part. Since the metal particles may be largely embedded in the thermoplastic material of the first 3D printable material, the particles may form a permanent connection between the thermoplastic material and the metal part. The metal particles forming such a connection may be referred to as connecting particles. The connecting particles may be particularly deformed during the deposition process. In an embodiment, the connecting particles may include melted, deformed and solidified metal particles.

[0011] The composite object of the present invention may in particular comprise a metal part and a 3D printed part, wherein the metal part and the 3D printed part may be functionally coupled. In an embodiment, the composite object may be an object comprising a 3D printed part attached to a metal part. In an embodiment, the composite object may comprise one or more 3D printed parts (attached to the (same) metal part). Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the composite object may comprise one or more metal parts (attached to the (same) 3D printed part).

[0012] In an embodiment, a metal part may be used as a receiving item for a 3D printed part. In this case, the receiving item may be part of a composite object. The receiving item will be further described below. Alternatively, the metal part may be positioned on the receiving item before and / or during 3D printing. In this case, the receiving item may not be part of a composite object. The metal part may be weldable in particular. In an embodiment, the metal of the metal part may be selected from a group including copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, gold, tin, nickel-titanium, tungsten, an alloy of two or more of the above (such as, for example, a copper-tungsten alloy, or a copper-zinc alloy (such as brass). In a specific embodiment, the metal of the metal part may be selected from a group including copper, zinc, silver, gold, tin, nickel, an alloy of two or more of the above (such as, for example, a copper alloy (such as brass)). In an embodiment, the metal part may include a metal coating. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the metal part includes a metal material.

[0013] Specifically, the 3D printing stage may include depositing 3D printable material on the metal of the metal component. The 3D printing stage may be represented as a 3D printing process in an embodiment.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the metal may include an electrical component. In embodiments, the electrical component may include copper wire. In further embodiments, the metal component may be used as a conductive track. Additionally or alternatively, the metal component may be used as an electromagnetic shield. In alternative embodiments, the metal component may be used as a heat sink or heat spreader.

[0015] As described above, the present invention may provide a method for producing a composite object comprising a 3D printed component adhered to a metal component. The 3D printed component may be produced by fused deposition modeling. The 3D printed component may include one or more 3D printed material layers. Specifically, the 3D printed component may include multiple 3D printed material layers. One or more of these layers may include at least one component ("layer component") having a first 3D printed material, the first 3D printed material comprising a thermoplastic material and metal particles.

[0016] In particular, the method may include depositing (including extrusion) 3D printable material layer by layer. Thus, a stack of layers may be provided. The method may include using a 3D printer including a printer nozzle. The 3D printing phase may include directing the 3D printable material through the printer nozzle. In particular, the 3D printable material may be extruded through the printer nozzle. During operation, during at least a portion of the 3D printing phase, the printer nozzle may have a nozzle temperature T N In an embodiment, the method may include controlling the nozzle temperature T N For this purpose, a control system can be applied (see below).

[0017] As mentioned above, the 3D printing stage may include at least a first 3D printing stage. The first 3D printing stage may in particular include depositing a first 3D printable material on the metal component. Thus, at least a portion of the 3D printing stage may include the first 3D printing stage. Thus, at least a portion of one of the layers, in particular a portion in contact with the metal component, may include metal particles. Note that other portions may have different compositions.

[0018] The 3D printable material may include a thermoplastic material. Specifically, as described above, the first 3D printable material may include a (first) thermoplastic material. According to the thermoplastic material, it has a transition temperature T G Or melting temperature T M , or both, as will be discussed further below. Thus, a thermoplastic material may have a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature TC .

[0019] As described above, the first 3D printable material may also include metal particles. The metal particles may in particular be particles comprising a metal. Specifically, the metal particles include at least one metal. Thus, the metal particles may include a metallic material. (The metal in) the metal particles may melt and adhere to the metal part of the composite object during the 3D printing stage (especially in the printer nozzle). The metal of the metal particles has a melting temperature T P In an embodiment, the metal particles (including metals) may also include a melting point depressant. Melting point depression refers to the phenomenon of lowering the melting point of a material by incorporating impurities into the crystal lattice of the material. In an embodiment, the metal particles may also include a thermoplastic material. Such a thermoplastic material may improve the adhesion of the metal particles to the thermoplastic material of the 3D printing material. Other embodiments of metals and metal particles are described below.

[0020] As described above, the method may include controlling the nozzle temperature T N In the 3D printing stage, T N >T C In this way, the thermoplastic material can have a viscosity suitable for extrusion. In particular, T N -T C ≥50℃, e.g. T N -T C ≥75℃, such as T N -T C ≥100℃, especially T N -T C ≥125°C. In additional or alternative embodiments, T N -T C ≤500℃, for example, T N -T C ≤300℃, such as T N -T C ≤200°C. As mentioned above, the thermoplastic material may have a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C Therefore, in the embodiment T N -T G ≥50℃, such as T N -T G ≥75℃, such as T N -T G ≥100℃, especially T N -T G ≥125°C. Or in an alternative embodiment, T N -T M ≥50℃, such as T N -TM ≥75℃, such as T N -T M ≥100℃, especially T N -T M ≥125°C. In another embodiment, T N -T G ≤500℃, such as T N -T G ≤300℃, such as T N -T G ≤200°C. Or in an alternative embodiment, T N -T M ≤500℃, such as T N -T M ≤300℃, such as T N -T M ≤200℃. Nozzle temperature T N and the change in temperature T C This difference between can provide a relatively low viscosity thermoplastic material, which can facilitate extrusion and / or can improve adhesion between layers.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, during the 3D printing stage, T N >T P In this way, the metal particles can be (partially) melted. In particular, T N -T P ≥50℃, e.g. T N -T P ≥75℃, such as T N -T P ≥100℃, especially T N -T P ≥125°C. Additionally or alternatively, T N -T P ≤300℃, such as T N -T P ≤200℃, such as T N -T P ≤100°C. In certain embodiments, T N -T P ≤50℃. After leaving the nozzle, the metal particles may cool down because the surrounding temperature may be lower than the nozzle temperature T N Therefore, a relatively high nozzle temperature T N It may be beneficial so that at least some of the metal particles remain molten during deposition on the metal component.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include selecting the thermoplastic material and the metal such that their corresponding change temperatures T C and melting temperature TP In an embodiment, the correlation may be as follows: |T C -T P |≤60℃, for example |T C -T P |≤50℃, such as |T C -T P |≤30℃, for example |T C -T P |≤20℃. In this way, the temperature T C and melting temperature T P can be in the same range. This can facilitate processing of 3D printable materials, such as for mixing and / or flowing. As described above, thermoplastic materials can have a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C Therefore, in the embodiment |T G -T P |≤60℃, such as |T G -T P |≤50℃, such as |T G -T P |≤30℃, such as |T G -T P |≤20°C. Or in an alternative embodiment |T M -T P |≤60℃, such as |T M -T P |≤50℃, such as |T M -T P |≤30℃, such as |T M -T P |≤20°C. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, |T C -T P |≤50℃,T N -T C ≥50℃, and T N -T P ≥50℃.

[0023] The method may further include selecting the thermoplastic material and the metal so that their corresponding change temperatures T C and melting temperature T P In an embodiment, it can be related as follows: In a specific embodiment, T C <T P . Specifically, T G <T P and / or T M <T PIn this case, the metal particles may be more stable in the molten thermoplastic material. In such an embodiment, the metal may include a common solder, for example, an alloy of copper and zinc or an alloy of copper and silver. In an alternative embodiment, T C >T P . Specifically, T G >T P and / or T M >T P . In this case, the metal particles may have a longer adhesion time to the metal part. In such an embodiment, the metal may include a soft solder, for example, an alloy of tin and lead or an alloy of tin, silver and copper. In an embodiment, suitable metal particles may include one or more of Cu, Zn, Ag, Sn, Pb, Bi, Ga, In and Ga, although other materials are not excluded herein. Specifically, the metal particles may include an alloy. In a specific embodiment, the metal of the metal particles includes one or more of indium and tin. "One or more of indium and tin" may refer to particles including indium and other particles including tin, but may also refer to particles including indium and tin, such as In-Sn alloys, such as 91In 9Sn and 90In 10Sn. In an embodiment, the metal of the metal particles may include indium. In an alternative embodiment, the metal of the metal particles may include tin. In a specific embodiment, the metal of the metal particles may include an alloy of indium and tin. Two or more metal particles may include the same composition and / or two or more metal particles may include different compositions.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include selecting a thermoplastic material such that the varying temperature T C In the range of 120-350° C., such as 150-300° C., such as 180-250° C. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the changing temperature T C It can be selected from the range of 150-300°C.

[0025] As described above, the method may include controlling the nozzle temperature T N Additionally or alternatively, the method may include controlling the extrusion rate V E Specifically, the nozzle temperature T N and extrusion rate V E can be coordinated so that at least a portion of the metal in the metal particles can be melted, for example at least 30wt%, such as 50wt%, in particular 70wt%. Therefore, in an embodiment, the method may include controlling the extrusion rate V during the first 3D printing stage E and nozzle temperature T N, to melt at least 50 wt % of the metal in the first 3D printable material (in the nozzle). Specifically, the method may include controlling an extrusion rate V related to the particle size of the metal particles during the first 3D printing stage E and nozzle temperature T N . Possibly suitable for extrusion rates V for small metal particles E (with specific nozzle temperature T N related) may not be as applicable to larger particles because larger metal particles may not melt under the same conditions. For example, larger metal particles may require more energy (lower extrusion rate V E and / or higher nozzle temperature T N ) to melt.

[0026] As mentioned above, in an embodiment, the metal of the (comprising) particles may also include a melting point depressant, such as, for example, lead. In this way, the melting temperature T may be further controlled. P , and optionally with a varying temperature T C and / or nozzle temperature T N Adjust accordingly.

[0027] In this way, a 3D printable material can be deposited on a metal part along with molten metal. The molten metal can form a solder that welds to the metal part but also partially incorporates into the 3D printed material. In this way, a composite object can be formed from a metal sheet that extends into the 3D printed material and connects to the metal part.

[0028] Once the connection is formed, there is no need to further 3D print the layer on the completed 3D printed layer based on the 3D printable material including metal particles, although this situation is not excluded in this article. Therefore, returning to the 3D printing stage, the 3D printing stage may include a second 3D printing stage in an embodiment. Specifically, the second 3D printing stage may include depositing a second layer (second) 3D printable material. The second layer may specifically include a second 3D printing material. In an embodiment, the second 3D printing stage may include depositing a second layer of a second 3D printable material on a previously deposited layer (i.e., the first layer), see below. In a specific embodiment, the 3D printable material of the second 3D printing stage may include a second 3D printable material. The second 3D printable material may specifically include a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material. In such an embodiment, the second 3D printable material may specifically include fewer metal particles and / or smaller metal particles. In a specific embodiment, the second 3D printable material may not include metal particles. As described above, the metal in the metal particles in the first 3D printable material can particularly improve the adhesion of the first layer to the metal part. Since the previously deposited (first) layer may include a large amount (see below) of thermoplastic material, the second 3D printable (and printed) material may adhere to the first layer. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the 3D printing stage includes a second 3D printing stage, which includes: depositing a 3D printable material on the previously deposited layer, wherein the 3D printable material includes a second 3D printable material, the second 3D printable material including a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or including no metal particles. The term "second layer" may refer to any subsequent layer on a layer printed directly on a metal part.

[0029] As described above, metal particles can improve the adhesion of 3D printing materials to metal parts. In an embodiment, adhesion may be affected by one or more parameters. These parameters may include, for example, the shape of the metal particles, the size of the metal particles, the concentration of the metal particles, the size of the 3D printing layer, the use of the core shell layer, the size of the core shell layer, the material properties of the 3D printable / printed material, and the material properties of the metal particles. The metal particles can adhere to the metal part and form connecting (metal) particles. In order for the metal particles in the first 3D printable material to adhere to the metal part of the composite object, the metal particles need to contact the metal part. In an embodiment, more metal particles can be brought into contact with the metal part by flattening the 3D printing material layer. In an embodiment, the layer can be flattened by applying downward pressure to the layer by the printer nozzle. In this way, the metal particles can contact the metal part. In an embodiment, the metal particles that form adhesion with the metal part can be referred to as connecting particles. In an embodiment, such connecting particles may be deformed, such as flattened, during the 3D printing stage.

[0030] Specifically, a (3D printed) layer may have a layer height H. In an embodiment, the particle size may be defined by the smallest rectangular prism surrounding the respective particle, where such a rectangular prism has a length L1, a width L2, and a height L3, where L1≥L2≥L3. In embodiments where the metal particles are spherical or cubic, L1 = L2 = L3. In alternative embodiments, at least one dimension may be different and thus at least one aspect ratio may be greater than 1, as described below. Specifically, in an embodiment, H < L3. In such an embodiment, the smallest dimension of the metal particles may be greater than the layer height. In this way, more metal particles may adhere to the metal part. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the layer has a layer height H, where the metal particles have a particle size defined by the smallest rectangular prism surrounding the respective metal particle, where each rectangular prism has a length L1, a width L2, and a height L3, where L1≥L2≥L3, and where H < L3.

[0031] In an embodiment, the method may include a first 3D printing stage and a second 3D printing stage. In an embodiment, the alternation between stages may include an alternation between printer heads. In such an embodiment, the method includes using a 3D printer that includes a plurality of printer heads. Specifically, a first printer head may be functionally coupled to a source of a first 3D printable material. Additionally or alternatively, a second printer head may be functionally coupled to a source of a second 3D printable material.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include using a 3D printer including a core-shell nozzle. Specifically, the core-shell nozzle may include a core nozzle and a shell nozzle. In a particular embodiment, the shell nozzle may at least partially surround the core nozzle. In an embodiment, the method may also include guiding (i) a first 3D printable material through a shell nozzle or a core nozzle during a 3D printing phase, and (ii) a second 3D printable material (whose metal content is lower than the first 3D printable material or does not include metal particles) through the other of the shell nozzle and the core nozzle. Specifically, by extruding the 3D printable material through only one nozzle at a time, a layer including only the first 3D printing material or only the second 3D printing material can be provided. In this way, alternation between the first 3D printing phase and the second 3D printing phase may be relatively easy. This will be discussed further below. Thus, in certain embodiments, the method comprises: using a 3D printer comprising a core-shell nozzle, wherein the core-shell nozzle comprises a core nozzle and a shell nozzle; wherein the method further comprises directing (i) a first 3D printable material through the shell nozzle or the core nozzle, and (ii) a second 3D printable material through the other of the shell nozzle and the core nozzle during a 3D printing phase, the second 3D printable material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or comprising no metal particles. Thus, in embodiments, the core or the shell of the core-shell nozzle may be functionally coupled to a source of the first 3D printable material. Additionally or alternatively, the other of the core and the shell of the core-shell nozzle may be functionally coupled to a source of the second 3D printable material.

[0033] As described above, in an embodiment, alternation between the first 3D printing stage and the second 3D printing stage may be achieved by extruding the 3D printable material through only one nozzle at a time. Specifically, the method may include directing only the first 3D printable material through the core-shell nozzle during the first 3D printing stage. In a particular embodiment, the method may include directing only the first 3D printable material through the core-shell nozzle during the first 3D printing stage without directing the second 3D printable material through the core-shell nozzle. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include directing only the second 3D printable material through the core-shell nozzle during the second 3D printing stage. Specifically, the method may include not directing the first 3D printable material through the core-shell nozzle during the second 3D printing stage. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the method may include directing only the second 3D printable material through the core-shell nozzle during the second 3D printing stage.

[0034] In further embodiments, a core-shell nozzle may be used to reduce the amount of metal particles required for adhesion. Metal particles embedded in the central portion of the first 3D printed material may not contact the metal component and may therefore not improve the adhesion of the first layer to the metal component. Therefore, in an embodiment, the core of the first layer may include a second 3D printable material in an embodiment. In this way, in an embodiment, a smaller number of metal particles may be used to obtain a similar level of adhesion. Therefore, the method may include using a 3D printer including a core-shell nozzle. Specifically, the core-shell nozzle may include a core nozzle and a shell nozzle. In an embodiment, the shell nozzle may at least partially surround the core nozzle. Specifically, the method may also include guiding the first 3D printable material through the shell nozzle during the 3D printing stage. Additionally or alternatively, the method may also include guiding the second 3D printable material through the core nozzle during the 3D printing stage. Specifically, the second 3D printable material may contain a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or may not include metal particles. Thus, in certain embodiments, the method comprises: using a 3D printer comprising a core-shell nozzle, wherein the core-shell nozzle comprises a core nozzle and a shell nozzle; wherein the method further comprises directing (i) a first 3D printable material through the shell nozzle, and (ii) a second 3D printable material through the core nozzle during a 3D printing phase, the second 3D printable material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or excluding metal particles. This may provide a core-shell layer in embodiments. Specifically, the core-shell layer may comprise a core and a shell, wherein the shell may comprise a first 3D printable material, and wherein the core may comprise a second 3D printable material. Specifically, the second printable material may comprise a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or excluding metal particles. Thus, in such embodiments, the core may comprise a lower content of metal than the shell. This may reduce material costs in embodiments, as a lower content of metal may be incorporated into the 3D printed part.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, such a core shell layer may be obtained by providing a core shell filament to a printer head. The embodiments of the core shell layer obtained by 3D printing using a core shell nozzle may also be applicable to core shell layers obtained by 3D printing using a core shell nozzle. The core shell filament will be discussed below.

[0036] Furthermore, in embodiments, this can provide a layer comprising a first 3D printed material in a first 3D printing stage and a layer comprising a second 3D printed material in a second 3D printing stage. As described above, using a core shell nozzle can facilitate alternating between a first 3D printing stage and a second 3D printing stage.

[0037] (Obtained thereby), the core-shell layer may have a core height H1 and a shell height H2 in the embodiment. In a particular embodiment, H2 < L3. In such an embodiment, the minimum size of the particles may be greater than the shell height. In this way, more metal particles can contact the metal component.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the second thermoplastic material (especially the thermoplastic material in the core) may have a higher stiffness than the first thermoplastic material (especially the thermoplastic material in the shell). The core material may include solids such as metal or polymer fibers in the embodiment. In this way, more metal particles can contact the metal component in the embodiment because they are more likely to be pushed out of the layer rather than into the core. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the core-shell layer has a shell height H2, where the metal particles have a particle size defined by the smallest rectangular prism surrounding the corresponding metal particle, where each rectangular prism has a length L1, a width L2, and a height L3, where L1 ≥ L2 ≥ L3, and where H2 < L3.

[0039] Returning to the metal component, in the embodiment, the adhesion of the 3D printed component can be improved by pre-treating the metal component. Therefore, in the embodiment, the method may include performing a pre-treatment stage before the 3D printing stage. In the embodiment, the pre-treatment stage may include cleaning the metal component.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the pre-treatment stage may include roughening the metal component, that is, the surface roughness of the metal component can be increased. The surface roughness can be defined by the root mean square (RMS) roughness parameter. The root mean square roughness can be obtained by squaring each height value in the dataset and then taking the square root of the average. In a particular embodiment, the method may include increasing the RMS roughness parameter by at least two times, such as at least five times, such as at least eight times. For example, the surface of the metal component can provide an RMS selected from the range of 1 - 100 μm, such as at least 2 μm, for example up to about 90 μm.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the pre-treatment stage may include providing one or more notches in the metal component. In the embodiment, the surface area of such notches may be in the range of 1000 μm 2 -1 mm 2 range, for example in the range of 2000 μm 2 -0.5 mm 2 range. In the embodiment, the height of the notch may be in the range of 100 μm - 1000 μm. Additionally or alternatively, the pre-treatment stage may include providing one or more metal component protrusions to the metal component. In the embodiment, the surface area of such protrusions may be in the range of 1000 μm 2 -1 mm 2 range, for example in the range of 2000 μm 2-0.5mm 2 In an embodiment, the height of the protrusion may be in the range of 100 μm-1000 μm. In an embodiment, cleaning the metal part may include removing an oxide layer and removing one or more of non-metallic contamination. In an embodiment, roughening of the metal part may increase the contact area between the 3D printed part and the metal part. Providing recesses and / or protrusions to the metal part may also increase the contact area between the 3D printed part and the metal part. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the method includes: performing a pretreatment stage before the 3D printing stage, wherein the pretreatment stage includes one or more of the following: (i) cleaning the metal part, (ii) roughening the metal part, (iii) providing one or more recesses in the metal part, and (iv) providing one or more metal part protrusions to the metal part.

[0042] As mentioned above, the metal particles may (partially) melt and adhere to the metal part. Therefore, in an embodiment, during the 3D printing stage T N >T P In particular, (partially) molten particles may adhere to the metal component. In embodiments, the particles may cool down after extrusion and before deposition. This may lead to (partial) solidification of the particles in embodiments. Therefore, in embodiments, the metal component may be (temporarily) heated to above T P The temperature of the nozzle and / or the nozzle temperature may be relatively high (see also above). In this way, the particles can adhere better to the metal component.

[0043] As mentioned above, the change temperature T of the thermoplastic material C and the melting temperature of the metal T P can be in the same range.

[0044] Back to the metal particles, the shape of the metal particles may affect the number of metal particles that come into contact with the metal component. In an embodiment, the metal particles may be spherical, cubic, prism-shaped, flake-shaped, or irregularly shaped. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the particles may include a component body (having an "amoeba-like" shape). Therefore, the particles may include extended appendages. Therefore, the metal particles may include multiple extensions. In an embodiment, such extensions can significantly increase the overall size of the particles while keeping the increase in the total amount of metal to a minimum. In this way, more metal particles can come into contact with the metal component and can form connected particles. In an (alternative) embodiment, the metal particles may be substantially spherical. Spherical metal particles may include a relatively large amount of metal relative to their outer dimensions. Therefore, spherical metal particles may be relatively small compared to metal particles of other shapes. Small metal particles (thus spherical particles) may be less likely to form aggregates during 3D printing. In a specific embodiment, the metal particles may be substantially spherical, and the first 3D printable material includes metal particles having a concentration selected from the range of 10-50 vol.%. The concentration of the metal particles will be further discussed below.

[0045] The particle size is specifically selected to enable the metal particles to pass through the printer nozzle without forming a blockage. The substantially elongated metal particles can be aligned with the extrudate and layer and are therefore less likely to contact the metal part. As described above, in an embodiment, the particle size is defined by the smallest rectangular prism surrounding the corresponding particle, wherein such a rectangular prism has a length L1, a width L2 and a height L3, wherein L1≥L2≥L3. In an embodiment, the length L1 is in the range of 30-3000 μm, particularly in the range of 100-2000 μm, particularly in the range of 250-1500 μm, and more particularly in the range of 500-1000 μm. Smaller particles can melt faster and / or melt at a lower nozzle temperature. Larger particles can form greater adhesion with metal parts. Such rectangular prisms have a first aspect ratio AR1=L1 / L2, a second aspect ratio AR2=L1 / L3, and a third aspect ratio AR3=L2 / L3. In an embodiment, AR1 and AR2 are each selected from the range of 1-10000, particularly in the range of 2-1000, more particularly in the range of 5-500, such as greater than 5. In a particular embodiment, AR1 may be at least 5. Additionally or alternatively, AR2 may be at least 5.

[0046] Thus, in a particular embodiment, the (metal) particles have a particle size defined by a smallest rectangular prism enclosing the respective metal particles, wherein each rectangular prism has a length L1, a width L2 and a height L3, wherein L1≥L2≥L3, wherein the length L1 is selected from the range of 30-3000 μm, wherein the first aspect ratio is AR1=L1 / L3, wherein the second aspect ratio is AR2=L2 / L3, wherein the aspect ratios AR1 and AR2 are respectively selected from the range of 1-10000, and wherein at least one of AR1 and AR2 is at least 5. In such embodiments, the metal particles may include elongated metal particles. The elongated metal particles may be specifically aligned with the layer. The elongated metal particles may have a relatively large contact area with the metal component. In embodiments, the elongated particles may include one or more of needle-shaped particles and flake-shaped particles. In (other) embodiments, at least one of AR1 and AR2 is at most 5.

[0047] In other embodiments, the metal particles may have the shape of a short helix.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, particles having an aspect ratio of approximately 1 may be selected. In such embodiments, the metal particles may include one or more of spherical metal particles and cubic metal particles. In embodiments, metal particles having a low aspect ratio may be more exposed to metal parts. Therefore, in embodiments, the aspect ratios AR1 and AR2 may be individually selected from a range of 1-5, such as 1-2. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the metal particles have a particle size defined by a minimum rectangular prism surrounding the corresponding metal particle, wherein each rectangular prism has a length L1, a width L2, and a height L3, wherein L1≥L2≥L3, wherein the length L1 is selected from a range of 30-3000 μm, wherein the first aspect ratio is AR1=L1 / L3, wherein the second aspect ratio is AR2=L2 / L3, wherein the aspect ratios are individually selected from a range of 1-2.

[0049] The particle size (of particles in general, and therefore including metal particles) can be determined by methods known in the art, such as one or more of optical microscopy, SEM and TEM. The size can be digitally averaged, as known in the art. In addition, the aspect ratios noted above can refer to a plurality of metal particles having different aspect ratios. Thus, the metal particles can be substantially identical, but the metal particles can also be different from each other, such as two or more subsets of metal particles, wherein the metal particles within the subsets are substantially identical. The metal particles can have a unimodal particle size distribution or a multimodal particle size distribution.

[0050] Therefore, the metal particles can be different from each other. For example, the metal particles can have a size distribution of one or more of a particle length, a particle height, and an intermediate length. Therefore, in an embodiment, the average size of the metal particles will be as described herein. For example, at least 50wt% of the metal particles can conform to the size (including ratio) indicated herein, such as at least 75wt%, for example at least 85wt%. In an alternative embodiment, at least 50% of the total number of metal particles can conform to the size (including ratio) indicated herein, such as at least 75%, for example at least 85%.

[0051] Embodiments of the shape and / or size of metal particles may particularly refer to the shape and / or size of metal particles before the 3D printing stage.

[0052] As described above, the two or more metal particles may include the same composition and / or the two or more metal particles may include different compositions. In an embodiment, the metal particle may be a first metal particle, which may have a first melting temperature T P1 , and it may be (partially) melted during the 3D printing phase. Therefore, all embodiments described for the metal particles are generally applicable to the first metal particles.

[0053] Therefore, in an embodiment, during the 3D printing phase, T N >T P1 . Specifically, T N -T P1 ≥50℃, e.g. T N -T P1 ≥75℃, such as T N -T P1 ≥100℃, especially T N -T P1 ≥125°C. Additionally or alternatively, T N -T P1 ≤300℃, such as T N -T P1 ≤200℃, such as T N -T P1 ≤100℃, specifically, T N -T P1 ≤50℃.

[0054] In another embodiment, |T C -T P1 |≤60℃, such as |T C -T P1 |≤50℃, such as |T C -Tlp|≤30℃, such as |T C -T P1 |≤20°C. Therefore, in the embodiment, |T G -TP1 |≤60℃, such as |T G -T P1 |≤50℃, such as |T G -T P1 |≤30℃, such as |T G -T P1 |≤20°C. Or in an alternative embodiment, |T M -T P1 |≤60℃, for example |T M -T P1 |≤50℃, such as |T M -Tlp|≤30℃, for example |T M -T P1 |≤20℃.

[0055] In further embodiments, the method may include using second metal particles that do not melt during the 3D printing stage. Specifically, embodiments regarding the shape and size of the metal particles may apply to the second metal particles. In such embodiments, the 3D printable material may include the (first) metal particles and the second metal particles.

[0056] The second metal particles may have a second melting temperature T P2 In an embodiment, T P2 >T P1 . Specifically, T P2 -T P1 >20℃, such as T P2 -T P1 >50℃, e.g. T P2 -T P1 >100°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T P1 >200℃, such as T P2 -T P1 >500℃, e.g. T P2 -T P1 >800℃. Specifically, T P2 >T C In certain embodiments, T P2 -T C ≥50℃, e.g. T P2 -T C ≥75℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥100℃, especially T P2 -T C ≥125°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T C ≥200℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥500℃, for example, TP2 -T C ≥800℃. In particular, where T P2 >T N More specifically, T P2 -T N ≥50℃, e.g. T P2 -T N ≥75℃, such as T P2 -T N ≥100℃, especially T P2 -T N ≥125°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T N ≥200℃, such as T P2 -T N ≥500℃, such as T P2 -T N ≥800℃.

[0057] In this way, a higher percentage of the (first) metal particles can be melted compared to the percentage of the second metal particles. This can provide a combination of melted and unmelted particles in the 3D printable material. In particular, a portion of the metal particles can be (partially) melted during the extrusion process, while another portion of the metal particles may not be melted during the extrusion process. In an embodiment, the unmelted metal particles can retain their size and / or shape before the 3D printing stage. In an embodiment, the second metal particles can be connected to another second metal particle or metal part through the (partially) melted first metal particles. The second metal particles can be used as anchors in thermoplastic materials. In this way, adhesion can be further improved. In an embodiment, the second metal particles may include one or more of copper (e.g., shavings of copper wire) and brass.

[0058] Thus, in certain embodiments, the metal particles may be first metal particles. In certain embodiments, the method may further include second metal particles, wherein the (first) metal particles have a first melting temperature T P1 , and the second metal particle has a second melting temperature T P2 , where T N >T P1 And T N <T P2 In this way, an improved interaction and anchoring with the polymer can be obtained.

[0059] In an embodiment, the (first) metal particles may be substantially spherical. Additionally or alternatively, the second metal particles may comprise extensions.

[0060] In an embodiment, the metal particles may be included by the first 3D printable material. Specifically, the first 3D printable material may include metal particles having a concentration selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%, such as 5-20 vol.%. In an alternative embodiment, the first 3D printable material may include metal particles having a concentration selected from the range of 35-50 vol.%. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the first 3D printable material includes metal particles having a concentration selected from the range of 10-50 vol.%. In another embodiment, the first 3D printable material may include a second metal particle having a concentration selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%, such as 5-20 vol.%. Values ​​less than about 10 vol.% (such as less than 5 vol.%) may not have the desired bonding effect, and values ​​greater than about 60 vol.% (e.g., greater than about 50 vol.%) may become difficult to print the first 3D printable material and / or metal particles (or molten metal particles) may form aggregates. In an embodiment, the remaining volume may be polymer material, and optionally other fillers (see below).

[0061] When the 3D printable material includes both (first) metal particles and second metal particles, the combined concentration may be selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, for example 15-40 vol.%, for example 5-20 vol.%. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the first 3D printable material may include metal particles and second metal particles in a total concentration selected from the range of 10-50 vol.%.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the second metal particles can have an aspect ratio of at least 5, such as at least 10.

[0063] In certain embodiments, a first particle may be provided in association with a second particle. For example, a first metal particle may be associated with a metal wire as a second particle. Such associated granular materials may be combined with a thermoplastic material to provide a 3D printable material.

[0064] Therefore, in an embodiment, the shape of the first particle may be different from that of the second particle, in particular the aspect ratio of the second particle is significantly larger. For example, the ratio of the aspect ratio of the first particle to the second particle may be less than 0.5, such as less than 0.1, or even less than 0.05.

[0065] When referring to the concentration of particles during or after deposition of a filament, the concentration refers in particular to at least a portion of such a filament, or to at least a portion of a deposited layer. Thus, the concentration of particles may vary over the length of the filament, or may vary over the length of a layer, or may differ between layers. There may even be layers without particles and layers with particles. The smallest (overall) volume for which the concentration applies is in particular at least 1 cm 3 , such as at least 2 cm 3 , such as at least 5cm 3 Of course, this may be a relatively expanded volume, since the height and width of the layers are usually relatively small.

[0066] As described above, the method includes depositing 3D printable materials in the printing stage. Herein, the term "3D printable material" refers to the material to be deposited or printed, and the term "3D printing material" refers to the material obtained after deposition. These materials may be substantially the same, because the 3D printable material may particularly refer to the material in the printer head or extruder at high temperature, while the 3D printing material refers to the same material, but at a later stage of deposition. In an embodiment, the 3D printable material can be printed as a filament and deposited in this way. The 3D printable material can be provided as a filament or can be formed into a filament. Therefore, regardless of the starting material applied, the filament including the 3D printable material can be provided by the printer head and 3D printed. The term "extrudate" can be used to define the 3D printable material downstream of the printer head but not yet deposited. The latter can be expressed as "3D printing material". In fact, the extrudate can be considered to include a 3D printable material because the material has not yet been deposited. After depositing the 3D printable material or extrudate, the material can therefore be expressed as a 3D printing material. These materials may be substantially the same material, such as a thermoplastic material upstream of the printer head, a thermoplastic material downstream of the printer head, and when deposited, may be substantially the same material.

[0067] As used herein, the term "3D printable material" may also be denoted as "printable material". The term "polymer material" may refer in embodiments to a mixture of different polymers, but may also refer in embodiments to a substantially single polymer type with different polymer chain lengths. Thus, the term "polymer material" or "polymer" may refer to a single type of polymer, but may also refer to a plurality of different polymers. The term "printable material" may refer to a single type of printable material, but may also refer to a plurality of different printable materials. The term "printing material" may refer to a single type of printing material, but may also refer to a plurality of different printing materials.

[0068] Therefore, the term "3D printable material" can also refer to a combination of two or more materials. Typically, these (polymer) materials have a glass transition temperature T g and / or melting temperature T mThe 3D printable material will be heated by the 3D printer to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature, and typically at least the melting temperature, before exiting the nozzle. Thus, in certain embodiments, the 3D printable material comprises a 3D printable material having a glass transition temperature (T g ) and / or melting point (T m ), and the printer head action may include heating the 3D printable material above the glass transition temperature, and in embodiments above the melting temperature (particularly when the thermoplastic polymer is a semi-crystalline polymer). In yet another embodiment, the 3D printable material includes a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point (T m ) of a (thermoplastic) polymer, and the 3D printing stage may include heating the 3D printable material to be deposited on the receiving article to a temperature of at least the melting point. The glass transition temperature is generally different from the melting temperature. Melting is a transition that may occur in crystalline polymers. Melting may occur when the polymer chains break away from their crystal structure and become a disordered liquid. The glass transition may be a transition that occurs in amorphous polymers; that is, the chains of the polymer are not arranged in an ordered crystal, but are scattered in any way, even if they are in the solid state. The polymer can be amorphous, essentially having a glass transition temperature instead of a melting temperature, or it can be (semi-)crystalline, generally having both a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, the latter generally being greater than the former. For example, the glass transition temperature can be determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The melting point or melting temperature can also be determined using differential scanning calorimetry.

[0069] As described above, the present invention may therefore provide a method comprising providing a filament of 3D printable material and printing said 3D printable material on a substrate during a printing phase to provide said 3D printed part.

[0070] It may also be desirable to provide a filament that can be used in the methods described herein. Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention provides a 3D printable material, in particular a filament for producing a 3D printed part by fused deposition modeling, for use in the methods described herein. Specifically, the filament may include a first 3D printable material, the first 3D printable material including a thermoplastic material and metal particles. In an embodiment, the metal particles may be at least partially embedded in the thermoplastic material. Specifically, the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C Specifically, the metal of the metal particles has a melting temperature T P In the embodiment |T C -T P |≤60℃, such as |T C -T P |≤50℃, such as |T C -TP |≤30℃, such as |T C -T P |≤20°C. As mentioned above, the thermoplastic material may have a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C Therefore, in the embodiment |T G -T P |≤60℃, for example |T G -T P |≤50℃, such as |T G -T P |≤30℃, for example |T G -T P |≤20°C. Or in an alternative embodiment |T M -T P |≤60℃, for example |T M -T P |≤50℃, such as |T M -T P |≤30℃, for example |T M -T P |≤20°C. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a filament for producing a 3D printed part by fused deposition modeling, the filament comprising a first 3D printable material, the first 3D printable material comprising a thermoplastic material and metal particles, wherein the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C , where the metal of the metal particles has a melting temperature T P , where |T C -T P |≤50℃. In this way, the temperature T C and melting temperature T P This may facilitate the use of such filaments in the methods of the present invention.

[0071] The filament may have a thickness H F In the embodiment, 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤1, for example 0.3≤L3 / H F ≤1, for example 0.5≤L3 / H F ≤1, such as 0.6≤L3 / H F ≤0.9. In other embodiments, 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤0.7, for example 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤0.6, for example 0.2≤L3 / H F≤0.5. In this way, in the case of relatively large metal particles, more particles can come into contact with the metal component after the filaments have been deposited according to the method of the invention.

[0072] Embodiments of the above method may also be applicable to filaments. As described above with respect to the method, the metal of the metal particles may include one or more of indium and tin in embodiments. In embodiments, T C <T P In an alternative embodiment, T C >T P Specifically, the temperature T C It may be in the range of 120-350°C, such as 150-300°C, like 180-250°C.

[0073] As described above, the first 3D printable material may include metal particles in a concentration range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%. Therefore, the filament may include metal particles in a concentration range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%.

[0074] As described above for the method, the metal particles in the embodiment may be first metal particles, which may have a first melting temperature T P1 In particular, all embodiments described for the metal particles may be applicable to the first metal particles.

[0075] In further embodiments, the filaments may include second metal particles. Specifically, the embodiments regarding the shape and size of the metal particles may be applicable to the second metal particles.

[0076] The second metal particles may have a second melting temperature T P2 In an embodiment, T P2 >T P1 . Specifically, T P2 -T P1 >20℃, such as T P2 -T P1 >50℃, e.g. T P2 -T P1 >100°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T P1 >200℃, such as T P2 -T P1 >500℃, e.g. T P2 -T P1 >800℃. Specifically, T P2 >T C In certain embodiments, T P2 -T C≥50℃, e.g. T P2 -T C ≥75℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥100℃, especially T P2 -T C ≥125°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T C ≥200℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥500℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥800℃.

[0077] In an embodiment, the (first) metal particles may be substantially spherical. Additionally or alternatively, the second metal particles may comprise extensions.

[0078] In further embodiments, the filament may include a core-shell filament. Specifically, the core-shell filament may include a core comprising a second 3D printable material, the second 3D printable material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material. In a particular embodiment, the core-shell filament may include a core comprising a second 3D printable material that does not include metal particles. Specifically, the core-shell filament may include a shell comprising a first 3D printable material. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the core-shell filament may include: (i) a core comprising a second 3D printable material, the second 3D printable material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or not including metal particles, and (ii) a shell comprising the first 3D printable material. Such 3D printable materials, particularly such core-shell filaments, can be printed in a standard fused deposition modeling 3D printer with a single nozzle.

[0079] Specifically, the core-shell filament may have a shell thickness H 2F In certain embodiments, 0.5≤L3 / H 2F ≤1, for example 0.6≤L3 / H 2F ≤0.9.

[0080] As described above, the outer shell of the core-shell filament may include a first 3D printable material. As described above, the first 3D printable material may include metal particles. Therefore, in embodiments, the outer shell of the core-shell filament may include metal particles. As described above, the core of the core-shell filament may include a second 3D printable material. Also as described above, the second 3D printable material may include a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or may not include metal particles. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the core of the core-shell filament may include a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or may not include metal particles.

[0081] Specifically, the material that can be used as a 3D printable material can be selected from the group consisting of metal, glass, thermoplastic polymer, silicone, etc. Specifically, the 3D printable material includes a (thermoplastic) polymer selected from the group consisting of: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), nylon (or polyamide), acetate (or cellulose), PLA (polylactic acid), terephthalate (such as PET polyethylene terephthalate), acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate, organic glass, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), polypropylene (or polypropylene), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), PE (such as foamed high-impact polyethylene (or polyethylene), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyvinyl chloride, copolyester elastomer-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyolefin-based elastomer, styrene-based elastomer, etc. Optionally, the 3D printable material may include a 3D printable material selected from the group consisting of urea formaldehyde, polyester resin, epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. Optionally, the 3D printable material may include a 3D printable material selected from the group consisting of polysulfone. Elastomers, especially thermoplastic elastomers, may be particularly interesting because they are flexible and can help obtain relatively more flexible filaments including thermally conductive materials. Thermoplastic elastomers may include one or more of the following: styrene block copolymers (TPS (TPE-s)), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO (TPE-o)), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV (TPE-v or TPV)), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU (TPU)), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPC (TPE-E)) and thermoplastic polyamides (TPA (TPE-A)).

[0082] Suitable thermoplastic materials, such as those also mentioned in WO2017 / 040893, may include one or more of the following: polyacetals (e.g., polyoxyethylene and polyoxymethylene), poly(C 1-6alkyl) acrylates, polyacrylamides, polyamides (e.g., aliphatic polyamides, polyterephthalamides, polyaromatic amides), polyamideimides, polyanhydrides, polyarylates, polyarylethers (e.g., polyphenylene oxide), polyarylether sulfides (e.g., polyphenylene sulfide), polyarylether sulfones (e.g., polyphenylene sulfide), polyarylethersulfones (e.g., polyphenylene sulfone), polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, polycarbonates (including polycarbonate copolymers such as polycarbonate-siloxanes, polycarbonate-esters, polycarbonate-ester-siloxanes), polyesters (e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyarylates) and polyester copolymers such as polyester-ethers), polyetheretherketones, polyetherimides (including copolymers such as polyetherimide-siloxane copolymers), polyetherketoneketones, polyetherketones, polyethersulfones, polyimides (including copolymers such as polyimide-siloxane copolymers), poly(C 1-6 The thermoplastic polymers may include, for example, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl ether), poly(vinyl halides), poly(vinyl ketone), poly(vinyl sulfide), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl ester), poly(vinyl ether), poly(vinyl halides), poly(vinyl ketone), poly(vinyl sulfide), poly(vinyl sulfide), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl ester), poly(vinyl ether), poly(vinyl halides), poly(vinyl ketone), poly(vinyl sulfide), poly(vinylidene fluoride), and the like, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing thermoplastic polymers. Examples of polyamides may include, but are not limited to, synthetic linear polyamides such as nylon-6,6; nylon-6,9; nylon-6,10; nylon-6,12; nylon-11; nylon-12 and nylon-4,6, preferably nylon 6 and nylon 6,6, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing thermoplastic polymers. Polyurethanes that may be used include aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and polycyclic polyurethanes, including the above-mentioned polyurethanes. Poly(C 1-6 Alkyl) acrylate and poly (C 1-6 Also useful are polyolefins such as propylene, propylene, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol,

[0083] In certain embodiments, the 3D printable material (and 3D printing material) may include one or more of the following: polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), polysulfone (PSU), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and styrene acrylic copolymer (SMMA).

[0084] The term "3D printable material" will be further explained below, but may particularly refer to a thermoplastic material, optionally including additives, whose volume percentage is at most about 60%, in particular at most about 30 vol.%, such as at most about 20 vol.% (additives relative to the total volume of thermoplastic material and additives).

[0085] Thus, in an embodiment, the printable material may include two phases. The printable material may include a printable polymer material phase, in particular a thermoplastic material phase (see below), which phase is in particular a substantially continuous phase. In the thermoplastic material continuous phase, one or more of the following may be present: polymer additives, such as antioxidants, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, UV stabilizers, UV absorbing additives, near infrared light absorbing additives, infrared light absorbing additives, plasticizers, lubricants, mold release agents, antistatic agents, antifogging agents, antibacterial agents, colorants, laser marking additives, surface effect additives, radiation stabilizers, flame retardants, anti-drip agents. The additive may have useful properties selected from optical properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, thermal properties and mechanical properties (see above).

[0086] The printable material in an embodiment may include a granular material, i.e. particles embedded in a printable polymer material, which form a substantially discontinuous phase. The number of particles in the total mixture may in particular be no greater than 60 vol.% of the total volume of the printable material (including (anisotropic conductive) particles), especially in applications for reducing the coefficient of thermal expansion. For optical and surface-related effects, the number of particles in the total mixture is equal to or less than 20 vol.%, such as up to 10 vol.%, of the total volume of the printable material (including particles). Therefore, a 3D printable material may in particular refer to a continuous phase of a substantially thermoplastic material, in which other materials, such as particles, may be embedded. Similarly, a 3D printing material refers in particular to a continuous phase of a substantially thermoplastic material, in which other materials, such as particles, are embedded. The particles may include one or more additives as defined above. Therefore, in an embodiment, a 3D printable material may include a particle additive.

[0087] When a core-shell nozzle is used, the 3D printable material provided to the core of the core-shell nozzle can be a filament including the 3D printable material or a granular 3D printable material. Both types of feed can be extruded through the core of the core-shell nozzle. The 3D printable material provided to the shell of the core-shell nozzle can be a granular 3D printable material. This granular 3D printable material (feed) can be extruded through the shell of the core-shell nozzle. When a nozzle with a single opening is used, the 3D printable material provided to the nozzle can be a filament including the 3D printable material or a granular 3D printable material. Both types of feed can be extruded through the nozzle.

[0088] The printable material may be printed on a receiving object. Specifically, the receiving object may be a building platform or may be comprised by the building platform. The receiving object may also be heated during 3D printing. However, the receiving object may also be cooled during 3D printing.

[0089] The phrase "printing on a receiving article" and similar phrases include, but are not limited to, printing directly on the receiving article, printing on a coating on the receiving article, or printing on a 3D printing material previously printed on the receiving article. The term "receiving article" may refer to a printing platform, a print bed, a substrate, a support, a build plate, or a build platform, etc. ... The term "substrate" may also replace the term "receiving article". The phrase "printing on a receiving article" and similar phrases include, but are not limited to, printing on a separate substrate on a printing platform, a print bed, a support, a build plate, or a build platform, etc. or a separate substrate included therein ... Therefore, the phrase "printing on a substrate" and similar phrases include, but are not limited to, printing directly on a substrate, printing on a coating on a substrate, or printing on a 3D printing material previously printed on a substrate. The term "substrate" is also used hereinafter, which may refer to a printing platform, a print bed, a substrate, a support, a build plate, or a build platform, etc., or a separate substrate thereon or a separate substrate included therein.

[0090] The printable material may be deposited layer by layer, thereby generating a 3D printed object (in the printing phase). The 3D printed object may display a characteristic ribbed structure (derived from the deposited filaments). However, after the printing phase, additional phases, such as a final phase, may also be performed. This phase may include removing the printed object from the receiving object and / or one or more post-processing actions. One or more post-processing actions may be performed before the print is removed from the receiving object and / or one or more post-processing actions may be performed after the print is removed from the receiving object. Post-processing may include, for example, one or more of polishing, coating, adding functional components, etc. ... Post-processing may include smoothing the ribbed structure, which may produce a substantially smooth surface.

[0091] The methods described herein provide composite objects comprising 3D printed parts. Therefore, the present invention also provides, in another aspect, composite objects comprising 3D printed parts obtainable by the methods described herein. In another aspect, composite objects comprising 3D printed parts obtainable by the methods described herein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides composite objects comprising 3D printed parts adhered to metal parts. Specifically, the 3D printed parts may include a layer of 3D printed material. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the 3D printed material may include a first 3D printed material. The first 3D printed material may specifically include a thermoplastic material and metal particles. The metal particles may specifically be at least partially embedded in the thermoplastic material. In an embodiment, the metal particles may include metal. Specifically, at least a portion of the metal may be attached to the metal part (by connecting the particles). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the metal part (e.g., at least 0.25 cm 2 , for example at least 1 cm 2 , for example at least 5 cm 2 , for example at least 10 cm 2 ) including every 4cm 2 At least 1 connected particle, for example every 1cm 2 At least 1 connected particle, such as every 0.25cm 2 At least one connecting particle. As described above, the connecting particles may include metal particles that form an adhesion with the metal component.

[0092] Thus, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a composite object comprising a 3D printed component adhered to a metal component, wherein the 3D printed component comprises a layer of 3D printed material, wherein at least a portion of the 3D printed material comprises a first 3D printed material comprising a thermoplastic material and metal particles, wherein at least a portion of the metal is attached to the metal component. In such a composite object, the metal particles may provide improved adhesion to the metal component.

[0093] Specifically, the 3D printed component may include one or more layers of 3D printed material. More specifically, the 3D printed component may include multiple layers of 3D printed material. The 3D printed component may include two or more layers, such as at least 5 layers, such as at least 10 layers, for example at least 20 layers of 3D printed material in an embodiment.

[0094] The 3D printed part may include multiple layers stacked on top of each other, i.e., stacked layers. For example, in an embodiment, the width (thickness) and height of a (separately 3D printed) layer may be selected from the range of 100-5000 μm, such as 200-2500 μm, with the height generally being smaller than the width. For example, the ratio of height to width may be less than or equal to 0.8, such as less than or equal to 0.6.

[0095] Layers can be core-shell or can consist of a single material. Within a layer, the composition may also change, for example, when a core-shell printing process is applied, from printing a first material (rather than printing a second material) to printing a second material (rather than printing the first material) during the printing process.

[0096] At least a portion of the 3D printed part may include a coating.

[0097] Some specific embodiments related to composite objects have been described above when discussing the method. Some specific embodiments related to composite objects (including 3D printed parts) will be discussed in more detail below.

[0098] As mentioned above, thermoplastic materials have a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C In addition, the metal of the metal particles has a melting temperature T P In an embodiment, |T C -T P |≤60℃, for example |T C -T P |≤50℃, such as |T C -T P |≤30℃, for example |T C -T P |≤20°C. As mentioned above, the thermoplastic material may have a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C Therefore, in the embodiment |T G -T P |≤60℃, for example |T G -T P |≤50℃, such as |T G -T P |≤30℃, for example |T G -T P |≤20°C. Or in an alternative embodiment |T M -T P |≤60℃, for example |T M -T P |≤50℃, such as |T M -T P |≤30℃, for example |T M -T P |≤20°C. In an embodiment, the metal may include one or more of indium and tin. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T MThe transition temperature T selected in C , where the metal has a melting temperature T P , where |T C -T P |≤50°C; and wherein the metal may include one or more of indium and tin.

[0099] As noted above for this method, in an embodiment, T C <T P In particular, T G <T P and / or T M <T P In an alternative embodiment, T C >T P In particular, T G >T P and / or T M >T P In particular, the change in temperature T C It may be in the range of 120-350°C, such as 150-300°C, like 180-250°C.

[0100] As described above, the first 3D printable material may include metal particles in a concentration selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%. Therefore, the first 3D printing material may include metal particles in a concentration selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%. Therefore, at least a portion of the 3D component may include metal particles in a concentration selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%.

[0101] The composite object may in particular comprise a first layer configured to contact the metal component. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first layer may comprise a first 3D printed material. The first 3D printed material may in particular comprise a metal attached to the metal component. In an embodiment, the composite object may further comprise a second layer. The second layer may in particular comprise a second 3D printed material, the second 3D printed material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printed material or excluding metal. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the composite object comprises (i) a first layer configured to contact the metal component, wherein at least a portion of the first layer comprises the first 3D printed material, and (ii) a second layer, the second 3D printed material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printed material or excluding metal. In an embodiment, the composite object may further comprise (a portion of) the first layer not in contact with the metal component. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the composite object may further comprise (a portion of) the second layer in contact with the metal component.

[0102] As described above for the method, the metal particles in the embodiment may be first metal particles, which may have a first melting temperature T P1 In particular, all embodiments described for the metal particles may be applicable to the first metal particles.

[0103] In further embodiments, the composite object may include second metal particles. In particular, the embodiments regarding the shape and size of the metal particles may generally apply to the second metal particles.

[0104] The second metal particles may have a second melting temperature T P2 In an embodiment, T P2 >T P1 . Specifically, T P2 -T P1 >20℃, such as T P2 -T P1 >50℃, e.g. T P2 -T P1 >100°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T P1 >200℃, such as T P2 -T P1 >500℃, e.g. T P2 -T P1 >800℃. Specifically, T P2 >T C In certain embodiments, T P2 -T C ≥50℃, e.g. T P2 -T C ≥75℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥100℃, especially T P2 -T C ≥125°C. In another embodiment, T P2 -T C ≥200℃, such as T P2 -T C ≥500℃, for example, T P2 -T C ≥800°C. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the metal particles may be first metal particles. In certain embodiments, the composite object may further include second metal particles, wherein the (first) metal particles have a first melting temperature T P1 , and the second metal particle has a second melting temperature T P2 , where T P2 -T P1 >100℃.

[0105] In an embodiment, the (first) metal particles may be substantially spherical. Additionally or alternatively, the second metal particles may comprise extensions.

[0106] When the 3D printing material (especially the "first layer") includes (first) metal particles and second metal particles, the combined concentration may be selected from the range of 5-60 vol.%, such as 10-50 vol.%, such as 15-40 vol.%, such as 5-20 vol.%. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the first 3D printing material may include metal particles and second metal particles in a total concentration selected from the range of 10-50 vol.%.

[0107] In certain embodiments, the second metal particles can have an aspect ratio of at least 5, such as at least 10.

[0108] In certain embodiments, a first particle may be provided in association with a second particle. For example, a first metal particle may be associated with a metal wire as a second particle. Such associated granular material may be combined with a thermoplastic material to provide a 3D printing material.

[0109] Therefore, in an embodiment, the shape of the first particle may be different from that of the second particle, in particular the aspect ratio of the second particle is significantly larger. For example, the ratio of the aspect ratio of the first particle to the second particle may be less than 0.5, such as less than 0.1, or even less than 0.05.

[0110] It is worth noting that in embodiments, the first metal particles and the optional second metal particles may be available substantially only in a single layer.

[0111] In an embodiment, at least a portion of a 3D printed component may include a core-shell layer, the core-shell layer including a core and a shell. Specifically, the shell may at least partially surround the core. In an embodiment, the shell may include a first 3D printed material. In an embodiment, the core may include a second 3D printed material. Thus, in a particular embodiment, at least a portion of a 3D printed component includes a core-shell layer, the core-shell layer including a core and a shell, wherein the shell at least partially surrounds the core, wherein the shell includes a first 3D printed material, and wherein the core includes a second 3D printed material.

[0112] The composite object comprising the 3D printed component obtained (using the method described herein) may itself be functional. For example, the composite object comprising the 3D printed component may be a lens, a collimator, a reflector, etc. ... The 3D printed component thus obtained may (alternatively) be used for decorative or artistic purposes. The composite object comprising the 3D printed component may include or be provided with a functional component. The functional component may specifically be selected from the group consisting of an optical component, an electrical component and a magnetic component. The term "optical component" refers in particular to a component having an optical function, such as a lens, a reflector, a light-transmitting element, an optical filter, etc. ... The term optical component may also refer to a light source (such as an LED). The term "electrical component" may, for example, refer to an integrated circuit, a PCB, a battery, a driver, and may also refer to a light source (because a light source can be regarded as an optical component and an electrical component), etc. The term magnetic component may, for example, refer to a magnetic connector, a coil, etc. ... Alternatively, or in addition, the functional component may include a thermal component (e.g., configured to cool or heat an electrical element). Thus, the functional component may be configured to generate heat or remove heat, etc. ...

[0113] As described above, composite objects can be used for different purposes. Among other things, composite objects can be used for lighting. Therefore, on the other hand, the present invention also provides a lighting device comprising a composite object defined herein. In a specific aspect, the present invention provides a lighting system comprising (a) a light source configured to provide (visible) light source light and (b) a composite object comprising a 3D printed component defined herein, wherein the composite object including the 3D printed component can be configured as one or more of the following: (i) at least a portion of a housing, (ii) at least a portion of a lighting chamber wall, and (iii) a functional component, wherein the functional component can be selected from a group consisting of an optical component, a support, an electrically insulating component, a conductive component, a thermally insulating component, and a thermally conductive component. Therefore, in a specific embodiment, the composite object can be configured as one or more of the following: (i) at least a portion of a lighting device housing, (ii) at least a portion of a lighting chamber wall, and (iii) an optical element. Since a relatively smooth surface can be provided, the composite object can be used as a reflector or lens, etc. In an embodiment, the composite object can be configured as a light shield. The device or system can include a plurality of different composite objects with different functions. Additionally or alternatively, the 3D printed component may be used as a reflector or lens, etc. In an embodiment, the 3D printed component may be configured as a light shield. A device or system may include multiple different 3D printed components with different functions.

[0114] As mentioned above, the metal component may be configured as an electrical component, a conductive track, an electromagnetic shield or a heat sink or a heat spreader. Additionally or alternatively, the metal component may be configured as (a part of) a light shield.

[0115] Returning to the 3D printing process, a specific 3D printer can be used to provide the 3D printed items described herein. Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention also provides a fused deposition modeling 3D printer, comprising (a) a printer head comprising a printer nozzle, and (b) a 3D printable material providing device configured to provide 3D printable material to the printer head, wherein the fused deposition modeling 3D printer is configured to provide the 3D printable material according to the method described herein.

[0116] The printer nozzle may include a single opening. In other embodiments, the printer nozzle may be of the core-shell type, having two (or more) openings. The term "printer head" may also refer to a plurality of (different) printer heads; therefore, the term "printer nozzle" may also refer to a plurality of (different) printer nozzles.

[0117] The 3D printable material providing device may provide a filament comprising a 3D printable material to a printer head, or may provide the 3D printable material itself, wherein the printer head creates a filament comprising a 3D printable material. Therefore, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a fused deposition modeling 3D printer, comprising (a) a printer head comprising a printer nozzle, and (b) a filament providing device configured to provide a filament comprising a 3D printable material to the printer head, wherein the fused deposition modeling 3D printer is configured to provide the 3D printable material to a substrate according to the method described herein.

[0118] In particular, the 3D printer comprises a controller (or is functionally coupled to a controller) configured to perform the methods described herein in a control mode (or "operation mode"). In addition to the term "controller", the term "control system" (eg, see above) may also be used.

[0119] The term "control" and similar terms refer in particular at least to determining the behavior or supervising the operation of an element. Therefore, "control" and similar terms herein, for example, may refer to applying behavior (determining the behavior or supervising the operation of an element), etc., such as measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, moving, changing temperature, etc. In addition, the term "control" and similar terms may also include monitoring. Therefore, the term "control" and similar terms may include applying behavior to an element and applying behavior to an element and monitoring the element. The control of an element may be accomplished by a control system, which may also be represented as a "controller". Therefore, the control system and the element may be functionally coupled at least temporarily or permanently. The element may include a control system. In an embodiment, the control system and the element may not be physically coupled. Control may be accomplished by wired and / or wireless control. The term "control system" may also refer to a plurality of different control systems, which are particularly functionally coupled, for example, one of which may be a master control system, and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems. The control system may include a user interface or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0120] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control. In an embodiment, the control system may be controlled via an App on a device, such as a portable device such as a smartphone or I-phone, a tablet, etc. Thus, the device is not necessarily coupled to the lighting system, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0121] Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an App on a remote device. In such an embodiment, the control system of the lighting system may be a slave control system or controlled in slave mode. For example, the lighting system may be identified with a code, in particular a unique code for the respective lighting system. The control system of the lighting system may be configured to be controlled by an external control system, which accesses the lighting system based on knowledge of the (unique) code (entered via a user interface or an optical sensor (e.g. a QR code reader)). The lighting system may also comprise means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as based on Bluetooth, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE or WiMAX or other wireless technologies.

[0122] The system, device or apparatus may perform actions in a "mode" or "mode of operation" or "mode of operation". Likewise, in a method, actions, phases or steps may be performed in a "mode" or "mode of operation" or "mode of operation" or "operational mode". The term "mode" may also be expressed as a "control mode". This does not exclude that the system, device or apparatus may also be adapted to provide another control mode or multiple other control modes. Likewise, this does not exclude that one or more other modes may be performed before and / or after the execution of the mode.

[0123] However, in an embodiment, a control system is available which is adapted to provide at least a control mode. If other modes are available, the selection of these modes can in particular be performed via a user interface, although other options, such as executing a mode according to a sensor signal or a (time) scheme, are also possible. An operating mode in an embodiment may also refer to a system, device or apparatus that can only operate in a single operating mode (i.e. "on", without further adjustability).

[0124] Therefore, in an embodiment, the control system may be controlled according to one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal (of a sensor) and a timer.The term "timer" may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0125] The term "fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer" may be shortened to "3D printer", "FDM printer" or "printer". The printer nozzle may also be denoted as "nozzle" and sometimes as "extruder nozzle". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0126] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0127] 1a-1c schematically depict some general aspects of one embodiment of a 3D printer and 3D printing material;

[0128] Figures 2a to 2c schematically depict some further aspects of the present invention;

[0129] Figures 3a-3e schematically depict some aspects of metal particles;

[0130] Figures 4a to 4d schematically illustrate some further aspects of the present invention;

[0131] Figures 5a-5c schematically depict some further aspects of the present invention;

[0132] Figure 6 schematically illustrates some aspects of pre-processing of metal parts; and

[0133] Figure 7 An application is schematically depicted. The schematic diagram is not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0134] Figure 1a schematically depicts some aspects of a 3D printer. Reference numeral 500 denotes a 3D printer. Reference numeral 530 denotes a functional unit configured for 3D printing, in particular FDM 3D printing; the reference numeral may also denote a 3D printing stage unit. Here, only a printer head for providing 3D printing material, such as an FDM 3D printer head, is schematically depicted. Reference numeral 501 denotes a printer head. The 3D printer of the present invention may in particular include a plurality of printer heads (see below). Reference numeral 502 denotes a printer nozzle. The 3D printer of the present invention may in particular include a plurality of printer nozzles, but other embodiments are also possible. Reference numeral 320 denotes a filament of a printable 3D printable material (as shown above). In addition to filaments, pellets may also be used as 3D printable material. Both may be extruded through a printer nozzle.

[0135] For the sake of clarity, not all features of the 3D printer are described, only those features that are particularly relevant to the present invention (see below). Reference numeral 321 denotes an extrudate (of 3D printable material 201).

[0136] The 3D printer 500 is configured to generate a 3D printed part 1 by depositing a plurality of layers 322 layer by layer on a receiving object 550, which in an embodiment may be at least temporarily cooled, wherein each layer 322 comprises a 3D printable material 201, such as a 3D printable material having a melting point T m The 3D printable material 201 may be deposited on the substrate 1550 (during the printing phase). By being deposited, the 3D printable material 201 has become the 3D printing material 202. The 3D printable material 201 escaping from the nozzle 502 is also indicated as extrudate 321. Reference numeral 401 indicates a thermoplastic material.

[0137] The 3D printer 500 may be configured to heat the filament 320 material upstream of the printer nozzle 502. This may be achieved, for example, by a device including one or more extruders and / or heating functions. Such a device is indicated by reference numeral 573 and is arranged upstream of the printer nozzle 502 (i.e., before the filament material leaves the printer nozzle 502). The printer head 501 may (thus) include a liquefier or heater. Reference numeral 201 indicates a printable material. When deposited, the material is indicated as a 3D printing material, indicated by reference numeral 202.

[0138] Reference numeral 572 denotes a spool or drum with material, in particular in the form of a thread, which may be denoted as filament 320. The 3D printer 500 converts this into an extrudate 321 downstream of the printer nozzle, which becomes a layer 322 on the receiving article or deposited printing material. Typically, the diameter of the extrudate 321 downstream of the nozzle 502 is reduced relative to the diameter of the filament 320 upstream of the printer head 501. Therefore, the printer nozzle is sometimes (also) denoted as an extruder nozzle. Arranged layer by layer 322, a 3D printed part 1 can be formed. Reference numeral 575 denotes a filament providing device, which here includes a spool or drum denoted by reference numeral 576 and a drive wheel.

[0139] Reference Ax denotes the longitudinal or filament axis.

[0140] Reference numeral 300 schematically depicts a control system. The control system may be configured to control the 3D printer 500. The control system 300 may be comprised by the 3D printer 500 or functionally coupled to the 3D printer 500. The control system 300 may also comprise or be functionally coupled to a temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the received item 550 and / or the printer head 501. Such a temperature control system may include a heater capable of heating the received item 550 to a temperature of at least 50°C, but in particular in the range of up to about 350°C, such as at least 200°C.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments, the receiver plate can also move in one or both directions in the xy plane (horizontal plane). Also, alternatively or additionally, in embodiments, the receiver plate can also rotate about the z axis (vertical). Thus, the control system can move the receiver plate in one or more of the x-direction, the y-direction, and the z-direction.

[0142] Alternatively, the printer head of the printer can also rotate during the printing process. The advantage of this printer is that the printed material cannot rotate during printing.

[0143] The layer is denoted by reference numeral 322 and has a layer height H and a layer width W.

[0144] Note that the 3D printable material is not necessarily provided to the printer head as a filament 320. Furthermore, the filament 320 may also be made from sheets of 3D printable material in the 3D printer 500. Thus, the nozzle 502 may effectively make the filament 320 from the granular 3D printable material 201, which is identified as a layer 322 (comprising the 3D printing material 202) when deposited. Note that the shape of the extrudate may further change during the printing process, for example due to smearing of the 3D printable material 201 / 3D printing material 202 by the nozzle. FIG. 1 b schematically depicts that the granular 3D printable material 201 may also be used as a feed to the printer nozzle 502.

[0145] Reference D denotes the diameter of the nozzle through which the 3D printable material 201 is forced. However, the nozzle is not necessarily circular.

[0146] FIG. 1 b shows in 3D more detail the printing of the 3D printed part 1 being constructed. Here, in this schematic diagram, the ends of the layers in a single plane are not connected to each other, but in practice this may be the case in embodiments. Reference numeral H indicates the height of the layer. The layer is indicated by reference numeral 322. Here, the layers have a substantially circular cross-section. However, they may generally be flat, such as having a profile similar to a flat oval tube or a flat oval pipe (i.e., a round rod with a diameter, which is compressed to have a height less than the width, wherein the sides (defining the width) are (still) circular).

[0147] Thus, Figure 1a schematically depicts some aspects of a fused deposition modeling 3D printer 500, including (a) a first printer head 501 including a printer nozzle 502, (b) a filament providing device 575 configured to provide a filament 320 including a 3D printable material 201 to the first printer head 501, and optionally (c) a receiver item 550, which can be used to provide a layer of 3D printing material 202.

[0148] 1b schematically illustrates some aspects of a fused deposition modeling 3D printer 500 (or a portion thereof), including a first printer head 501 including a printer nozzle 502, and an optional receiver item (not depicted) that can be used to provide a layer of 3D printing material 202. Such a fused deposition modeling 3D printer 500 may also include a 3D printable material providing device configured to provide the 3D printable material 201 to the first printer head.

[0149] In Figures 1a-1b, the first or second printable material or the first or second printing material is represented by the general indications printable material 201 and printing material 202, respectively. Downstream of the nozzle 502, the filament 320 of the 3D printable material becomes a layer 322 of the 3D printing material 202 when deposited. In Figure 1b, for example, since the distance between the nozzle 502 and the 3D printing material (or receiver item (not depicted)) is short, the extrusion is essentially directly a layer 322 of the 3D printing material 202.

[0150] FIG1c schematically depicts a stack of 3D printed layers 322, each layer having a layer height H and a layer width W. Note that in embodiments, the layer width and / or layer height of two or more layers 322 may be different. The layer width and / or layer height may also vary within a layer. Reference numeral 252 in FIG1c denotes an article surface of a 3D printed part (schematically shown in FIG1c ).

[0151] 1a - 1c , the deposited filaments of 3D printable material result in layers having a height H (and width W). Layer by layer 322 is deposited 322 , generating a 3D printed part 1 . A single-walled 3D printed part 1 is depicted very schematically in FIG1c .

[0152] FIG. 2a schematically depicts some aspects of a method for providing an apparatus 400 comprising a 3D printed component 1 adhered to a metal component 420. Specifically, the method may include providing a metal component 420 and then performing a 3D printing phase, which includes depositing an extrudate 321 comprising a 3D printable material 201 on the metal component 420 layer by layer by fused deposition modeling. In this way, a composite object 400 of a metal component 420 and a 3D printed component 1 may be provided. Specifically, the 3D printed component 1 includes a layer 322 of a 3D printed material 202. The 3D printing phase may specifically include ... N The 3D printable material 201 is directed through the printer nozzle 502, wherein the 3D printable material 201 is deposited on the metal part 420. In an embodiment, during a first 3D printing stage of the 3D printing stage, the 3D printable material 201 may include a first 3D printable material 2011, which includes a thermoplastic material 401 and metal particles 410 at least partially embedded therein. The metal particles 410 forming such a connection may be referred to as connecting particles 414. The connecting particles 414 may specifically be deformed during deposition. In an embodiment, the connecting particles 414 may include melted, deformed, and solidified metal particles. The thermoplastic material 401 has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C The metal 411 of the metal particle 410 has a melting temperature TP In certain embodiments, T N >T P , especially T N -T P ≥50°C. In particular, in the embodiment T N >T C , for example in the embodiment T N -T C ≥50°C. In another embodiment, |T C -T P |≤50°C. This may facilitate the processing of the 3D printable material 201. In an embodiment, the metal part may be (temporarily) heated to a temperature above T P temperature.

[0153] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, T C <T P However, in an alternative embodiment, T C >T P . Specifically, T C The temperature may be selected from the range of 150-300° C. In certain embodiments, the method may further include controlling the extrusion rate V during the first 3D printing stage. E and nozzle temperature T N , to melt at least 50wt% of the metal 411 in the first 3D printable material 2011. In another embodiment, the metal part can be heated to>T P In certain embodiments, the metal 411 of the metal particles 410 may include one or more of indium and tin or alloys thereof. As shown in FIG. 2a , the layer has a layer height H. The metal particles 410 have a particle size as shown in FIG. 3 and explained below. In certain embodiments of the method, H <L3。

[0154] FIG2b schematically shows an embodiment of a composite object 400 of the present invention. Specifically, the composite object 400 includes a metal component 420 and a 3D printed component 1. The 3D printed component 1 includes a layer 322 of a 3D printed material 202, wherein at least a portion of the 3D printed material 202 includes a first 3D printed material 2012, the first 3D printed material 2012 including a thermoplastic material 401 and metal particles 410 at least partially embedded therein, the metal particles including metal 411. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the metal 411 can be attached to the metal component 420.

[0155] FIG2c schematically illustrates an embodiment of a composite object obtainable by the method of the present invention, wherein the 3D printing stage includes a second 3D printing stage. Specifically, the second 3D printing stage may include depositing the 3D printable material 201 on the previously deposited layer 322 (i.e., the first layer 1322). Specifically, the 3D printable material 201 includes a second 3D printable material 2021, which may include a lower content of metal 411 than the first 3D printable material 2011, or may not include metal particles 410 (as in the illustrated embodiment). The illustrated embodiment includes a first layer 1322, which is configured to contact a metal component 420. Specifically, at least a portion of the first layer 1322 may include the first 3D printing material 2012 (including metal 411 attached to the metal component 420). In an embodiment, the composite object may include a second layer 2322 including a second 3D printing material 2022 including a lower content of metal 411 than the first 3D printing material 2012 or including no metal 411 .

[0156] 3a-3b schematically depict embodiments of particles 410. FIG. 3a depicts a particle 410 having a rectangular prism shape, wherein the rectangular prism 415 has a length L1, a width L2, and a height L3, wherein L1 ≥ L2 ≥ L3. FIG. 3b schematically depicts a particle having a less regular shape (such as a piece of broken glass), wherein a virtual minimum rectangular prism 415 surrounds the particle. The rectangular prism 415 has a length L1, a width L2, and a height L3, wherein L1 ≥ L2 ≥ L3. In addition, the rectangular prism 415 has a first aspect ratio AR1 = L1 / L3 and a second aspect ratio AR2 = L2 / L3.

[0157] Furthermore, please note that the particles are not essentially elliptical or rectangular prisms. The particles can have any shape, especially the length L1 is in the range of 30-3000. Of course, the particles can include a combination of particles of different shapes. In a particular embodiment, the metal particles 410 can be substantially spherical, as schematically shown in Figure 3c. Alternatively (or additionally), the metal particles 410 can include a plurality of extensions 412, as schematically shown in Figure 3d. However, in an embodiment, the metal particles can have any shape.

[0158] Figure 3e schematically shows some embodiments of the second metal particles 409. As schematically shown in Embodiment I, the second metal particles 409 may include a plurality of extensions 412. Alternatively, the second metal particles 409 may be substantially spherical (not shown as a separate embodiment in this figure). Alternatively, as schematically shown in Embodiments II-IV, the second metal particles may have a relatively large aspect ratio, for example, at least 10. In Embodiment II, a rod-shaped second metal particle 409 is schematically shown, while in Embodiment III, a wire-shaped second metal particle 409 is schematically shown. Embodiment IV schematically shows the association of the first metal particles 410 and the second metal particles 409. Particularly when the latter has a higher aspect ratio and extends relative to the former, good connection can be provided.

[0159] In addition, the particulate material embedded in the 3D printable material or embedded in the 3D printed material may include a wide distribution of particle sizes.

[0160] In a particular embodiment, the aspect ratios AR1 and AR2 may be selected in the range of 1-10000 respectively, and in particular, at least one of AR1 and AR2 is at least 5.

[0161] In an alternative embodiment, the aspect ratios AR1 and AR2 may be separately selected from the range of 1-2.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 4a, the method may include using a 3D printer 500 including a core-shell nozzle 5024, where the core-shell nozzle 5024 includes a core nozzle 5025 and a shell nozzle 5026. In an embodiment, the shell nozzle may at least partially surround the core nozzle 5025. The method may further include guiding a first 3D printable material 2011 through the shell nozzle 5026 or the core nozzle 5025 during the 3D printing stage. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include guiding a second 3D printable material 2021 through the other of the shell nozzle 5026 and the core nozzle 5025, where the second 3D printable material 2021 includes a lower content of metal 411 than the first 3D printable material 2011 or does not include metal particles 410. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, the first 3D printable material 2021 is guided through the shell nozzle 5026, while the second 3D printable material 2021 is guided through the core nozzle 5025. In the shown embodiment, the core-shell layer 5322 has a shell thickness H2, where H2 < L3. In a particular embodiment, the first 3D printable material 2011 may include metal particles 410, and its concentration is selected from the range of 10-50 vol.%.

[0163] 4b schematically depicts a composite body 400, wherein at least a portion of the 3D printed component 1 comprises a core-shell layer 5322, which comprises a core 330 and a shell 340. In an embodiment, the shell 340 at least partially surrounds the core 330. Specifically, the core 330 comprises a core material 331, and the shell 340 comprises a shell material 341. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 340 comprises a first 3D printed material 2012, and the core 330 comprises a second 3D printed material 2022. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the metal 411 may be attached to the metal component 420.

[0164] 4 c depicts a specific embodiment of a composite object 400 that may be obtained by a method that includes directing only the second 3D printable material 2021 and not the first 3D printable material 2011 through the core-shell nozzle 5024 during a second 3D printing phase.

[0165] As schematically shown in FIG. 2 c and FIG. 4 c , in embodiments, the first metal particles and the optional second metal particles may in embodiments be substantially available only in a single layer 322 , here the first layer 1322 .

[0166] FIG4d shows a specific embodiment of a composite object 400 that can be obtained by a method that includes directing only the first 3D printable material 2011 and not the second 3D printable material 2021 through the core-shell nozzle 5024 during a first 3D printing phase, and directing only the second 3D printable material 2021 and not the first 3D printable material 2011 through the core-shell nozzle 5024 during a second 3D printing phase. The method can be particularly convenient for alternating between the first 3D printing phase and the second 3D printing phase. In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 1322 includes the metal particles 410 and the second metal particles 409. Another first layer 1322 of the illustrated embodiment includes only the metal particles 410 and not the second metal particles 409. In an alternative embodiment, all first layers 1322 may include the metal particles 410 and the second metal particles 409. In yet another alternative embodiment, all first layers 1322 may include only the metal particles 410 and not the second metal particles 409. 4d , the first 3D printing material may include metal particles and second metal particles with a total concentration selected from the range of 10-50 vol. %.

[0167] FIG5 a schematically depicts a filament 320 for producing a 3D printed component 1 by fused deposition modeling. The filament 320 may include, in particular, a first 3D printable material 2011 comprising a thermoplastic material 401 and metal particles 410 at least partially embedded therein. The filament has a thickness H F The filament may have a thickness H FIn the embodiment, 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤1, such as 0.3≤L3 / H F ≤1, for example 0.5≤L3 / H F ≤1, such as 0.6≤L3 / H F ≤0.9. In other embodiments, 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤0.7, such as 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤0.6, such as 0.2≤L3 / H F ≤0.5. As mentioned above, the thermoplastic material 401 has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C The metal 411 of the metal particle 410 has a melting temperature T P , in a specific embodiment, |T C -T P |≤50° C. Specifically, the metal 411 in the metal particles 410 may include one or more of indium and tin.

[0168] FIG5 b schematically shows another embodiment of a filament. Specifically, the filament 320 may include a core-shell filament 1320, the core-shell filament 1320 including a core 330 and a shell 340, the core 330 including a second 3D printable material 2021, the second 3D printable material 2021 including a metal 411 having a lower content than the first 3D printable material 2011 or not including metal particles 410, and the shell 340 including the first 3D printable material 2011. In a specific embodiment, the core-shell filament has a shell thickness H 2F , where 0.5≤L3 / H 2F ≤1.

[0169] 5c schematically shows an embodiment of a core-shell nozzle 5024, wherein the core-shell nozzle 5024 includes a core nozzle 5025 and a shell nozzle 5026. Specifically, the shell nozzle may at least partially surround the core nozzle 5025.

[0170] Figure 6 Some further embodiments of the method of the present invention are schematically depicted. In certain embodiments, the method may include performing a pre-processing phase prior to the 3D printing phase. Specifically, the pre-processing phase may include one or more of the following in embodiments: (i) cleaning the metal component 420, (ii) roughening the metal component 420, (iii) providing one or more recesses 421 in the metal component 420, and (iv) providing the metal component 420 with one or more metal component protrusions 422.

[0171] Figure 7An embodiment of a lamp or luminaire is schematically depicted, indicated by reference numeral 2, comprising a light source 10 for generating light 11. The lamp may include a housing or a shade or other element, which may include or be a composite object 400. Here, a hemisphere (in a cross-sectional view) schematically represents the housing or shade. The lamp or luminaire may be or may include a lighting device 1000 (which includes the light source 10). Thus, in a particular embodiment, the lighting device 1000 includes a composite object 400, which includes a 3D printed component 1 and a metal component 420. The composite object 400 may be configured as one or more of: (i) at least a portion of a lighting device housing, (ii) at least a portion of a lighting chamber wall, and (iii) an optical element. Thus, in an embodiment, the 3D printed component may reflect the light source light 11 and / or transmit the light source light 11. Here, the 3D printed component may be, for example, a housing or a shade. The housing or shade includes the composite object 400.

[0172] The term "plurality" means two or more.

[0173] The terms "substantially" or "essentially" and similar terms herein will be understood by those skilled in the art. The terms "substantially" or "essentially" may also include embodiments with "all", "completely", "all", etc. Therefore, in embodiments, the adjectives "substantially" or "essentially" may also be deleted. Where applicable, "substantially" or "essentially" may also relate to 90% or more, such as 95% or more, in particular 99% or more, even more in particular 99.5% or more, including 100%.

[0174] The term "comprising" also includes embodiments wherein the term "comprising" means "consisting of.

[0175] The term "and / or" refers in particular to one or more of the items mentioned before and after "and / or". For example, the phrase "item 1 and / or item 2" and similar phrases may refer to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term "comprising" may mean "consisting of" in one embodiment, but may also mean "comprising at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species" in another embodiment.

[0176] Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. It is understood that these terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0177] The apparatus, device or system during operation is described herein, among other things. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or apparatus, device or system during operation.

[0178] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0179] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0180] Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprises", "comprising", etc. are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to".

[0181] The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0182] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements and a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, an apparatus claim or a system claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0183] The present invention also provides a control system that can control the device, apparatus or system, or can perform the method or process described herein. In addition, the present invention also provides a computer program product that, when functionally coupled to the device, apparatus or system or run on a computer included by the device, apparatus or system, controls one or more controllable elements of the device, apparatus or system.

[0184] The present invention also applies to an apparatus, device or system comprising one or more features described in the specification and / or shown in the drawings. The present invention also relates to a method or process comprising one or more features described in the specification and / or shown in the drawings.

[0185] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand

[0186] The embodiments may be combined, and two or more embodiments may be combined.

[0187] Furthermore, certain features may form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

[0188] It goes without saying that one or more of the first (printable or printed) material and the second (printable or printed) material may contain fillers, such as glass and fibers, which have an impact on the T of the material. G or T M No impact.

Claims

1. A method for providing a composite object (400) comprising a 3D printed component (1) adhered to a metal component (420), wherein: The method comprises the following steps: providing the metal component (420) and then performing a 3D printing phase, wherein the 3D printing phase comprises depositing a 3D printable material (201) layer by layer on the metal component (420) by fused deposition modeling to provide the composite object (400); wherein the 3D printed component (1) comprises a layer (322) of 3D printed material (202); The 3D printing stage includes a nozzle temperature T N directing the 3D printable material (201) through a printer nozzle (502); During a first 3D printing phase of the 3D printing phase, wherein a 3D printable material (201) is deposited on the metal component (420), the following apply: (i) the 3D printable material (201) comprises a first 3D printable material (2011), the first 3D printable material (2011) comprising a thermoplastic material (401) and metal particles (410); wherein the metal (411) of the metal particles (410) has a melting temperature T P , and (ii) T N >T P .

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material (401) has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C , where |T C -T P |≤50℃, where T N -T C ≥50℃, and where T N -T P ≥50℃.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein T C <T P .

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein T C >T P .

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 3D printing stage comprises a second 3D printing stage, the second 3D printing stage comprising: The 3D printable material (201) is deposited on a previously deposited layer (322), wherein the 3D printable material (201) comprises a second 3D printable material (2021), the second 3D printable material (2021) comprises a lower content of metal (411) than the first 3D printable material (2011) or does not contain metal particles (410); wherein the metal (411) of the metal particles (410) comprises one or more of indium and tin.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: Using a 3D printer (500) comprising a core-shell nozzle (5024), wherein the core-shell nozzle (5024) comprises a core nozzle (5025) and a shell nozzle (5026); wherein the method further comprises directing (i) the first 3D printable material (2011) through the shell nozzle (5026) and directing (ii) the second 3D printable material (2021) through the core nozzle (5025) during the 3D printing stage, the second 3D printable material (2021) comprising a lower content of metal (411) than the first 3D printable material (2011) or not including metal particles (410).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: A pre-processing stage is performed before the 3D printing stage, wherein the pre-processing stage includes one or more of the following: (i) cleaning the metal part (420), (ii) roughening the metal part (420), (iii) providing one or more recesses (421) in the metal part (420), and (iv) providing one or more metal part protrusions (422) to the metal part (420).

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first 3D printable material (2011) further comprises second metal particles (409), wherein the metal particles (410) have a first melting temperature T P1 , and wherein the second metal particles (409) have a second melting temperature T P2 , where T N >T P1 And where T N <T P2 , and wherein the first 3D printable material (2011) includes the metal particles (410) and the second metal particles (409), and the total concentration thereof is selected from the range of 10 vol.%-50 vol.%.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the metal particles (410) are spherical, and wherein the second metal particles (409) have at least one aspect ratio of at least 10.

10. A core-shell filament (320) for producing a 3D printed part (1) by fused deposition modeling, for use in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the core-shell filament (320) comprising: (i) a shell comprising the first 3D printable material, and (ii) a core comprising a second 3D printable material, the second 3D printable material comprising a lower content of metal than the first 3D printable material or excluding metal particles.

11. A composite object (400) comprising a 3D printed component (1) adhered to a metal component (420), wherein the 3D printed component (1) comprises a layer (322) of a 3D printed material (202), wherein at least a portion of the 3D printed material (202) comprises a first 3D printed material (2012), the first 3D printed material (2012) comprising a thermoplastic material (401) and metal particles (410) comprising a metal (411), wherein at least a portion of the metal (411) is attached to the metal component (420), wherein the thermoplastic material (401) has a glass transition temperature T G and melting temperature T M The selected change temperature T C , wherein the metal (411) has a melting temperature T P , where |T C -T P |≤50°C; wherein the metal (411) comprises one or more of indium and tin; and wherein the first 3D printing material (2012) comprises the metal particles (410) having a concentration selected from the range of 10 vol.%-50 vol.%.

12. The composite object (400) of claim 11, wherein the metal component (410) comprises one or more of: an electrical component, a conductive track, an electromagnetic shield, a heat sink, and a heat spreader.

13. The composite object (400) according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 12, comprising: (i) a first layer (1322) configured to contact the metal component (420), wherein at least a portion of the first layer (1322) includes the first 3D printing material (2012), and (ii) a second layer (2322) including a second 3D printing material (2022), the second 3D printing material (2022) including a lower content of metal (411) than the first 3D printing material (2012) or including no metal (411), wherein the first 3D printing material (2012) further includes second metal particles (409), wherein the metal particles (410) have a first melting point T P1 , and wherein the second metal particles (409) have a second melting temperature T P2 , where T P2 -T P1 >100℃.

14. A composite object (400) according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, wherein at least a portion of the 3D printed component (1) comprises a core-shell layer (5322), the core-shell layer comprising a core (330) and a shell (340), wherein the shell (340) at least partially surrounds the core (330), wherein the shell (340) comprises the first 3D printed material (2012), and wherein the core (330) comprises the second 3D printed material (2022) as defined in claim 13.

15. A lighting device (1000), comprising a composite object (400) according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, wherein the composite object (400) is configured as one or more of the following: (i) at least a portion of a lighting device housing, (ii) at least a portion of a wall of a lighting chamber, and (iii) an optical element.

Images