Composite 3D printer and printing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a composite 3D printer and a printing method thereof.The 3D printer comprises a photocuring printing module and a fusion printing module, the photocuring printing module comprises a first printing platform, a blade coating assembly is arranged above the first printing platform, the fusion printing module comprises a second printing platform, and a spray head assembly is arranged on the second printing platform; the spray head assembly comprises a Y-axis driving unit, and a spray head unit is arranged at the output end of the Y-axis driving unit; by means of the mode that the blade coating assembly and the spray head assembly alternately conduct printing on the first printing platform and the second printing platform, the 3D printer can print a plurality of objects made of different materials and print objects made of composite materials at the same time; the problems that most existing 3D printers are limited by single-material printing, so that the printing efficiency is low, and the practicability is low are solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of 3D printing, and particularly relates to a composite 3D printer and a printing method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology based on the principle of layer-by-layer material accumulation, and is often used to create samples in the product development stage. However, the existing 3D printers are usually equipped with only a single printing platform and are limited to single-material operation, which not only cannot print multiple different materials at the same time, but also cannot print composite materials. For example, in the field of metal / ceramic composite printing, products such as electronic ceramic devices, ceramic packaging, and multi-layer ceramic substrates need to be printed by two materials, and the single-material operation of the 3D printer cannot meet the printing needs of such products.

[0003] In the prior art, a 3D printer with fast printing function is disclosed in the patent document with publication number CN105818390B, which keeps the printing platform always horizontal by floating and improves the printing rate by simultaneously operating multiple printing nozzles. However, this 3D printer is only provided with one material tray, and can only print the same material at a time, which not only cannot print multiple different materials at the same time, but also cannot print composite materials. When the user needs to print composite materials, this printer cannot meet the user's needs, and has low practicality. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the problems in the prior art, the present application proposes a composite 3D printer and a printing method thereof, which enables the 3D printer to print multiple different materials at the same time and print composite materials, and solves the problem of low printing efficiency and low practicality caused by the limitation of single-material printing of most existing 3D printers.

[0005] The present application is implemented as follows: a composite 3D printer, comprising a rack, a printing mechanism arranged in the rack, the printing mechanism comprising a workbench, an X-axis drive module arranged on the workbench, and a photocuring printing module and a melting printing module arranged side by side along the extension direction of the X-axis drive module, the photocuring printing module comprising a first printing platform mounted on the workbench, and a doctor blade assembly arranged above the first printing platform; the melting printing module comprising a second printing platform mounted on the workbench, and a nozzle assembly arranged on the second printing platform, the nozzle assembly comprising a Y-axis drive unit, and a nozzle unit arranged at the output end of the Y-axis drive unit; the X-axis drive module is provided with output ends corresponding to the doctor blade assembly and the nozzle assembly respectively and independently controlled, and the doctor blade assembly and the nozzle assembly are respectively mounted on the output ends corresponding to the X-axis drive module;

[0006] The light-curing printing module further comprises a first feeding module and a light machine assembly, the first feeding module feeds to the first printing platform, after being scraped by the scraping assembly, the printing material is cured by the light machine assembly; the melting printing module further comprises a second feeding module, the second feeding module feeds to the nozzle assembly, and the printing material is sprayed to the first printing platform or the second printing platform by the nozzle assembly;

[0007] When multiple different materials are needed to print the objects, the light-curing printing module and the melting printing module independently print the objects of different materials respectively, and do not interfere with each other, so that the 3D printer can print multiple objects of different materials at the same time, and the printing efficiency of the 3D printer is improved.

[0008] When a composite material is needed to print the object, the scraping assembly and the nozzle assembly alternately print on the first printing platform, so that the scraping assembly prints the first material and the nozzle assembly prints the second material, so that the 3D printer can print the object of the composite material, and the practicability of the 3D printer is improved.

[0009] When multiple different materials are needed to print the objects, and the printed objects include the object of the composite material, the scraping assembly and the nozzle assembly alternately print the first material and the second material on the first printing platform respectively, and when the nozzle assembly does not need to print the second material on the first printing platform, the nozzle assembly goes to the second printing platform to print the object of the second material only, so that the printing efficiency of the 3D printer is improved, and meanwhile, the printing material in the nozzle assembly is prevented from cooling, so that the printing material that needs to be removed or the cooling and solidified printing material that needs to be reheated and melted when the nozzle assembly prints again is avoided, and thus the waste of the printing material is reduced or the printing efficiency is improved.

[0010] Preferably, the scraping assembly comprises symmetrically arranged scraper members, the scraper member comprises a scraper driving unit, an installation plate is arranged at the output end of the scraper driving unit, and the scraper driving unit drives the installation plate to move up and down along the Z axis; a blade is arranged on the installation plate, the blade extends along the Y axis and moves synchronously with the installation plate; the blade extending along the Y axis can efficiently scrape the printing material on the first printing platform into a uniform plane under the drive of the X axis driving module, the material forming action is simplified, the printing efficiency is significantly improved, and when the scraper member returns, the blade can be lifted synchronously with the installation plate, so that the secondary scraping phenomenon is effectively avoided, the consistency of the scraping quality is ensured, and the reliability of the scraping assembly is improved.

[0011] The scraping assembly further comprises a stroke adjusting unit and a buffer limiting unit, the output end of the stroke adjusting unit is provided with a length-adjustable top rod, and the extension length of the top rod is adjusted by rotation or sliding; the buffer limiting unit is adjustably screwed on the mounting plate, and the length of the buffer limiting unit extending from the mounting plate is matched with the top rod. The stroke adjusting unit is used to adjust the height of the blade during scraping, so as to prevent the blade from being pressed too much and avoid affecting the scraping quality due to inconsistent height of the blade. The top rod is used to conveniently adjust the scraping height of the blade when the product is changed, which significantly improves the operation convenience.

[0012] Preferably, the light machine assembly is installed on one side of the scraping assembly, comprising a mounting seat, the mounting seat is provided with a first adjusting member, the output end of the first adjusting member is adjustable along the Z-axis direction; the two sides of the mounting seat are also provided with symmetrically arranged first guide members. The first adjusting member is used to adjust the size of the light spot formed by the light machine assembly, so that the size of the light spot is matched with the first printing platform, avoiding that the light spot is too large to weaken the illumination intensity, or the light spot is too small to cover the first printing platform, thereby improving the reliability of the light machine assembly. The first guide member guides when adjusting the size of the light spot, avoiding jamming when adjusting the size of the light spot and avoiding the center of the light spot from being offset, thereby improving the reliability of the first adjusting member.

[0013] Specifically, the light curing printing module further comprises a light machine seat installed on the first adjusting member, the light machine seat comprises a second adjusting member and a light machine unit, the second adjusting member is adjustable along the Y-axis direction and is in transmission connection with the light machine unit, and the light emitting surface of the light machine unit faces the first printing platform; the two sides of the light machine unit are provided with symmetrically arranged second guide members, the second guide members are connected with the light machine unit and the light machine seat, and the second adjusting member is installed on one of the second guide members. The second adjusting member is used to adjust the center position of the light spot, so that the center of the light spot coincides with the center of the first printing platform, further ensuring that the size of the light spot is matched with the first printing platform.

[0014] Preferably, the first printing platform and the second printing platform are each provided with a Z-axis driving unit, each Z-axis driving unit driving the table of the first printing platform and the second printing platform to move up and down along the Z-axis; when the first printing platform and the second printing platform start printing, the tables of the first printing platform and the second printing platform are located at the highest limit of the Z-axis driving unit and gradually descend during printing. The Z-axis driving unit forms the first printing platform and the second printing platform as a sunken platform, and when the material is accumulated by the way of platform sinking, the X-axis driving module and the Y-axis driving unit do not need to be lifted, thereby reducing the suspended mass of the 3D printer, and further reducing the vibration generated when the X-axis driving module and the Y-axis driving unit move, thereby improving the printing precision compared with the way of accumulating material by lifting the nozzle.

[0015] Preferably, the nozzle assembly further comprises a heating unit, the heating unit is arranged at the nozzle of the nozzle unit and surrounds the nozzle. The heating unit is used to heat the printing material at the nozzle unit, so as to avoid the printing material at the nozzle unit from being cooled and solidified to block the nozzle unit, thereby improving the reliability of the nozzle unit.

[0016] Preferably, the X-axis driving module comprises X-axis driving units arranged side by side, and connecting plates corresponding to the blade coating assembly and the nozzle assembly respectively, the corresponding output ends of each X-axis driving unit move synchronously, and each connecting plate connects the corresponding output end of the X-axis driving unit. The X-axis driving units arranged side by side make the driving force provided by the X-axis driving module more uniform, thereby reducing the risk of jamming of the blade coating assembly and the nozzle assembly, and improving the reliability of the X-axis driving module.

[0017] Preferably, the first feeding module comprises a first hopper and an extrusion member matched with the first hopper, the output end of the extrusion member extends into the first hopper; the first feeding module further comprises a first material conveying pipe, the first material conveying pipe connects the first hopper and the first printing platform; the extrusion member controls the depth of the output end of the extrusion member extending into the first hopper through a motor, thereby improving the feeding precision of the first feeding module, avoiding the deviation of the size of the printed object caused by too much feeding at one time, and further improving the printing precision.

[0018] The second feeding module comprises a second hopper corresponding to the nozzle unit, and the second hopper is connected with the nozzle unit. The storage capacity of the second hopper for the nozzle unit reduces the number of times of adding printing material to the nozzle unit, and improves the printing efficiency of the nozzle unit.

[0019] A printing method applied to the composite 3D printer, comprising the following steps:

[0020] S1: determining the kind and quantity of the objects to be printed;

[0021] S2-1: when the objects to be printed are made of different materials, the light-cured printing module and the fused printing module print the objects made of different materials respectively and independently;

[0022] S2-2: when the objects to be printed are made of composite materials, the doctor blade assembly and the nozzle assembly print on the first printing platform alternately, the doctor blade assembly prints the first material and the nozzle assembly prints the second material;

[0023] S2-3: when the objects to be printed are made of different materials and the objects to be printed include the objects made of composite materials, the doctor blade assembly and the nozzle assembly print the first material and the second material respectively and alternately on the first printing platform, and when the nozzle assembly does not need to print the second material on the first printing platform, the nozzle assembly goes to the second printing platform to print the objects made of the second material only.

[0024] Specifically, step 2-3 specifically comprises the following steps:

[0025] S2-3-1: dividing the objects printed on the first printing platform into a plurality of printing layers with uniform thickness;

[0026] S2-3-2: when the printing layer does not have the second material, the doctor blade assembly prints the printing layer on the first printing platform, and the nozzle assembly prints the objects made of the second material only on the second printing platform;

[0027] S2-3-3: when the printing layer has the first material and the second material, the nozzle assembly first prints the part of the printing layer made of the second material on the first printing platform, then the nozzle assembly moves to the second printing platform to print or continue to print the objects made of the second material only; the doctor blade assembly prints the part of the printing layer made of the first material after the part of the printing layer made of the second material is solidified by the nozzle assembly; after the doctor blade assembly finishes printing, the light-cured printing module performs light curing, and then the first printing platform is lowered to make the top surface of the printed printing layer into the bottom surface of the printing layer to be printed;

[0028] S2-3-4: repeating steps S2-3-2 and S2-3-3 until all the printing layers are printed.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows:

[0030] The composite 3D printer and the printing method thereof are provided, which comprises two printing platforms, and the 3D printer can print multiple different material objects simultaneously through the simultaneous printing of the two printing platforms, thereby improving the printing efficiency of the 3D printer; the 3D printer can print composite material objects or simultaneously print composite material objects and single material objects through the alternate printing of the two platforms, thereby improving the practicability of the 3D printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a whole schematic view of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a printing mechanism schematic view of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 It is an explosion schematic view of the doctor blade assembly of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 It is an explosion schematic view of the light machine assembly of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0035] Figure 5 It is Figure 4 the enlarged schematic view of a at;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a nozzle assembly schematic view of the 3D printer of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 It is an X-axis drive module schematic view of the 3D printer of the present application.

[0038] REFERENCE SIGNS:

[0039] 1, frame; 2, printing mechanism; 21, workbench; 22, light curing printing module; 23, melting printing module; 24, X-axis drive module; 221, first printing platform; 222, doctor blade assembly; 223, light machine assembly; 224, first feeding module; 231, second printing platform; 232, nozzle assembly; 233, second feeding module; 241, X-axis drive unit; 242, connecting plate; 2211, Z-axis drive unit; 2220, doctor blade member; 2221, doctor blade drive unit; 2222, mounting plate; 2223, blade; 2224, stroke adjusting unit; 2225, buffer limiting unit; 2231, mounting seat; 2232, first adjusting member; 2233, first guide member; 2234, light machine seat; 2235, light machine unit; 2236, second adjusting member; 2237, second guide member; 2321, Y-axis drive unit; 2322, nozzle unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1-7 As shown, a composite 3D printer includes a frame 1, a printing mechanism 2 inside the frame 1, and a worktable 21. The worktable 21 is provided with an X-axis drive module 24, and a photopolymerization printing module 22 and a melt printing module 23 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the X-axis drive module 24. The photopolymerization printing module 22 includes a first printing platform 221 mounted on the worktable 21, and a scraper assembly 222 is provided above the first printing platform 221.

[0043] In this embodiment, the coating assembly 222 includes symmetrically arranged scraper components 2220. Each scraper component 2220 includes a scraper drive unit 2221. The output end of the scraper drive unit 2221 is provided with a mounting plate 2222. The scraper drive unit 2221 drives the mounting plate 2222 to move up and down along the Z-axis. The mounting plate 2222 is provided with a blade 2223, which extends along the Y-axis and moves synchronously with the mounting plate 2222. Under the drive of the X-axis drive module 24, the blade 2223 extending along the Y-axis can efficiently coat the printing material on the first printing platform 221 into a uniform plane, simplifying the material forming action and significantly improving printing efficiency. When the scraper component 2220 returns, the blade 2223 can be lifted synchronously with the mounting plate 2222, effectively avoiding secondary coating, ensuring the consistency of coating quality, and enhancing the reliability of the coating assembly 222.

[0044] The coating assembly 222 further includes a stroke adjustment unit 2224 and a buffer limiting unit 2225. The output end of the stroke adjustment unit 2224 is provided with an adjustable-length push rod, the extension length of which can be adjusted by rotation. The buffer limiting unit 2225 is adjustablely screwed onto the mounting plate 2222, and the extension length of the buffer limiting unit 2225 from the mounting plate 2222 is adapted to the push rod. The stroke adjustment unit 2224 is used to adjust the height of the blade 2223 during coating, preventing the blade 2223 from being excessively pressed down and avoiding affecting the coating quality due to inconsistent blade height. The push rod is used to conveniently adjust the coating height of the blade 2223 when changing products, significantly improving operational convenience.

[0045] In the embodiment, the stroke adjusting unit 2224 is a differential head, and the buffer limiting unit 2225 is a hydraulic buffer.

[0046] The light curing printing module 22 further comprises a first feeding module 224 and a light machine assembly 223. The first feeding module 224 feeds to the first printing platform 221. After being scraped by the scraping assembly 222, the printing material is cured by the light machine assembly 223. The fused printing module 23 further comprises a second feeding module 233. The second feeding module 233 feeds to the nozzle assembly 232. The nozzle assembly 232 sprays the printing material to the first printing platform 221 or the second printing platform 231.

[0047] In the embodiment, the first feeding module 224 comprises a first material bin and an extrusion member matched with the first material bin. The output end of the extrusion member extends into the first material bin. The first feeding module 224 further comprises a first feeding pipe connecting the first material bin and the first printing platform 221. The motor controls the depth of the output end of the extrusion member extending into the first material bin, thereby improving the feeding accuracy of the first feeding module 224, avoiding the size deviation of the printed object caused by excessive feeding in one time, and improving the printing accuracy.

[0048] In the embodiment, the extrusion member is an electric cylinder.

[0049] The fused printing module 23 comprises a second printing platform 231 installed on the workbench 21. The second printing platform 231 is provided with a nozzle assembly 232. The nozzle assembly 232 comprises a Y-axis driving unit 2321. The output end of the Y-axis driving unit 2321 is provided with a nozzle unit 2322.

[0050] In the embodiment, the nozzle assembly 232 further comprises a heating unit. The heating unit is arranged at the nozzle of the nozzle unit 2322 and surrounds the nozzle. The heating unit is used for heating the printing material at the nozzle unit 2322, avoiding the nozzle unit 2322 being blocked by the cooled and solidified printing material, and improving the reliability of the nozzle unit 2322.

[0051] In the embodiment, the heating unit is a heating ring.

[0052] In the embodiment, the second feeding module 233 comprises a second material bin corresponding to the nozzle unit 2322, and the second material bin is connected with the nozzle unit 2322. The storage capacity of the second material bin for the nozzle unit 2322 reduces the number of times of adding printing materials for the nozzle unit 2322, and improves the printing efficiency of the nozzle unit 2322.

[0053] In the embodiment, the light machine assembly 223 is installed on one side of the blade coating assembly 222, and comprises a mounting seat 2231, wherein a first adjusting member 2232 is arranged on the mounting seat 2231, and an output end of the first adjusting member 2232 is adjustable along the Z-axis direction; and first guide members 2233 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting seat 2231. The first adjusting member 2232 is used for adjusting the size of the light spot formed by the light machine assembly 223, so that the size of the light spot is adapted to the first printing platform 221, avoiding that the light spot is too large to weaken the illumination intensity, or the light spot is too small to cover the first printing platform 221, and improving the reliability of the light machine assembly 223. The first guide members 2233 guide when the size of the light spot is adjusted, avoiding jamming when the size of the light spot is adjusted and avoiding that the center of the light spot deviates, and improving the reliability of the first adjusting member 2232.

[0054] Specifically, the light curing printing module 22 further comprises a light machine seat 2234 installed on the first adjusting member 2232, the light machine seat 2234 comprises a second adjusting member 2236 and a light machine unit 2235, the second adjusting member 2236 is adjustable along the Y-axis direction and is in transmission connection with the light machine unit 2235, and an outlight surface of the light machine unit 2235 faces the first printing platform 221; symmetrically arranged second guide members 2237 are arranged on both sides of the light machine unit 2235, the second guide members 2237 are connected with the light machine unit 2235 and the light machine seat 2234, and the second adjusting member 2236 is installed on one of the second guide members 2237. The second adjusting member 2236 is used for adjusting the center position of the light spot, so that the center of the light spot coincides with the center of the first printing platform 221, and the size of the light spot is further adapted to the first printing platform 221.

[0055] The X-axis driving module 24 is provided with output ends corresponding to the blade coating assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 respectively and independently controlled, and the blade coating assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 are respectively installed on the output ends corresponding to the X-axis driving module 24;

[0056] In the embodiment, the X-axis driving module 24 comprises X-axis driving units 241 arranged in parallel, and connecting plates 242 corresponding to the squeegee assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 respectively, the corresponding output ends of each X-axis driving unit 241 move synchronously, and each connecting plate 242 connects the corresponding output end of the X-axis driving unit 241. The X-axis driving units 241 arranged in parallel make the driving force provided by the X-axis driving module 24 more uniform, thereby reducing the risk of jamming of the squeegee assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 and improving the reliability of the X-axis driving module 24.

[0057] When it is necessary to print objects of multiple different materials, the light-curing printing module 22 and the fused printing module 23 independently print objects of different materials respectively without interfering with each other, so that the 3D printer can print objects of multiple different materials at the same time, thereby improving the printing efficiency of the 3D printer.

[0058] When it is necessary to print an object of a composite material, the squeegee assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 alternately print on the first printing platform 221, so that the squeegee assembly 222 prints a first material and the nozzle assembly 232 prints a second material, so that the 3D printer can print an object of a composite material, thereby improving the practicability of the 3D printer.

[0059] When it is necessary to print objects of multiple different materials, and the printed objects include an object of a composite material, the squeegee assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 alternately print a first material and a second material on the first printing platform 221 respectively, and when the nozzle assembly 232 does not need to print the second material on the first printing platform 221, the nozzle assembly 232 goes to the second printing platform 231 to print an object of only the second material, thereby improving the printing efficiency of the 3D printer, and also avoiding cooling of the printing material in the nozzle assembly 232, thereby avoiding the need to remove the cooled and solidified printing material or reheat and melt the cooled and solidified printing material when the nozzle assembly 232 prints again, thereby reducing the waste of printing material or improving the printing efficiency.

[0060] In the embodiment, the first material is a light-sensitive material, and the second material is a thermoplastic material.

[0061] In the embodiment, the first printing platform 221 and the second printing platform 231 are each provided with a Z-axis driving unit 2211, each Z-axis driving unit 2211 drives the table of the first printing platform 221 and the second printing platform 231 to move up and down along the Z-axis; when the first printing platform 221 and the second printing platform 231 start printing, the table of the first printing platform 221 and the second printing platform 231 is located at the highest limit of the Z-axis driving unit 2211, and gradually descends in the process of printing. The Z-axis driving unit 2211 makes the first printing platform 221 and the second printing platform 231 form a sunken platform, when the material is accumulated by the way of platform sinking, the X-axis driving module 24 and the Y-axis driving unit 2321 do not need to be lifted, which reduces the suspended mass of the 3D printer, and further reduces the vibration generated when the X-axis driving module 24 and the Y-axis driving unit 2321 move, compared with the way of accumulating material by the rising of the nozzle, the printing precision is improved.

[0062] In the embodiment, the X-axis driving unit 241, the Y-axis driving unit 2321 and the Z-axis driving unit 2211 are all linear modules.

[0063] Embodiment 2

[0064] A printing method applied to the composite 3D printer of embodiment 1, comprising the following steps:

[0065] S1: determining the type and quantity of the objects to be printed;

[0066] S2-1: when the objects to be printed are made of different materials, the light curing printing module 22 and the fused printing module 23 independently print the objects made of different materials respectively;

[0067] S2-2: when the objects to be printed are made of composite materials, the doctor blade assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 alternately print on the first printing platform 221, so that the doctor blade assembly 222 prints the first material and the nozzle assembly 232 prints the second material;

[0068] S2-3: when the objects to be printed are made of different materials, and the objects to be printed include the objects made of composite materials, the doctor blade assembly 222 and the nozzle assembly 232 alternately print the first material and the second material on the first printing platform 221 respectively, and when the nozzle assembly 232 does not need to print the second material on the first printing platform 221, the nozzle assembly 232 goes to the second printing platform 231 to print the objects made of the second material only.

[0069] Specifically, step 2-3 specifically comprises the following steps:

[0070] S2-3-1: divide the object printed on the first printing platform 221 into a plurality of printed layers with uniform thickness;

[0071] S2-3-2: when the printed layer does not have the second material, the doctor blade assembly 222 prints the printed layer on the first printing platform 221, and the nozzle assembly 232 prints the object requiring only the second material on the second printing platform 231;

[0072] S2-3-3: when the printed layer has the first material and the second material, the nozzle assembly 232 first prints the second material part of the printed layer on the first printing platform 221, and then moves to the second printing platform 231 to print or continue to print the object requiring only the second material; after the second material printed by the nozzle assembly 232 solidifies, the doctor blade assembly 222 prints the first material part of the printed layer; after the doctor blade assembly 222 finishes printing, the light curing printing module 22 performs light curing, and then the first printing platform 221 is lowered to form the top surface of the printed layer as the bottom surface of the printed layer to be printed;

[0073] S2-3-4: repeat steps S2-3-2 and S2-3-3 until all the printed layers are printed.

[0074] According to the disclosure and teaching of the above description, those skilled in the art of the present application can also make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some modifications and changes of the application should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application. In addition, although some specific terms are used in the present specification, these terms are only for convenience of description and do not constitute any limitation on the present application.

Claims

1. A composite 3D printer, comprising a frame, wherein a printing mechanism is disposed within the frame, characterized in that: The printing mechanism includes a worktable, on which an X-axis drive module is provided, and a photopolymerization printing module and a melt printing module are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the X-axis drive module. The photopolymerization printing module includes a first printing platform mounted on the worktable, and a scraper assembly is provided above the first printing platform. The melt printing module includes a second printing platform mounted on the worktable, and a printhead assembly is provided on the second printing platform. The printhead assembly includes a Y-axis drive unit, and the output end of the Y-axis drive unit is provided with a printhead unit. The X-axis drive module has output ends that correspond to and are independently controlled by the scraper assembly and the printhead assembly, respectively, and the scraper assembly and the printhead assembly are respectively mounted on the corresponding output ends of the X-axis drive module. The photocuring printing module further includes a first feeding module and an optomechanical component. The first feeding module feeds material to the first printing platform, which is then coated by the coating component and cured by light exposure through the optomechanical component. The melt printing module further includes a second feeding module, which discharges material to the nozzle assembly, which sprays the material onto the first printing platform or the second printing platform. When multiple items made of different materials need to be printed, the photopolymerization printing module and the melt printing module print the items of different materials independently; When it is necessary to print articles made of composite materials, the scraper assembly and the nozzle assembly alternately print on the first printing platform, so that the scraper assembly prints the first material and the nozzle assembly prints the second material. When multiple items made of different materials need to be printed, including items made of composite materials, the coating assembly and the nozzle assembly alternately print the first material and the second material on the first printing platform. At the same time, when the nozzle assembly does not need to print the second material on the first printing platform, the nozzle assembly moves to the second printing platform to print items that only require the second material.

2. A composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coating assembly includes symmetrically arranged scraper components, each scraper component including a scraper drive unit. The output end of the scraper drive unit is provided with a mounting plate, and the scraper drive unit drives the mounting plate to move up and down along the Z-axis. The mounting plate is provided with a blade, which extends along the Y-axis and moves synchronously with the mounting plate. The coating assembly further includes a stroke adjustment unit and a buffer limiting unit. The output end of the stroke adjustment unit is provided with a length-adjustable top rod, and the extension length of the top rod can be adjusted by rotation or sliding. The buffer limiting unit is screwed onto the mounting plate in an adjustable manner, and the extension length of the buffer limiting unit from the mounting plate is adapted to the top rod.

3. A composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optomechanical component is mounted on one side of the coating component and includes a mounting base. The mounting base is provided with a first adjustment component, the output end of which is adjustable along the Z-axis. The mounting base is also symmetrically provided with first guide components on both sides.

4. A composite 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The photopolymerization printing module further includes an optical engine base mounted on the first adjusting member. The optical engine base includes a second adjusting member and an optical engine unit. The second adjusting member is adjustable along the Y-axis and is connected to the optical engine unit in a transmission manner. The light-emitting surface of the optical engine unit faces the first printing platform. The optical engine unit is provided with symmetrically arranged second guide members on both sides. The second guide members connect the optical engine unit and the optical engine base. The second adjusting member is mounted on one of the second guide members.

5. A composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second printing platforms are equipped with Z-axis drive units. Each Z-axis drive unit drives the table surface of the first and second printing platforms to move up and down along the Z-axis. When the first and second printing platforms start printing, the table surface of the first and second printing platforms is located at the highest limit of the Z-axis drive unit and gradually descends during the printing process.

6. A composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle assembly also includes a heating unit located at the nozzle of the nozzle assembly and surrounding the nozzle.

7. A composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The X-axis drive module includes X-axis drive units arranged in parallel, and connecting plates corresponding to the scraping assembly and the nozzle assembly respectively. The corresponding output ends of each X-axis drive unit move synchronously, and each connecting plate is connected to the corresponding output end of the X-axis drive unit.

8. A composite 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first feeding module includes a first hopper and an extrusion component adapted to the first hopper, the output end of the extrusion component extending into the first hopper; the first feeding module also includes a first conveying pipe, the first conveying pipe connecting the first hopper and the first printing platform; The second feeding module includes a second hopper corresponding to the nozzle unit, and the second hopper is connected to the nozzle unit.

9. A printing method applied to a composite 3D printer according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Determine the type and quantity of items to be printed; S2-1: When multiple items made of different materials need to be printed, the photopolymerization printing module and the melt printing module independently print items made of different materials; S2-2: When it is necessary to print articles made of composite materials, the scraper assembly and the nozzle assembly alternately print on the first printing platform, so that the scraper assembly prints the first material and the nozzle assembly prints the second material; S2-3: When multiple items made of different materials need to be printed, and the items to be printed include items made of composite materials, the coating assembly and the nozzle assembly alternately print the first material and the second material on the first printing platform, respectively. At the same time, when the nozzle assembly does not need to print the second material on the first printing platform, the nozzle assembly moves to the second printing platform to print items that only require the second material.

10. A printing method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Steps 2-3 specifically include the following steps: S2-3-1: Divide the object being printed on the first printing platform into multiple printing layers of uniform thickness; S2-3-2: When the printed layer does not have a second material, the scraping assembly prints the printed layer on the first printing platform, and the nozzle assembly prints an article that only requires the second material on the second printing platform; S2-3-3: When the printing layer has a first material and a second material, the printhead assembly first prints a portion of the printing layer with the second material on the first printing platform, and then the printhead assembly moves to the second printing platform to print or continue printing items that only require the second material; after the second material printed by the printhead assembly on the first printing platform solidifies, the scraping assembly prints a portion of the printing layer with the first material; after the scraping assembly finishes printing, the photocuring printing module performs photocuring, and then the first printing platform descends, so that the top surface of the printed layer becomes the bottom surface of the printing layer to be printed; S2-3-4: Repeat steps S2-3-2 and S2-3-3 until all printing layers are printed.

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