Additive manufacturing method, additive manufacturing equipment and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an additive manufacturing method, additive manufacturing equipment and a computer readable storage medium, and relates to the field of additive manufacturing. The method is applied to additive manufacturing equipment, the additive manufacturing equipment comprises a printing head and a hot end frame, the printing head comprises a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected with the hot end base, and the method comprises the steps that in response to a hot end switching signal, the hot end frame is controlled to disassemble a first hot end assembly on the hot end base; a second hot end assembly on the hot end frame is installed on the hot end base; before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly is melted, a target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly, and the target printing material makes contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly; and the position relation between the joint position where the target printing material makes contact with the existing printing material and the printing material melting area of the second hot end assembly is obtained, and pushing of the target printing material is controlled according to the position relation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of additive manufacturing, and in particular, to an additive manufacturing method, an additive manufacturing device and a computer readable storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In practical applications, a multi-color additive manufacturing device has a prominent problem: when performing a color switching operation, the remaining melted printing material in the hot end must be completely cleaned. This results in the hot end continuously extruding a certain amount of waste material during each color change process. This process not only causes direct waste of printing material, but also lengthens the overall printing cycle because the cleaning operation takes a certain amount of time, ultimately resulting in a significant reduction in the printing efficiency of the device. The problem of the related art that the multi-color printing requires cleaning of the remaining printing material in the hot end during each color switching can be solved by replacing the hot end assembly. In the hot end assembly replacement scheme, when the target printing material to be used comes into contact with the existing printing material inside the new hot end assembly after the new hot end assembly is replaced, because the two are not the same printing material, the end faces of the two may not be in contact, causing the joint position of the two to be melted into the molten region, and the volume of the printing material at this position is smaller than that at other positions. When the printing material is extruded, the extrusion pressure of the printing material at the joint position is inconsistent, causing model printing defects.

[0003] It should be noted that any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that the background art was prior art to the present application, nor that the background art is widely known or constitutionally known to those in the pertinent art. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the present application provides an additive manufacturing method, an additive manufacturing device and a computer readable storage medium, which solve the problem that the related art multi-color printing requires cleaning of the remaining printing material in the hot end during each color switching.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an additive manufacturing method applied to an additive manufacturing device, the additive manufacturing device comprising a print head and a hot end holder, the print head comprising a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base, and the method comprising: in response to a hot end switching signal, controlling the hot end holder to detach the first hot end assembly on the hot end base; installing the second hot end assembly on the hot end holder to the hot end base; Before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly is melted, a target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly and brought into contact with the existing printing material; A position of a joint where the target printing material and the existing printing material are in contact is acquired, and a position relationship between the position of the joint and a printing material melting area of the second hot end assembly is acquired, and the pushing of the target printing material is controlled according to the position relationship.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an additive manufacturing device, comprising: a print head, a hot end frame, a processor, and a memory. The print head comprises a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base. The memory stores a program or instructions running on the processor, and the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method of the first aspect.

[0007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a readable storage medium, which stores a program or instructions, and the program or instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method of the first aspect.

[0008] The additive manufacturing method, the additive manufacturing device, and the computer readable storage medium of the embodiments of the present application, in response to a hot end switching signal, control the hot end frame to detach the first hot end assembly currently installed on the hot end base, and then install a new hot end assembly, i.e., a second hot end assembly, to the hot end base. After the second hot end assembly is installed to the hot end base, and before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly is melted, a target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly and brought into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly. A position of a joint where the target printing material and the existing printing material are in contact is acquired, and a position relationship between the position of the joint and a printing material melting area of the second hot end assembly is acquired, and the pushing of the target printing material is controlled according to the position relationship.

[0009] This application embodiment enables automatic replacement of the hot-end component, allowing the use of the same color and material printing material the next time. This eliminates the need to clean residual printing material from the hot end each time printing material is switched, reducing material waste and increasing printing speed. Furthermore, before printing with the newly installed second hot-end component, the target printing material is precisely pushed into it, ensuring contact between the target material and existing material in the second hot-end component. This eliminates gaps between printing materials, guaranteeing immediate and continuous extrusion during printing with the second hot-end component. This results in stable, high-quality model printing, improving the yield rate and performance of the printed products. Additionally, this application embodiment controls the pushing of the target printing material based on the positional relationship between the seam and the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end component, ensuring consistent extrusion pressure throughout the process and further guaranteeing the printing effect.

[0010] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the printhead of an additive manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of an additive manufacturing method according to one embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0013] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0014] The additive manufacturing method, additive manufacturing equipment, and computer-readable storage medium provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments and application scenarios. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0015] This application provides an additive manufacturing method applied to an additive manufacturing equipment. The additive manufacturing equipment includes a printhead and a hot end frame. The printhead includes a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base.

[0016] In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes multiple cartridges, each connected to a print head. Each cartridge holds printing materials of different colors or materials. After entering the print head, the printing materials are melted and form a model on the printing platform of the additive manufacturing equipment. It is understood that the multiple cartridges can also be integrated together, i.e., a large cartridge can contain printing materials of various colors and / or materials.

[0017] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the hot end assembly includes a hot end 101, a heated part 102, a heat sink 103, and an electronic control assembly (not shown in the figure).

[0018] The heated portion 102 is used to heat and melt the printing material therein. The molten printing material can be ejected from the hot end 101, and the ejected material lands on the printing platform to achieve model printing. In one embodiment, the heated portion 102 can be a contact heating element or a remote induction heating element, such as electromagnetic induction heating or resistance heating. Correspondingly, the hot end base includes an active heating element, which is used for contact heating or remote heating of the heated portion 102.

[0019] The hot end 101 is connected to the heated part 102. The hot end 101 and the heated part 102 can be integrally formed or they can be connected separately.

[0020] The heat sink 103 is connected to or adjacent to the heated part 102. The heat sink 103 can be connected to the heated part 102 via a throat. The heat sink 103 is used to dissipate heat from the throat or the printing material in the heat sink 103 to prevent the printing material in the heated part 102 from melting or melting too much, thereby avoiding clogging.

[0021] The electronic control assembly includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a power receiving device, a signal transmission device, and a storage device. The first temperature sensor senses the temperature of the hot end 101, the second temperature sensor senses the temperature of the heated part 102, and the power receiving device wirelessly receives electrical energy to power other devices on the electronic control assembly. The signal transmission device transmits the temperature detected by the temperature sensors to the processor of the additive manufacturing equipment, allowing it to control the heating power of the active heating part of the hot end base to adjust the temperature of the heated part 102. The signal transmission device also acquires printing material information such as color and material of the printing material stored in the storage device, component identification such as ID, number, and model of the hot end component, and station information, and sends the printing material information, component identification, and station information to the processor of the additive manufacturing equipment for identification of the printing material and the hot end component. The hot end component integrates heating, heat dissipation, temperature detection and control, and wireless communication functions. It is understood that the first temperature sensor can be omitted, and the additive manufacturing equipment can still adjust the heating power of the active heating part based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing apparatus further includes a position sensor for detecting the position information of the printing material, used to determine whether the target printing material to be used has come into contact with existing printing material in the hot-end assembly during delivery. The position sensor can be a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.

[0023] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the printhead also includes a push component 104, which is used to push and retract printing material.

[0024] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the printhead also includes a cutting device 105, such as a cutter, which is used to cut the printing material inside the printhead.

[0025] In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing apparatus further includes a locking structure disposed on the frame of the additive manufacturing apparatus. The locking structure is used to unlock or lock the hot-end assembly on the hot-end base. When the hot-end assembly is unlocked, the hot-end assembly on the printhead assembly can be disassembled under external force; when the hot-end assembly is locked, the printhead assembly cannot be disassembled without damaging the printhead assembly structure. In some embodiments, the printhead may not have a cutting device 105, but the printing material is cut simultaneously with the unlocking of the hot-end assembly by the locking structure. Alternatively, a cutting device 105 can be provided, which can also achieve the effect of changing the position of the cutting device 105 to cut the printing material while unlocking the hot-end assembly.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hot end frame is used to place multiple hot end components. The hot end frame includes a disassembly structure for disassembling the hot end components after they have been unlocked from the hot end base, or for installing the hot end components on the hot end frame onto the hot end base.

[0027] In one embodiment, the hot end frame is further provided with a lifting structure, which can lift and lower the hot end component or the disassembly and assembly structure, thereby facilitating the disassembly and installation of the hot end component.

[0028] In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes an image acquisition device, which can be a camera, for acquiring image information of the hot-end component. This image information can be used to determine whether pre-printed material exists in the hot-end component. In one possible embodiment, the image acquisition device can be mounted on a hot-end holder and can capture images of the hot-end component placed on the hot-end holder.

[0029] To address the issue of needing to clean residual printing material from the hot end during each color switch in multi-color printing in related technologies, this application proposes a solution for automatically replacing the hot end component. Specifically, in response to a hot end switching signal, the hot end frame is controlled to disassemble the first hot end component on the hot end base and install the second hot end component on the hot end frame onto the hot end base.

[0030] However, in the hot-end component replacement scheme, before printing with the second hot-end component, there is a gap between the target printing material to be used and the existing printing material inside the second hot-end component. During printing, as the print head moves and the second hot-end component attempts to extrude the printing material, this gap results in a period or distance where no printing material is extruded, leading to "dry printing" or "silent printing," affecting the overall printing effect and accuracy of the model and reducing the quality of the printed product. Therefore, in this embodiment, before printing with the newly replaced second hot-end component, the target printing material to be used is precisely pushed into the second hot-end component, ensuring contact between the target printing material and the existing printing material in the second hot-end component. This eliminates the gap between the printing materials, ensuring immediate and continuous extrusion of the printing material during printing with the second hot-end component, achieving stable and high-quality model printing, and improving the yield and performance of the printed products.

[0031] Furthermore, considering that although the target printing material is in contact with the existing printing material, they are not the same printing material, and there may be issues with incomplete contact at their end faces. For example, the protrusions on the end faces may make contact, but the recesses may not, meaning they are not in a "perfect" contact. This results in the seam entering the melting zone and being melted, causing the volume of printing material at that location to be smaller than that at other locations. During extrusion, the smaller volume of printing material at the seam leads to inconsistent extrusion pressure, resulting in printing defects. In this embodiment, based on the positional relationship between the seam and the melting zone of the printing material in the second hot-end component, the pushing of the target printing material is controlled to ensure that the extrusion pressure of the printing material is as consistent as possible, thereby reducing printing defects.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the additive manufacturing method provided in this application includes: Step S201: In response to the hot end switching signal, control the hot end frame to disassemble the first hot end assembly on the hot end base.

[0033] In this step, the hot-end switching signal instructs the additive manufacturing equipment to change the hot-end component, switching it from the hot-end component corresponding to the first printing material to the hot-end component corresponding to the second printing material. The first and second printing materials can have the same or different materials and colors. This hot-end switching signal can be a printing material hot-end switching signal or a hot-end component hot-end switching signal. The hot-end switching signal can be a built-in replacement command in the model file, such as being triggered when a printing material needs to be changed. It can also be a replacement command sent from other devices when a printing material needs to be changed, or a replacement command generated by user control or operation of the additive manufacturing equipment. In response to this hot-end switching signal, the first hot-end component currently installed on the hot-end base can be detached after completing its current printing action. The printing material corresponds to the hot-end component, meaning the hot-end component is used to extrude the printing material. This can be due to the presence of a matching printing material in the hot-end component, or the hot-end component being suitable for extruded printing material, such as the extrusion orifice diameter of the hot-end component matching the printing material.

[0034] Step S202: Install the second hot end assembly on the hot end frame onto the hot end base.

[0035] In this step, after the first hot-end assembly is detached from the hot-end base, the hot-end frame is then controlled to install a new hot-end assembly, namely the second hot-end assembly, onto the hot-end base. The first hot-end assembly is used to extrude a first printing material, and the second hot-end assembly is used to extrude a second printing material. The first printing material and the second printing material have different colors and / or materials.

[0036] In one embodiment, the hot end bracket for disassembling the first hot end assembly and the hot end bracket for installing the second hot end assembly can be the same component or different components.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second hot-end assembly newly installed to the hot-end base can be a preheated hot-end assembly, which can quickly melt the printing material after installation, improving the printing effect. It can be understood that the second hot-end assembly newly installed to the hot-end base can be an unpreheated hot-end assembly.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, mounting a second hot-end assembly on a hot-end frame to a hot-end base includes: Among multiple hot-end components to be installed, determine the second hot-end component that corresponds to the first information in the hot-end switching signal; Install the second hot end assembly on the hot end frame onto the hot end base.

[0039] In this embodiment, for multiple hot-end components to be installed, the second information corresponding to each hot-end component is compared with the first information in the hot-end switching signal to determine the target second information that matches the first information. The hot-end component corresponding to the target second information is the second hot-end component. Then, the second hot-end component on the hot-end frame is installed onto the hot-end base. In this way, the hot-end component that matches the first information in the hot-end switching signal, which is the required hot-end component, can be found and replaced, ensuring the accuracy of the replacement.

[0040] The first and second information can be at least one of the component identifier of the hot-end component and the printing material information. The component identifier is the identification code of the hot-end component, which can be the ID, number, model, etc. of the hot-end component. The printing material information can be the color, material, etc. of the printing material extruded by the hot-end component. The first information in the hot-end switching signal refers to the information of the hot-end component that theoretically needs to be replaced on the hot-end base.

[0041] In step S203, before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly and brought into contact with the existing printing material.

[0042] In this step, after the second hot end assembly is installed onto the hot end base, and before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly, and the target printing material is brought into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly. That is, the gap between the target printing material and the existing printing material is controlled to ensure that the printing material can be extruded immediately and continuously when the second hot end assembly is printing, so as to achieve stable and high-quality model printing.

[0043] Step S204: Obtain the seam position where the target printing material and the existing printing material are in contact, and the positional relationship between the seam and the melting area of ​​the printing material in the second hot end component, and control the pushing of the target printing material according to the positional relationship.

[0044] In this step, the seam position where the target printing material and the existing printing material meet is obtained. Based on the positional relationship between the seam position and the melting area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end component, the pushing of the target printing material is controlled to ensure that the extrusion pressure of the printing material is as consistent as possible before and after. It can be understood that when the seam position where the target printing material and the existing printing material meet changes, it indicates that the second hot-end component has begun heating and melting the filament, and printing of the model has commenced. This includes the step of pushing the target printing material to be used into the second hot-end component and making it contact the existing printing material, followed by heating the second hot-end component.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, the molten area of ​​the printing material is a fixed position on the second hot end assembly, specifically the area corresponding to the heated part. The heated part can be heated by the active heating part through contact or remote induction. The printing material within the molten area is in a molten state due to the heating by the heated part. The hot end and the heated part are connected, and the consumable material within the hot end is also in a molten state.

[0046] During the process of pushing the target printing material, the seam position between the target printing material and the existing printing material moves relative to the molten area of ​​the printing material. Specifically, when the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material, the seam position moves forward as the target printing material advances, gradually approaching the molten area of ​​the printing material, and then entering the molten area of ​​the printing material.

[0047] In one embodiment of this application, controlling the pushing of target printing material based on positional relationships includes: controlling the pushing speed or pushing distance of the target printing material based on positional relationships. That is, controlling the pushing of the target printing material can be controlling either the pushing speed or the pushing distance. In some embodiments, the pushing distance of the target printing material can also be determined by the pushing speed of the target printing material.

[0048] This application embodiment enables automatic replacement of the hot end component, so that when using the same color and material printing material next time, the hot end component containing the same color and material printing material can be used. This eliminates the need to clean the residual printing material in the hot end every time the printing material is switched, reducing printing material waste and improving printing speed. Furthermore, before printing on the newly replaced second hot-end component, the target printing material is precisely pushed into the second hot-end component, ensuring contact between the target printing material and the existing printing material in the second hot-end component. This eliminates gaps between the printing materials, guaranteeing immediate and continuous extrusion of the printing material during printing on the second hot-end component. This achieves stable, high-quality model printing, improving the yield and performance of the printed products. Before the existing printing material in the second hot-end component melts, contact between the target printing material and the existing printing material prevents contact forces and avoids the existing printing material being extruded under the contact force of the target printing material. This keeps the surface of the second hot-end component clean, preventing molten, useless printing material. After heating the second hot-end component, it can be used directly for printing without the need for cleaning. In addition, in this embodiment, based on the positional relationship between the seam location and the melting area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end component, the pushing of the target printing material is controlled, ensuring that the extrusion pressure of the printing material is as consistent as possible before and after printing, further ensuring the printing effect.

[0049] In one embodiment of this application, controlling the pushing of target printing material based on positional relationships includes: When the seam position has not reached the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component, the target printing material is pushed at a first speed. The first speed is the pushing speed when the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end component and the seam position has not reached the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component. When the printing material reaches the melting area of ​​the second hot end component at the seam position, the pushing speed of the target printing material is increased to the second speed, and the second speed is used to push the first distance or the first time, where the second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0050] In this embodiment, the target printing material is pushed at a first speed, bringing it into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly. The target printing material continues to be pushed at the first speed until the seam reaches the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end assembly. The first speed can be a fixed speed or a variable speed. When the seam reaches the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end assembly, the pushing speed is increased from the first speed to a second speed, and the material continues to be pushed a first distance or for a first time at the second speed. The second speed can be a fixed speed or a variable speed, as long as it is greater than the first speed.

[0051] After continuing to push at the second speed for the first distance or the first time, the pushing speed is reduced to the third speed. The third speed is less than the second speed. The third speed can be equal to the first speed, or the third speed can be different from the first speed. The third speed can be greater than or less than the first speed.

[0052] In other words, when the printing material reaches the melting area of ​​the second hot end component at the seam position, the target printing material is pushed forward a little more by a rapid push over a certain distance or time, so that the extrusion pressure of the printing material is as consistent as possible before and after.

[0053] In one embodiment of this application, obtaining the position of the seam between the target printing material and the existing printing material, and the positional relationship between this position and the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end assembly, includes: Based on the push information of the target printing material or the movement information of the print head, determine whether the seam position reaches the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component.

[0054] In this embodiment, it can be determined whether the seam position reaches the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end component based on the push information of the target printing material, or based on the movement information of the printhead. This multiple approach allows for flexible and accurate determination of whether the seam position reaches the molten area of ​​the printing material.

[0055] In one embodiment of this application, the additive manufacturing apparatus further includes a printing material extrusion structure for driving the movement of printing material, wherein the target printing material push information includes the pulse count of the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure; and determining whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end component based on the target printing material push information includes: If the number of pulses from the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure reaches a first set number, then the seam position is determined to have reached the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end component; or, The additive manufacturing equipment also includes a position sensor located in the molten zone of the printing material, and the target printing material push information includes the position signal of the position sensor; based on the target printing material push information, it detects whether the seam position has reached the molten zone of the printing material of the second hot end component, including: If the position signal from the position sensor is obtained, it is determined that the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printed material of the second hot end component.

[0056] In this embodiment, several feasible implementation schemes are provided for determining the seam location as it reaches the molten area of ​​the printing material.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes a printing material extrusion structure for driving the movement of printing material, used for retraction or pushing of the printing material. The position where the target printing material contacts the existing printing material is known, and the distance of this position from the printing material melting zone of the second hot-end assembly is also determined. During the control of pushing the target printing material, the number of pulses of the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure is recorded. The number of motor pulses corresponding to the distance the printing material moves, when the number of motor pulses reaches a first set number, the target printing material has been pushed a corresponding distance, such that the seam between the target printing material and the existing printing material reaches the printing material melting zone of the second hot-end assembly.

[0058] In another possible implementation, the additive manufacturing apparatus includes a position sensor located in the molten zone of the printing material, capable of detecting the position information of the printing material. During the controlled delivery of the target printing material, if a position signal is received from the position sensor, it is determined that the seam position has reached the molten zone of the printing material in the second hot-end assembly.

[0059] In one embodiment, the position sensor may include a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. The position sensor may be a separately installed sensor specifically for determining the position of the printing material, or it may be an existing material breakage / blockage sensor. The material breakage / blockage sensor determines whether the printing material is broken or blocked by detecting whether there is printing material at a certain position in the material guide channel (i.e., throat) of the hot end component. In this application, it can be used to determine whether the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printing material.

[0060] The embodiments of this application can flexibly determine whether the seam position reaches the molten area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component through various methods.

[0061] In one embodiment of this application, the printhead movement information includes the printhead movement distance or movement time; determining whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end assembly based on the printhead movement information includes: If the printhead moves a distance of the second distance or moves for a time of the second time, then the seam position is determined to have reached the molten area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end assembly.

[0062] In this embodiment, the movement of the printhead and the pushing of the printing material are performed simultaneously. As the printhead moves a certain distance, the printing material is extruded a corresponding length or distance. It should be noted that the distance the printhead moves and the distance the printing material is extruded are not equal, but they are related. Therefore, this application can determine whether the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end component based on the printhead's moving distance or moving time. For example, when the printhead moves a second distance, the target printing material is correspondingly pushed a third distance, which causes the seam position between the target printing material and the existing printing material to reach the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end component.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly, and the target printing material is brought into contact with the existing printing material, including: After the second hot end assembly is installed, and before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material is controlled to move forward so that the target printing material is pushed into the second hot end assembly and comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly.

[0064] The control of the target printing material's movement includes: controlling the target printing material to move forward a preset distance or preset time, or controlling the target printing material to move forward until a target signal is received from the position sensor and then controlling the target printing material to stop.

[0065] In this embodiment, after the second hot end assembly is installed on the hot end base, the target printing material to be used is controlled to move forward, thereby pushing the target printing material into the second hot end assembly until the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly.

[0066] In one embodiment, the target printing material can be controlled to advance a preset distance or a preset time. This preset distance or time ensures that the target printing material can contact the existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly. The preset distance can be determined based on the distance between the end of the target printing material closest to the existing printing material and the existing printing material, and the preset distance must be greater than or equal to this distance. Since the existing printing material has not melted, controlling the advancement of the target printing material will cause the existing printing material to block its advance, thereby ensuring contact between the target printing material and the existing printing material. The preset time can be determined based on the aforementioned preset distance and the pushing speed of the printing material, and the preset time is equal to the ratio of the preset distance to the pushing speed. By controlling the advancement of the target printing material by a preset distance or preset time before the existing printing material melts, it is possible to ensure that the target printing material can contact the existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly.

[0067] In another embodiment, the target printing material can be determined to be in contact with existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly by using the target signal from the position sensor. The position sensor may include a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. It can be a separately installed sensor specifically designed to determine whether the target printing material is in contact with existing printing material, or it can be an existing material breakage / blockage sensor. The material breakage / blockage sensor is used to determine whether the printing material is broken or blocked; in this application, it can be used to determine whether the target printing material is in contact with existing printing material. For example, after the target printing material is pushed to the second hot-end assembly, when the material breakage / blockage sensor senses blockage, it confirms that the target printing material is in contact with existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly.

[0068] The embodiments of this application can flexibly determine whether the target printing material is in contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly through various methods.

[0069] In one embodiment of this application, before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly, and the target printing material is brought into contact with the existing printing material, including: After the second hot end assembly is installed, and before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, control the print head to move to the target printing position; During the process of the print head moving to the target printing position, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly, and the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly.

[0070] In this embodiment, after the second hot-end assembly is installed, the print head is controlled to move to the target printing position, which is the starting position for the current printing action of the second hot-end assembly. The spraying of printing material begins from this target printing position. During the movement of the print head from the installation position of the second hot-end assembly to the target printing position, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot-end assembly, and the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly. It is understood that when printing using the second hot-end assembly, it is necessary to heat the second hot-end assembly to melt the printing material within it.

[0071] By ensuring that the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material as the print head moves to the target printing position, it ensures that the target printing material is in contact with the existing printing material before or when it reaches the target printing position, thus avoiding the problem of discontinuous extrusion of printing material. On the other hand, it eliminates the need for additional time to allow the target printing material to come into contact with the existing printing material, thereby ensuring printing efficiency.

[0072] In one embodiment of this application, if the printhead is moved to the target printing position after the second hot end assembly is installed and before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the additive manufacturing method further includes: When the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material, if the print head has not moved to the target printing position, the push of the target printing material will stop until the print head moves to the target printing position, at which point the target printing material will be pushed to print the model. When the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material, if the print head has already moved to the target printing position, it continues to push the target printing material to print the model.

[0073] In this embodiment, after the second hot-end assembly is installed, if the target printing material comes into contact with existing printing material while the print head is moving to the target printing position, and if the print head has not yet moved to the target printing position when the target printing material is in contact with the existing printing material (i.e., there is still a certain distance between the current position of the print head and the target printing position), then the pushing of the target printing material is stopped to prevent the printing material from overflowing from the second hot-end assembly before reaching the printing start position. The pushing of the target printing material only begins after the print head moves to the target printing position, thereby extruding the printing material for printing.

[0074] Additionally, if the print head has reached the target printing position when the target printing material has already come into contact with the existing printing material, then the target printing material continues to be pushed forward, thereby extruding the printing material for printing. It can be understood that when continuing to push the target printing material for printing the model, the second hot-end component needs to be heated first to melt the printing material within it.

[0075] In this embodiment, different measures are taken depending on the different positions of the print head when the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material during the process of the print head moving to the target printing position. If the print head has not reached the target printing position when the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material, the push of the target printing material is stopped to prevent the molten printing material from overflowing. If the print head reaches the target printing position, the push of the extruded printing material continues to ensure normal printing.

[0076] In one embodiment of this application, the additive manufacturing method further includes: Before the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly, the second hot end assembly is controlled to stop heating; When or after the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly, the second hot end assembly is controlled to start heating.

[0077] In this embodiment, the second hot-end assembly is kept unheated until the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly. The existing printing material remains unmelted and in a solid state. Heating is only initiated after the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material. This method prevents the existing printing material from melting and overflowing prematurely. Furthermore, if the existing printing material is molten and the target printing material is solid, poor contact between the two can also occur. This application avoids this problem by not heating the second spray assembly initially.

[0078] Furthermore, since the target printing material and the existing printing material may come into contact before the print head reaches the target printing position, heating is activated upon contact. This is equivalent to controlling the second hot end component to start heating before the print head reaches the target printing position, thus achieving the function of heating the printing material before printing.

[0079] In one embodiment of this application, pushing the target printing material to be used into the second hot end assembly and bringing the target printing material into contact with existing printing material includes: If it is confirmed that there is existing printing material in the second hot end assembly, after the second hot end assembly is installed, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly and brought into contact with the existing printing material. In other embodiments, the additive manufacturing method further includes: If it is confirmed that there is no existing printing material in the second hot end assembly, after the second hot end assembly is installed, the print head is controlled to move to the flushing position and the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly.

[0080] In this embodiment, it is determined whether there is existing printing material in the second hot end component. If it is determined that there is existing printing material in the second hot end component, after the second hot end component is installed, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end component and the target printing material is brought into contact with the existing printing material to ensure the continuity of printing material extrusion during subsequent printing.

[0081] In one embodiment of this application, if it is determined that there is no existing printing material in the second hot end component, after the second hot end component is installed, the print head is moved to the flushing position, which can be a waste material receiving position. By pushing the target printing material, the second hot end component is filled with the target printing material, so that when printing the model in the future, there will be no situation where there is no target printing material in part of the space of the second hot end component, so that the model will not have a false layer and the printing quality will be improved.

[0082] In one embodiment, the present application can determine whether there is existing printing material in the second hot-end component by directly detecting the printing material, such as acquiring image information of the second hot-end component and identifying the image information to determine whether there is existing printing material in the second hot-end component. Alternatively, it can indirectly determine whether there is existing printing material by detecting whether the second hot-end component is being used for the first time. If the second hot-end component is being used for the first time, it is determined that there is no existing printing material inside; if the second hot-end component is not being used for the first time, it is determined that there is existing printing material inside. Alternatively, it can read stored information about the second hot-end component, including whether there is existing printing material in the second hot-end component and the type of existing printing material, such as the material and color of the printing material. It is understood that the information about the second hot-end component can also be received, such as receiving information about the second hot-end component sent by a cloud server.

[0083] In one embodiment of this application, pushing the target printing material to be used into the second hot end assembly and bringing the target printing material into contact with existing printing material includes: If it is confirmed that there is existing printing material in the second hot end component, and the existing printing material is the same type as the target printing material to be used, then after the second hot end component is installed, the target printing material is pushed into the second hot end component and the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material. This additive manufacturing method also includes: If it is confirmed that there is existing printing material in the second hot end assembly, but the type of existing printing material is inconsistent with the target printing material to be used, then after the second hot end assembly is installed, the print head is controlled to move to the flushing position and the target printing material is pushed into the second hot end assembly to expel the existing printing material from the second hot end assembly.

[0084] In this embodiment, the presence and type of existing printing material in the second hot end component are identified. If it is determined that existing printing material exists in the second hot end component and the type of existing printing material is consistent with the type of target printing material to be used, then after the second hot end component is installed, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end component and brought into contact with the existing printing material to ensure the continuity of printing material extrusion during subsequent printing.

[0085] In one embodiment of this application, if it is determined that existing printing material exists in the second hot-end assembly, but the type of existing printing material is inconsistent with the type of target printing material to be used, then after the second hot-end assembly is installed, the print head is moved to the flushing position, which can be a waste material receiving position. The existing printing material in the second hot-end assembly is then extruded by pushing the target printing material. It should be noted that in this case, not only is the existing printing material extruded, but a portion of the target printing material is also extruded. Initially, only the existing printing material is extruded; later, a mixture of the existing and target printing materials is extruded; finally, only the target printing material remains.

[0086] Understandably, when determining a new hot-end component, the one matching the target printing material is typically chosen. This can be achieved, for example, by using the printing material information in the hot-end switching signal. Therefore, the existing printing material in the second hot-end component is of the same type as the target printing material. However, if no hot-end component matches the target printing material, one will be selected for replacement. In this case, the existing printing material in the second hot-end component will not match the target printing material.

[0087] In one embodiment of this application, before controlling the hot end frame to detach the first hot end assembly from the hot end base, the method further includes: The printing material in the first hot end assembly is cut off by the cutting device of the printhead, or the printhead is controlled to move to a first position so as to cut off the printing material in the first hot end assembly by the cutting device of the printhead.

[0088] In this embodiment, before the hot-end frame detaches the first hot-end assembly from the hot-end base, in response to a hot-end switching signal, the cutting device of the print head cuts the printing material in the first hot-end assembly. After the printing material is cut, the hot-end assembly can be replaced. In one embodiment, the print head can be moved so that it collides with a specific position on the frame, and the cutting device on the print head moves passively, thereby cutting the printing material in the first hot-end assembly. In another embodiment, the print head moves to a first position, and the cutting device of the print head can simultaneously cut the printing material in the first hot-end assembly. The print head includes a cutting device, and the frame has a collision part. When the print head moves to the collision part, the collision part contacts the cutting device, forcing the cutting device to move or rotate, thereby causing the printing material to be cut by the cutting device. In this embodiment, replacing the hot-end assembly after the printing material in the first hot-end assembly is cut can avoid the printing material from hindering the replacement of the hot-end assembly.

[0089] In one embodiment of this application, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes a locking structure, and the hot end frame includes a disassembly and assembly structure. The locking structure is used to unlock or lock the hot end assembly on the hot end base, and the disassembly and assembly structure is used to disassemble the unlocked hot end assembly on the hot end base, or to install the hot end assembly on the hot end frame onto the hot end base. The locking structure and the disassembly and assembly structure together enable the replacement of the hot end assembly.

[0090] In one embodiment of this application, controlling the hot end frame to disassemble the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The printhead is controlled to move to the first position, and the locking structure is controlled to unlock the first hot end component on the hot end base; wherein, after the first hot end component is unlocked, the first hot end component is not completely disconnected from the hot end base; Control the printhead to move to the second position, and control the disassembly structure to disassemble the first hot end assembly; Installing the second hot-end assembly on the hot-end bracket to the hot-end base includes: The printhead is moved to the third position, where the second hot end assembly is placed. The disassembly and assembly structure is then used to install the second hot end assembly onto the hot end base.

[0091] In this embodiment, the print head is controlled to move to a first position. After the print head reaches the first position, the locking structure is controlled to unlock the first hot end component on the hot end base, so that the first hot end component is not completely disconnected from the hot end base.

[0092] It should be noted that the hot-end assembly, which can be the first hot-end assembly, is connected to the hot-end base via methods such as snap-fit ​​fixing, bolt fastening, or quick-release structure fixing when locked onto it. For example, the hot-end base uses a snap-fit ​​mechanism that engages with a snap-fit ​​groove on the hot-end assembly. The snap-fit ​​mechanism deforms elastically under pressure and enters the groove to achieve snap-fit ​​fixing, thus connecting the hot-end assembly to the hot-end base. Alternatively, the hot-end assembly has a threaded structure, and the hot-end base has a corresponding threaded hole. By rotating the threaded structure to engage with the threaded hole, the hot-end assembly and the hot-end base are snap-fit ​​fixed together. The hot-end assembly can also be fixedly connected to the hot-end base using bolts. Furthermore, the hot-end assembly can be fixedly connected to the hot-end base using quick-release structures such as clip plates or springs.

[0093] After the hot-end component is unlocked, it remains partially connected to the base, but the connection method differs from the locked connection method described above. Compared to the locked connection method, the partially disconnected connection is easier to break and disassemble. In one embodiment, when the hot-end component and base are partially disconnected, they are connected via at least one of mechanical, magnetic, or electromagnetic connections. After the hot-end component is unlocked, to prevent it from falling off the base, it remains connected via mechanical, magnetic, or electromagnetic means. For example, the hot-end component integrates magnetic material, and an electromagnetic coil is placed on the base. When current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is generated in a specific direction, attracting or releasing the magnetic material in the hot-end component, thus connecting or disconnecting the base. While this method allows the hot-end component to connect to the base, it allows for easy disconnection.

[0094] Furthermore, after the first hot end assembly is unlocked from the hot end base, the print head is controlled to move to the second position. After the print head reaches the second position, the disassembly and assembly structure is controlled to completely remove the first hot end assembly from the hot end base, and the two are no longer connected.

[0095] In this embodiment, the hot-end component is gradually removed from the hot-end base by unlocking and then disassembling, thereby reducing the risk of the hot-end component suddenly detaching from the hot-end base.

[0096] Furthermore, the printhead is moved to a third position, corresponding to the fifth position on the hot-end holder, where the second hot-end assembly to be installed is placed. The disassembly and assembly mechanism is then controlled to install the second hot-end assembly onto the hot-end base, thus enabling the replacement of the first hot-end assembly with the second hot-end assembly.

[0097] In one embodiment of this application, controlling the printhead to move to a first position and controlling the locking structure to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: Control the print head to move to a first position, where the first position contacts the location of the locking structure, or the first position is within a first preset distance from the location of the locking structure; The control lock structure and the printhead move relative to each other, and the force generated by the relative movement unlocks the first hot end assembly on the hot end base; or, Controlling the printhead to move to the first position and controlling the locking structure to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The printhead is controlled to move to a first position to collide with the locking structure. The force generated by the collision unlocks the first hot end component on the hot end base, while the locking structure remains stationary.

[0098] In this embodiment, the print head is controlled to move to a first position, which is the corresponding position of the locking mechanism. For example, it can be the position where the print head contacts the position of the locking structure, or it can be a position within a first preset distance of the position of the locking structure. This first preset distance refers to the maximum distance at which the locking structure can unlock the first hot end component.

[0099] The locking structure unlocks the first hot-end assembly. Unlocking can be achieved by the printhead moving and colliding with the locking structure, causing the locking mechanism to press against a component on the hot-end base, such as a latch. This causes the latch to elastically deform and disengage from the slot on the first hot-end assembly, thus unlocking the first hot-end assembly from the hot-end base. Alternatively, after the printhead moves to the first position, the locking mechanism moves and collides with the printhead, unlocking the first hot-end assembly from the hot-end base. Another unlocking method is that the locking structure remains stationary, and when the printhead moves to the first position, it collides with the locking structure; the force generated by the collision unlocks the first hot-end assembly on the hot-end base.

[0100] In one embodiment of this application, controlling the printhead to move to a second position and controlling the disassembly structure to disassemble the first hot end assembly includes: The system controls the printhead to move to the second position, controls the disassembly structure to connect with the first hot end assembly, and controls the disassembly structure to move to detach the first hot end assembly from the hot end base to the fourth position.

[0101] In this embodiment, the printhead is moved to a second position. At the second position, or at a position corresponding to the second position, the disassembly and assembly structure disassembles the first hot-end component, thereby removing the first hot-end component from the hot-end base and placing it in a fourth position. The fourth position is a location on the hot-end frame, also known as a workstation, used to place the replaced hot-end component, i.e., the first hot-end component. This position can be empty when the first hot-end component has not been unloaded and placed in the fourth position. Specifically, after the first hot-end component is unlocked, it continues to be connected to the hot-end base via mechanical connection, magnetic force, or electromagnetic force. In one embodiment, the disassembly and assembly structure can be a clamping structure, a magnetic attraction structure, or an electromagnetic attraction structure, which can connect to the first hot-end component through clamping, magnetic attraction, or electromagnetic attraction. Then, it descends, separating the first hot-end component from the hot-end base, thus disassembling the first hot-end component and placing it in the fourth position. For example, the first hot-end component integrates magnetic material, and an electromagnetic coil is installed on the hot-end base. After the first hot-end component is unlocked, it connects to the hot-end base via electromagnetic force. The disassembly / assembly structure is an electromagnetic attraction structure. The attraction force of the disassembly / assembly structure on the first hot-end component is greater than the attraction force of the hot-end base on the first hot-end component, causing the disassembly / assembly structure to attract the first hot-end component, or the hot-end base can be controlled to actively release the first hot-end component, causing the disassembly / assembly structure to attract the first hot-end component. After the disassembly / assembly structure attracts the first hot-end component, it descends and releases the first hot-end component, causing it to fall into the fourth position, thus achieving disassembly of the first hot-end component. Alternatively, after the first hot-end component is unlocked, it is connected to the hot-end base via a slider and a groove. The disassembly / assembly structure is a clamping structure. By clamping the first hot-end component and then descending, a pulling force is generated on the first hot-end component, causing the slider to disengage from the groove, causing the first hot-end component to fall into the fourth position, thus achieving disassembly of the first hot-end component. In one embodiment, since the heat sink protrudes more than the heated part and the hot end, the disassembly and assembly structure can clamp the heat sink, facilitating the clamping action of the disassembly and assembly structure. It is understood that the first hot end assembly can also move to the fourth position along with the disassembly and assembly structure.

[0102] In one embodiment of this application, controlling the connection between the disassembly / reassembly structure and the first hot-end assembly includes: The control assembly / disassembly structure is directly connected to the first hot-end component; or... Control the movement of the disassembly and assembly structure, and after the movement, control the connection between the disassembly and assembly structure and the first hot end component.

[0103] In this embodiment, the printhead is moved to a second position. If the location of the disassembly / assembly structure is within a second preset distance from the first hot-end component—this second preset distance is the maximum distance at which the disassembly / assembly structure can perform disassembly / assembly operations on the first hot-end component—then the disassembly / assembly structure is directly connected to the first hot-end component to disassemble it. If the location of the disassembly / assembly structure is not within the second preset distance from the first hot-end component, the disassembly / assembly structure is moved closer to the first hot-end component, for example, by raising the disassembly / assembly structure to bring it closer to the first hot-end component, thereby connecting it to the first hot-end component and disassembling it.

[0104] In this application, the connection between the disassembly and assembly structure and the first hot end component is directly controlled by the disassembly and assembly structure, or the disassembly and assembly structure is moved and then connected to the first hot end component, thereby ensuring the reliability of disassembling the first hot end component.

[0105] In one embodiment of this application, the control assembly / disassembly structure for mounting the second hot-end assembly to the hot-end base includes: Based on the connection between the disassembly and assembly structure and the second hot end component, the disassembly and assembly structure is controlled to move and the second hot end component is fixedly installed on the hot end base; or, based on the connection between the disassembly and assembly structure and the second hot end component, the disassembly and assembly structure is controlled to move and pre-connect the second hot end component to the hot end base, and the print head is controlled to move to the first position, and the locking structure is controlled to lock the second hot end component to the hot end base.

[0106] In this embodiment, based on the fact that the disassembly / assembly structure and the second hot-end component are already connected, the disassembly / assembly structure is controlled to move towards the hot-end base. This movement can be upward or downward to install the second hot-end component onto the hot-end base. It should be noted that this installation can be a fixed installation, meaning that after the second hot-end component is installed onto the hot-end base, no locking operation is required; the installation can also be a pre-connection, meaning that the second hot-end component and the hot-end base are not completely disconnected. In this case, the print head is controlled to move to the first position, and the locking structure is controlled to lock the second hot-end component and the hot-end base, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the second hot-end component and the hot-end base.

[0107] It is worth noting that the disassembly / assembly structure and the second hot-end assembly can be already connected, or the disassembly / assembly structure can be connected to the second hot-end assembly placed in the fifth position after the print head has been moved to the third position. The disassembly / assembly structure can be connected to the second hot-end assembly by clamping, magnetic attraction, or electromagnetic attraction.

[0108] In one embodiment of this application, after controlling the movement of the disassembly and assembly structure to fix the second hot-end assembly to the hot-end base, the method further includes: Control the movement of the disassembly / reassembly structure to detach it from the second hot-end assembly; or, After controlling the movement of the disassembly and assembly structure and pre-connecting the second hot-end assembly to the hot-end base, the method further includes: Control the movement of the disassembly / assembly structure to detach it from the second hot end assembly.

[0109] In this embodiment, after the second hot-end assembly is installed, the disassembly structure can be moved, for example, downwards, to detach from the second hot-end assembly. Then, the printhead moves to the printing position, thereby preventing the disassembly structure from obstructing the printhead's movement and potentially damaging it.

[0110] This application also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that it includes: a printhead, a hot end frame, a processor, and a memory; The printhead includes a hot end base and a hot end assembly that is detachably connected to the hot end base; The memory stores programs or instructions that run on the processor. When the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the various steps of the additive manufacturing method of the above embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0111] Memory can be used to store software programs and various data. Memory can primarily include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. The first storage area can store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, memory can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (Synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory in the embodiments of this application includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0112] The processor may include one or more processing units; optionally, the processor integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles operations related to the operating system, user interface, and applications, while the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into the processor.

[0113] In one embodiment of this application, a hot end holder is used to hold a hot end assembly to be used; The hot end frame includes a disassembly / reassembly structure; The additive manufacturing equipment also includes a locking structure, which is disposed on the frame of the additive manufacturing equipment and is used to lock or unlock the hot end components mounted on the hot end base.

[0114] In this embodiment, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes a locking structure for unlocking or locking the hot-end assembly on the hot-end base. The hot-end frame includes a disassembly / assembly structure for disassembling the unlocked hot-end assembly on the hot-end base, or for installing the hot-end assembly on the hot-end frame onto the hot-end base.

[0115] In one embodiment of this application, the disassembly and assembly structure includes at least one of a clamping structure, a magnetic structure, and an electromagnetic attraction structure.

[0116] In one embodiment of this application, the hot end assembly includes a hot end, a heated part, a heat sink, and an electronic control assembly, wherein the heated part is used to heat the hot end; The hot end base includes an active heating part, which is used for contact heating or remote heating of the heated part; The electronic control component includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a power receiving device, and a signal transmission device. The power receiving device is used to supply power to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and the signal transmission device is used to transmit the signals of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor over a long distance. The first temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the hot end, and the second temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heated part.

[0117] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described additive manufacturing method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0118] This application also provides the following embodiments: Example 1: An additive manufacturing method applied to an additive manufacturing equipment, the additive manufacturing equipment including a printhead and a hot end frame, the printhead including a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base, the method including: In response to a hot-end switching signal, the hot-end frame is controlled to disassemble the first hot-end assembly on the hot-end base; Install the second hot end assembly on the hot end frame to the hot end base; Before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly and brought into contact with the existing printing material; The position of the seam where the target printing material and the existing printing material meet is obtained, and the positional relationship between the seam and the melting area of ​​the printing material in the second hot end component is obtained. The pushing of the target printing material is controlled according to the positional relationship.

[0119] Example 2, based on Example 1, the molten area of ​​the printing material is a fixed position on the second hot end assembly, and the seam position moves relative to the molten area of ​​the printing material during the process of pushing the target printing material; The step of controlling the pushing of the target printing material according to the positional relationship includes: controlling the pushing speed or pushing distance of the target printing material according to the positional relationship.

[0120] Example 3, based on Example 1, the step of controlling the pushing of the target printing material according to the positional relationship includes: When the seam position has not reached the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component, the target printing material is pushed at a first speed. The first speed is the pushing speed when the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end component and the seam position has not reached the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component. When the target printing material reaches the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component at the seam position, the pushing speed of the target printing material is increased to a second speed, and the material is pushed a first distance or a first time at the second speed, wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0121] Example 4, based on Example 1, involves obtaining the position of the seam between the target printing material and the existing printing material, and the positional relationship between this seam and the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end assembly, including: Based on the push information of the target printing material or the movement information of the print head, determine whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end component.

[0122] Example 5, based on Example 4, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes a printing material extrusion structure for driving the movement of printing material, and the target printing material pushing information includes the number of pulses of the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure; determining whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end component based on the target printing material pushing information includes: If the number of pulses from the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure reaches a first preset number, then it is determined that the seam position has reached the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end assembly; or, The additive manufacturing equipment further includes a position sensor located in the molten region of the printing material, and the push information of the target printing material includes the position signal of the position sensor; the step of detecting whether the seam position reaches the molten region of the printing material of the second hot end assembly based on the push information of the target printing material includes: If the position signal of the position sensor is obtained, it is determined that the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component.

[0123] Example 6, based on Example 4, the movement information of the printhead includes the movement distance or movement time of the printhead; determining whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end assembly based on the movement information of the printhead includes: If the print head moves a distance of the second distance or moves for a time of the second time, then it is determined that the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end assembly.

[0124] Example 7, based on any one of Examples 1 to 6, the additive manufacturing equipment further includes a locking structure, and the hot end frame includes a disassembly structure; controlling the hot end frame to disassemble the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The print head is controlled to move to a first position, and the locking structure is controlled to unlock the first hot end component on the hot end base; wherein, after the first hot end component is unlocked, the first hot end component is not completely disconnected from the hot end base; Control the printhead to move to the second position, and control the disassembly structure to disassemble the first hot end assembly; The step of installing the second hot-end assembly on the hot-end frame to the hot-end base includes: The printhead is controlled to move to a third position, where a second hot end assembly is placed. The disassembly and assembly structure is controlled to install the second hot end assembly onto the hot end base.

[0125] Example 8, based on Example 7, involves controlling the printhead to move to a first position and controlling the locking structure to unlock the first hot-end assembly on the hot-end base, including: The print head is controlled to move to a first position, where the first position contacts the location of the locking structure, or the first position is within a first preset distance from the location of the locking structure. Control the relative movement of the locking structure and the printhead, and use the force generated by the relative movement to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base; or, Controlling the printhead to move to a first position and controlling the locking structure to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The printhead is controlled to move to a first position to collide with the locking structure. The force generated by the collision unlocks the first hot end assembly on the hot end base, wherein the locking structure remains stationary.

[0126] Example 9, based on Example 7, involves controlling the printhead to move to the second position and controlling the disassembly structure to disassemble the first hot end assembly, including: The system controls the printhead to move to the second position, and controls the disassembly structure to connect with the first hot end assembly, and controls the disassembly structure to move to detach the first hot end assembly from the hot end base to the fourth position.

[0127] Example 10, based on Example 7, the method of controlling the disassembly and assembly structure to install the second hot end assembly onto the hot end base includes: Based on the connection between the disassembly structure and the second hot end component, the disassembly structure is controlled to move, and the second hot end component is fixedly installed onto the hot end base; or, based on the connection between the disassembly structure and the second hot end component, the disassembly structure is controlled to move, and the second hot end component is pre-connected to the hot end base, and the printhead is controlled to move to a first position, and the locking structure is controlled to lock the second hot end component to the hot end base.

[0128] Example 11, based on Example 10, after controlling the movement of the disassembly and assembly structure to fix the second hot end assembly to the hot end base, the method further includes: Controlling the movement of the disassembly / reassembly structure to detach it from the second hot-end assembly; or, After controlling the movement of the disassembly structure to pre-connect the second hot end assembly to the hot end base, the method further includes: Control the movement of the disassembly structure to detach it from the second hot end assembly.

[0129] This application also provides the following embodiments: Example 12, an additive manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a printhead, a hot end frame, a processor, and a memory; The printhead includes a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base; The memory stores a program or instructions that run on the processor, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the additive manufacturing method as described in any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0130] Example 13, based on Example 12, the hot end frame is used to place the hot end assembly to be used; The hot end frame includes a detachable structure; The additive manufacturing equipment further includes a locking structure, which is disposed on the frame of the additive manufacturing equipment and is used to lock or unlock the hot end component mounted on the hot end base.

[0131] Example 14, based on Example 12, the hot end assembly includes a hot end, a heated part, a heat sink, and an electronic control component, wherein the heated part is used to heat the hot end; The hot end base includes an active heating part, which is used for contact heating or remote heating of the heated part; The electronic control component includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a power receiving device, and a signal transmission device. The power receiving device is used to supply power to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The signal transmission device is used to transmit the signals of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor over a long distance. The first temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the hot end, and the second temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heated part.

[0132] This application also provides the following embodiments: Example 15: A computer-readable storage medium storing a program or instructions thereon, characterized in that, when the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the steps of the additive manufacturing method as described in any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0133] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0134] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing method, characterized in that, The method, applied to additive manufacturing equipment including a printhead and a hot end frame, wherein the printhead includes a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base, comprises: In response to a hot-end switching signal, the hot-end frame is controlled to disassemble the first hot-end assembly on the hot-end base; Install the second hot end assembly on the hot end frame to the hot end base; Before the existing printing material in the second hot end assembly melts, the target printing material to be used is pushed into the second hot end assembly and brought into contact with the existing printing material; The positional relationship between the target printing material and the seam where the existing printing material contacts the target printing material and the melting area of ​​the printing material in the second hot end component is obtained, and the pushing of the target printing material is controlled according to the positional relationship.

2. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molten area of ​​the printing material is a fixed position on the second hot end assembly. During the process of pushing the target printing material, the seam position moves relative to the molten area of ​​the printing material. The step of controlling the pushing of the target printing material according to the positional relationship includes: controlling the pushing speed or pushing distance of the target printing material according to the positional relationship.

3. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the pushing of the target printing material according to the positional relationship includes: When the seam position has not reached the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component, the target printing material is pushed at a first speed. The first speed is the pushing speed when the target printing material comes into contact with the existing printing material in the second hot end component and the seam position has not reached the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component. When the target printing material reaches the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component at the seam position, the pushing speed of the target printing material is increased to a second speed, and the material is pushed a first distance or a first time at the second speed, wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed.

4. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the seam position between the target printing material and the existing printing material, and the positional relationship between this seam position and the molten area of ​​the printing material in the second hot-end assembly, includes: Based on the push information of the target printing material or the movement information of the print head, determine whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end component.

5. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The additive manufacturing equipment further includes a printing material extrusion structure for driving the movement of printing material, wherein the target printing material pushing information includes the pulse count of the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure; determining whether the seam position reaches the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end component based on the target printing material pushing information includes: If the number of pulses from the motor driving the printing material extrusion structure reaches a first preset number, then it is determined that the seam position has reached the printing material melting area of ​​the second hot end assembly; or, The additive manufacturing equipment further includes a position sensor located in the molten region of the printing material, and the push information of the target printing material includes the position signal of the position sensor; the step of detecting whether the seam position reaches the molten region of the printing material of the second hot end assembly based on the push information of the target printing material includes: If the position signal of the position sensor is obtained, it is determined that the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end component.

6. The additive manufacturing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The movement information of the printhead includes the movement distance or movement time of the printhead; determining whether the seam position reaches the melting area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end assembly based on the movement information of the printhead includes: If the print head moves a distance of the second distance or moves for a time of the second time, then it is determined that the seam position has reached the molten area of ​​the printing material of the second hot end assembly.

7. The additive manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The additive manufacturing equipment further includes a locking structure, and the hot end frame includes a disassembly structure; controlling the hot end frame to disassemble the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The print head is controlled to move to a first position, and the locking structure is controlled to unlock the first hot end component on the hot end base; wherein, after the first hot end component is unlocked, the first hot end component is not completely disconnected from the hot end base; Control the printhead to move to the second position, and control the disassembly structure to disassemble the first hot end assembly; The step of installing the second hot-end assembly on the hot-end frame to the hot-end base includes: The printhead is controlled to move to a third position, and a second hot end assembly is placed at the third position. The disassembly and assembly structure is controlled to install the second hot end assembly onto the hot end base. The step of controlling the printhead to move to the first position and controlling the locking structure to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The print head is controlled to move to a first position, where the first position contacts the location of the locking structure, or the first position is within a first preset distance from the location of the locking structure. Control the relative movement of the locking structure and the printhead, and use the force generated by the relative movement to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base; or, Controlling the printhead to move to a first position and controlling the locking structure to unlock the first hot end assembly on the hot end base includes: The printhead is controlled to move to a first position to collide with the locking structure. The force generated by the collision unlocks the first hot end assembly on the hot end base, wherein the locking structure remains stationary. The control of moving the printhead to the second position and controlling the disassembly structure to disassemble the first hot end assembly includes: Control the printhead to move to the second position, control the disassembly structure to connect with the first hot end assembly, and control the disassembly structure to move to disassemble the first hot end assembly from the hot end base to the fourth position; The control of the disassembly and assembly structure to install the second hot end assembly onto the hot end base includes: Based on the connection between the disassembly structure and the second hot end component, the disassembly structure is controlled to move, and the second hot end component is fixedly installed onto the hot end base; or, based on the connection between the disassembly structure and the second hot end component, the disassembly structure is controlled to move, and the second hot end component is pre-connected to the hot end base, and the print head is controlled to move to a first position, and the locking structure is controlled to lock the second hot end component to the hot end base; After controlling the movement of the disassembly and assembly structure to fix the second hot-end assembly to the hot-end base, the additive manufacturing method further includes: Controlling the movement of the disassembly / reassembly structure to detach it from the second hot-end assembly; or, After controlling the movement of the disassembly structure to pre-connect the second hot-end assembly to the hot-end base, the additive manufacturing method further includes: Control the movement of the disassembly structure to detach it from the second hot end assembly.

8. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, include: Printhead, hot end mount, processor, and memory; The printhead includes a hot end base and a hot end assembly detachably connected to the hot end base; The memory stores a program or instructions that run on the processor, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the additive manufacturing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hot end frame is used to hold the hot end assembly to be used; The hot end frame includes a detachable structure; The additive manufacturing equipment further includes: a locking structure, which is disposed on the frame of the additive manufacturing equipment, and is used to lock or unlock the hot end component mounted on the hot end base; The hot end assembly includes a hot end, a heated part, a heat sink, and an electronic control component, wherein the heated part is used to heat the hot end. The hot end base includes an active heating part, which is used for contact heating or remote heating of the heated part; The electronic control component includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a power receiving device, and a signal transmission device. The power receiving device is used to supply power to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The signal transmission device is used to transmit the signals of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor over a long distance. The first temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the hot end, and the second temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heated part.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the steps of the additive manufacturing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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