Multi-color multi-material 3D printer and printing method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, and discloses a multi-color and multi-material 3D printer and a printing method.The multi-color and multi-material 3D printer comprises a spray head quick disassembly mechanism at least provided with an assembly end and an execution end, and a multi-channel mixed printing spray head fixedly installed at the execution end of the spray head quick disassembly mechanism; the planar motion mechanism drives the spray head quick-release mechanism and the multi-channel mixed printing spray head to be linked in at least two planes; the discharging ends of the extrusion mechanisms communicate with the feeding end of the multi-channel mixed printing spray head, the extrusion mechanisms independently convey different kinds of silk materials to the multi-channel mixed printing spray head, and the extrusion mechanisms are arranged to be in a near-end mode and a far-end mode; the near-end extrusion mechanism guarantees the conveying stability and accuracy of the fragile materials through a pressure adjusting piece, and the far-end extrusion mechanism solves the problem of blockage of long-distance conveying of the flexible materials through a reduction gear and a consumable guiding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing equipment technology, and in particular to a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer and printing method. Background Technology

[0002] Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology has been widely used in personalized manufacturing, industrial prototyping, and cultural and creative products due to its advantages of ease of operation and low cost. However, with the upgrading of market demands, 3D printing using only one color and one material can no longer meet the production needs of complex structural parts and functional composite components.

[0003] Existing multi-color, multi-material 3D printing equipment has many shortcomings. Equipment using near-end extrusion integrates the extruder and nozzle, resulting in a large nozzle mass and high inertia. This can easily lead to motor step loss during high-speed printing, affecting molding accuracy, and also makes nozzle maintenance cumbersome. Equipment using far-end extrusion, while reducing the nozzle load, has a long feed path and high frictional resistance, making it prone to filament jamming and inaccurate extrusion ratio control, especially with poor adaptability to flexible consumables.

[0004] Furthermore, traditional equipment lacks targeted design in its extrusion mechanism, with insufficient pressure regulation in near-end extrusion and a lack of deceleration and torque amplification and closed-loop guiding structures in far-end extrusion, making it difficult to balance the precision and stability of multi-material blending. Additionally, the printhead assembly and disassembly efficiency is low, making it impossible to quickly switch between different types of printheads to adapt to diverse printing needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer and printing method. By optimizing the structural design of the nozzle quick-release mechanism, multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle, planar motion mechanism, and extrusion mechanism, the invention solves the problems of inconvenient nozzle maintenance, low motion accuracy, and poor extrusion stability in existing equipment, thereby enabling the printing of multiple materials and colors.

[0006] This application provides a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer and printing method, which adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer is proposed, comprising: a nozzle quick-release mechanism, a multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle, a planar motion mechanism, and multiple extrusion mechanisms; a nozzle quick-release mechanism having at least an assembly end and an execution end; a multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle fixedly installed on the execution end of the nozzle quick-release mechanism; a planar motion mechanism that drives the nozzle quick-release mechanism and the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle to move in linkage within at least two planes; and multiple extrusion mechanisms whose discharge end is connected to the feed end of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle, wherein the multiple extrusion mechanisms independently feed different types of filaments to the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle.

[0007] Furthermore, the printhead quick-release mechanism includes: a fixed base connected to the moving end of the planar motion mechanism; a movable connecting piece rotatably mounted on the end of the fixed base away from the planar motion mechanism; and a printhead mounting piece fixedly connected to the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead. The printhead mounting piece is detachably connected to the fixed base to achieve quick printhead assembly and disassembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixed base is provided with a plurality of first connecting holes, which are fixed to the moving end of the planar motion mechanism by fasteners; the movable connector is provided with a second connecting hole, which is connected to the fixed base by the fasteners, and the fasteners also serve as the pivot of the movable connector; the nozzle mounting part is limited to the fixed base by a slot engagement.

[0009] Furthermore, the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle includes: a feeding assembly whose feed end is connected to the discharge end of the extrusion mechanism, the feeding assembly having multiple independent consumable channels; a heating assembly with a mixing chamber inside, each of the consumable channels being connected to the mixing chamber; a temperature control assembly connected to the heating assembly to detect and control the temperature of the heating assembly; and a heat dissipation assembly located at the connection between the feeding assembly and the heating assembly for heat dissipation.

[0010] Furthermore, the consumable channel of the heating component has a stepped oblique hole structure, the consumable channel converges in the mixing chamber, and the nozzle has a detachable structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the planar motion mechanism includes: at least two drive motors, a synchronous transmission assembly connecting the drive motors and the linear guide assembly, wherein the drive motors drive the moving end of the linear guide assembly to move through the synchronous transmission assembly; and a printhead quick-release mechanism is installed on the moving end of the linear guide assembly to drive the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead to move in at least two planes.

[0012] Furthermore, the synchronous transmission assembly includes: a synchronous pulley connected to the output ends of the two drive motors, a plurality of idler pulleys, and a synchronous belt wound around the synchronous pulley and the idler pulleys; the linear guide assembly includes an X-axis guide assembly and a Y-axis guide assembly; the X-axis guide assembly and the Y-axis guide assembly are linked together, and the nozzle quick-release mechanism is fixed to the X-axis guide assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the extrusion mechanism includes a proximal extrusion mechanism and a distal extrusion mechanism; both the proximal and distal extrusion mechanisms are equipped with consumable guiding pipes and stepper motors, and the proximal extrusion mechanism includes: A proximal feeding gear driven by a stepper motor to move materials; a proximal idler wheel located on one side of the proximal feeding gear, which cooperates with the proximal feeding gear to convey consumables; a proximal pressure regulating component driven by a spring at one end and connected to the proximal idler wheel at the other end via a connecting rod; the proximal pressure regulating component drives the proximal idler wheel to move towards the proximal feeding gear, thereby ensuring the tightness of material conveying.

[0014] Furthermore, the distal extrusion mechanism includes: a distal feeding wheel for driving consumable conveying; a consumable guide disposed at the front end of the distal feeding wheel for guiding consumables; a distal idler wheel that cooperates with the distal feeding wheel to convey consumables; a distal pressure regulating member connected to the distal idler wheel via a connecting rod, the distal pressure regulating member driving the distal idler wheel closer to or further away from the distal feeding wheel according to the outer circumferential size of the consumables; and a reduction gear connected between the distal feeding wheel and the motor output shaft.

[0015] The second aspect proposes a printing method for a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer, including the following steps: S1. Establish a 3D model of the printed part and export it as an STL format file. Perform layer slicing processing on the STL format file, plan the nozzle movement path, and generate a G-Code file that the printer can recognize. S2. Import the G-Code file into the printer control system, set the printing process parameters, and fix the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead to the fixed base through the printhead mounting parts of the printhead quick-release mechanism to complete the printhead installation. S3. Start the printing program. The two drive motors of the planar motion mechanism drive the synchronous wheel to rotate. The synchronous belt drives the idler wheel to move together, thereby driving the X-axis guide component and the Y-axis guide component to move together, and driving the printhead quick release mechanism and the multi-channel hybrid printhead to move in the XY plane according to the preset path. S4. The driving components of multiple extrusion mechanisms drive the feeding assembly to run through the deceleration assembly. After the filament is guided by the closed consumable guide assembly, it is pushed by the feeding assembly to the low-friction conveying pipe and then conveyed to the feeding assembly of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle. S5. Different types of filaments enter the heating component through the independent consumable channel of the feeding component. The temperature control component detects and controls the temperature of the heating component, so that the filaments are melted and mixed in the mixing chamber of the heating component, and then extruded through the detachable nozzle. S6. The extruded molten filament is stacked and solidified layer by layer according to the preset path. After each layer is printed, the planar motion mechanism drives the nozzle to rise to a preset height. Repeat steps S3-S5 until all layers are printed. S7. After printing is completed, disassemble the movable connecting part of the printhead quick-release mechanism, remove the multi-channel hybrid printhead from the fixed base, clean and maintain the nozzle, and remove the molded part to complete the entire printing process.

[0016] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects: By incorporating a quick-release printhead mechanism, rapid assembly and disassembly of multi-channel hybrid printing printheads are achieved, significantly reducing printhead maintenance time and costs. The planar motion mechanism employs a dual-motor driven synchronous transmission structure, coupled with the linkage between the X and Y axes, improving the printhead's movement accuracy and stability in the XY plane.

[0017] The stepped, angled-hole filament channel design of the multi-channel hybrid printhead allows different filaments to fully melt and mix within the mixing chamber, ensuring the forming quality of multi-color, multi-material prints. The enclosed filament guide assembly and pressure regulating assembly of the extrusion mechanism solve the problem of remote extrusion feeding jamming and can adapt to filaments of various materials, including flexible and brittle ones.

[0018] The extrusion mechanism is set to two modes: near end and far end. The near end extrusion mechanism ensures the stability and accuracy of brittle material delivery through pressure adjustment components, while the far end extrusion mechanism solves the jamming problem of long-distance delivery of flexible materials through reduction gears and consumable guides. The two modes can be flexibly switched or combined to meet the needs of different printing scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the quick-release mechanism for the nozzle of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the quick-release mechanism for the nozzle of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar motion mechanism of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the proximal extrusion mechanism of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the distal extrusion mechanism of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the proximal extrusion mechanism of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the distal extrusion mechanism of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Planar motion mechanism; 2. Printhead quick-release mechanism; 3. Multi-channel hybrid printing printhead; 4. Extrusion mechanism; 5. Synchronous transmission assembly; 11. Drive motor; 12. Synchronous pulley; 412. Proximal idler pulley; 14. Synchronous belt; 21. Fixed base; 22. Movable connector; 23. Printhead mounting component; 211. First connecting hole; 212. Second connecting hole; 213. Fastener; 31. Feed assembly; 32. Nozzle; 33. Heat dissipation assembly; 34. Temperature control assembly; 35. Mixing chamber; 41. Proximal extrusion mechanism; 42. Far-end extrusion mechanism; 411. Proximal feeding gear; 412. Proximal idler pulley; 413. Proximal pressure regulator; 414. Pipe; 421. Far-end feeding wheel; 422. Consumable guide; 423. Far-end idler pulley; 424. Motor output shaft; 425. Reduction gear; 426. Far-end pressure regulator; 51. X-axis guide assembly; 52. Y-axis guide assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 This application will be described in further detail.

[0030] Example 1 This embodiment proposes a multi-color material 3D printer, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a quick-release nozzle mechanism 2, a multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3, a planar motion mechanism 1, and multiple extrusion mechanisms 4. The multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 is fixedly mounted on the execution end of the quick-release nozzle mechanism 2 of the Y-axis guide assembly 52. ​​The planar motion mechanism 1 drives the quick-release nozzle mechanism 2 and the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 of the Y-axis guide assembly 52 to move in conjunction in at least two planes. The discharge end of each extrusion mechanism 4 is connected to the feed end of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 of the Y-axis guide assembly 52, for independently feeding different types of filaments to the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 of the Y-axis guide assembly 52.

[0031] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the printhead quick-release mechanism 2 includes a fixed base 21, a movable connector 22, and a printhead mounting component 23. The fixed base 21 serves as the assembly end and is connected to the moving end of the planar motion mechanism 1. The movable connector 22 is rotatably mounted on the end of the fixed base 21 away from the planar motion mechanism 1. The printhead mounting component 23 serves as the execution end and is fixedly connected to the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead 3. The printhead mounting component 23 is detachably connected to the fixed base 21, enabling quick assembly and disassembly of the printhead.

[0032] In the above embodiment, specifically, the fixed base 21 is provided with multiple first connecting holes 211, and is fixed to the moving end of the planar motion mechanism 1 by fasteners 213. The movable connector 22 is provided with second connecting holes 212, and is connected to the fixed base 21 by fasteners 213, which also serve as the pivot of the movable connector 22. The nozzle mounting component 23 and the fixed base 21 are limited by a slot engagement to ensure the stability of the connection and enable quick assembly and disassembly of the nozzle.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 includes a feeding assembly 31, a heating assembly, a nozzle 32, a temperature control assembly 34, and a heat dissipation assembly 33. The feeding end of the feeding assembly 31 is connected to the discharge end of the extrusion mechanism 4. The feeding assembly 31 has multiple independent consumable channels for conveying different types of filaments. The heating assembly has a mixing chamber 35, and each consumable channel is connected to the mixing chamber 35, allowing different filaments to be melted and mixed within it. The nozzle 32 is connected to the mixing chamber 35 and is used to extrude the mixed molten filaments. The temperature control assembly 34 is connected to the heating assembly and is used to detect and control the temperature of the heating assembly to ensure stable filament melting. The heat dissipation assembly 33 is located at the connection between the feeding assembly 31 and the heating assembly to dissipate heat from the feeding assembly 31, preventing the filaments from softening prematurely before entering the heating assembly.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the consumable channels of the heating component are further characterized by a stepped oblique hole structure, with all consumable channels converging at the mixing chamber 35, which can improve the mixing uniformity of different filaments. The nozzle 32 is a detachable structure, facilitating subsequent cleaning and replacement.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, the planar motion mechanism 1 includes a drive motor 11, a synchronous transmission assembly 5, and a linear guide assembly. At least two drive motors 11 are provided to power the movement of the multi-channel hybrid printhead 3. The synchronous transmission assembly 5 connects the drive motor 11 and the linear guide assembly 52, and the drive motor 11 drives the moving end of the linear guide assembly 52 via the synchronous transmission assembly 52. ​​The printhead quick-release mechanism 2 is installed at the moving end of the linear guide assembly 52, driving the multi-channel hybrid printhead 3 to move in at least two planes.

[0036] like Figures 6-7 As shown, the extrusion mechanism 4 includes a proximal extrusion mechanism 41 and a distal extrusion mechanism 42. Both the proximal extrusion mechanism 41 and the distal extrusion mechanism 42 are provided with a consumable guide pipe 414 and a stepper motor.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 8As shown, the proximal extrusion mechanism 41 includes a proximal feeding gear 411, a proximal idler wheel 412, and a proximal pressure regulating member 413. The proximal feeding gear 411 is driven by a stepper motor to move the material. The proximal idler wheel 412 is located on one side of the proximal feeding gear 411 and cooperates with the proximal feeding gear 411 to convey consumables. One end of the proximal pressure regulating member 413 is driven by a spring, and the other end is connected to the proximal idler wheel 412 through a connecting rod. The proximal pressure regulating member 413 drives the proximal idler wheel 412 to move towards the proximal feeding gear 411, thereby ensuring the tightness of material conveying.

[0038] like Figure 9 As shown, the remote extrusion mechanism 42 includes a remote feed roller 421, a consumable guide 422, a remote idler roller 423, a remote pressure regulator 426, and a reduction gear 425. The remote feed roller 421 is used for driving the consumable conveying. The consumable guide 422 is located at the front end of the remote feed roller 421 and is used to guide the consumable, preventing the filament from bending or deforming. The remote idler roller 423 cooperates with the remote feed roller 421 to convey the consumable. The remote pressure regulator 426 is connected to the remote idler roller 423 via a connecting rod. The remote pressure regulator 426 moves the remote idler roller 423 closer to or further away from the remote feed roller 421 according to the outer circumference size of the consumable, adapting to filaments of different diameters. The reduction gear 425 is connected between the remote feed roller 421 and the motor output shaft 424, serving to reduce speed and increase torque, improving the feeding torque and control accuracy.

[0039] In actual use, the near-end extrusion mechanism 41 is integrated with the printhead, resulting in a short feeding path and no additional conveying pipe 414; the far-end extrusion mechanism 42 is fixed to the printer frame and connected to the printhead via pipe 414, resulting in a longer feeding path. The near-end extrusion mechanism 41 has no reduction gear 425 and relies on a motor to directly drive the feeding; the far-end extrusion mechanism 42 is equipped with a reduction gear 425, which can increase the feeding torque.

[0040] The near-end extrusion mechanism 41 is suitable for brittle materials and high-precision single-material printing scenarios, ensuring feeding accuracy and preventing filament breakage; the far-end extrusion mechanism 42 is suitable for multi-material blending and large-size printing scenarios, reducing nozzle load and increasing movement speed, and can stably deliver flexible materials when paired with the consumable guide 422.

[0041] Based on the aforementioned multi-color material 3D printer, a printing method is proposed, which specifically includes the following steps: S1. Use SolidWorks to create a 3D model of the printable part and export it as an STL file. Use slicing software to slice the STL file into layers, plan the nozzle movement path, and generate a G-Code file.

[0042] S2. Import the G-Code file into the printer control system, set the printing speed to 60mm / s, the heating component temperature to 200℃, and the heated bed temperature to 60℃. Secure the multi-channel hybrid printhead 3 to the fixed base 21 using the printhead mounting bracket 23 of the printhead quick-release mechanism 2. S3. Start the printing program. Two stepper motors drive the synchronous pulley 12 to rotate, and the synchronous belt 14 drives the near-end idler pulley 412 in conjunction, driving the X-axis guide assembly 51 and the Y-axis guide assembly 52 in conjunction, causing the printhead to move along a preset path in the XY plane.

[0043] S4, the drive components of multiple extrusion mechanisms 4 drive the feeding assembly through a 3:1 reduction gear assembly. Three different colored PLA filaments are guided by the enclosed consumable guide 422, pushed by the feeding assembly to the PTFE tube, and then conveyed to the feeding assembly 31 of the multi-channel hybrid printhead 3.

[0044] S5. The three types of filaments enter the heating component through the independent consumable channel of the feeding component 31. The temperature control component 34 controls the temperature of the heating component at 200℃. After the filaments are melted and mixed in the mixing chamber 35, they are extruded through the nozzle 32.

[0045] S6. The molten filament is stacked and solidified layer by layer according to the preset path. After each layer is printed, the planar motion mechanism 1 drives the nozzle to rise by 0.2mm. Repeat steps S3-S5 until printing is completed.

[0046] S7. After printing is complete, rotate the movable connector 22 to remove the nozzle from the fixed base 21, clean the residual molten material in the nozzle 32, and remove the molded part from the heated bed to complete the printing.

[0047] Example 2 Based on Example 1, a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer is specifically proposed, including a printhead quick-release mechanism 2, a multi-channel hybrid printing printhead 3, a planar motion mechanism 1, and three remote extrusion mechanisms 42.

[0048] The fixed base 21 of the printhead quick-release mechanism 2 is fixed to the X-axis guide assembly 51 of the planar motion mechanism 1 through four M3 countersunk holes using bolts and nuts. The movable connector 22 is connected to the fixed base 21 by a set of bolts and nuts, with the bolts also serving as rotation shafts, and the nuts being anti-slip nuts. The printhead mounting component 23 is fixed to the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead 3 by bolts and connected to the fixed base 21 through a slot engagement.

[0049] The feed assembly 31 of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 is formed by FDM 3D printing and is made of PLA. The heating assembly is made of aluminum alloy and has three inclined, three-layer stepped feed channels that converge into the mixing chamber 35. The throat is made of PTFE, the heat sink is made of aluminum alloy, and the cooling fan is mounted on the front of the nozzle. The nozzle 32 is detachable.

[0050] The planar motion mechanism 1 uses two 42-stepper motors as drive motors 11. The synchronous transmission assembly 5 uses a GT2 rubber synchronous belt 14 with a width of 6mm. The synchronous pulley 12 and the near-end idler pulley 412 have 20 teeth and an inner diameter of 5mm. The X-axis guide assembly 51 uses an MGN12 linear guide and an MGN12H linear guide slider, with a guide length of 500mm. The Y-axis guide assembly 52 uses a linear optical axis with a diameter of 10mm and a length of 425mm and an SCS10UU optical axis slider.

[0051] The distal extrusion mechanism 42 adopts a Titan-type structure. The distal feed roller 421 is coaxially connected to the 3:1 reduction gear 425. The consumable guide 422 has a closed structure, and the distal pressure regulating component 426 adopts a spring linkage structure. The three distal extrusion mechanisms 42 are respectively connected to the three consumable channels of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 through PTFE tubes.

[0052] The specific printing method is as follows: PLA, PETG, and TPU filaments are loaded into three remote extrusion mechanisms 42 respectively. The heating component temperature is set to 210℃, the heated bed temperature to 60℃, and the printing speed to 50mm / s. After the printing program is started, the three filaments are melted and mixed in a preset ratio in the mixing chamber 35, and then extruded and stacked layer by layer to form a shape. This method is suitable for the rapid manufacturing of personalized cultural and creative products.

[0053] Example 3 Based on Example 1, a high-precision single-material printing method for near-end extrusion is proposed, which includes a nozzle quick-release mechanism 2, a single-channel printing nozzle, a planar motion mechanism 1, and a near-end extrusion mechanism 41.

[0054] The structure of the printhead quick-release mechanism 2 is the same as in Example 1. The heating element of the single-channel printhead is made of copper alloy, with a single straight feed channel inside, and the nozzle 32 has an orifice diameter of 0.2mm. The temperature control component 34 uses a high-precision thermistor.

[0055] The drive motor 11 of the planar motion mechanism 1 is a 42 closed-loop stepper motor, and the tension of the synchronous belt 14 is adjustable. Both the X-axis and Y-axis use MGN12 linear guides and linear guide sliders to reduce motion resistance and improve positioning accuracy.

[0056] The proximal extrusion mechanism 41 adopts an Mk8 type structure, the proximal feed gear 411 has helical teeth, and the spring stiffness of the proximal pressure regulating component 413 is adjustable. The proximal extrusion mechanism 41 is integrated with the single-channel printhead, and the filament enters the printhead throat directly from the feed gear.

[0057] During the actual printing process, carbon fiber reinforced PLA filament is loaded, the heating component temperature is set to 220℃, and the printing speed is 20mm / s. The near-end extrusion mechanism 41 is used for feeding, and high-precision mechanical part prototypes are printed.

[0058] Example 4 Based on all the above embodiments, a multi-material composite printing method combining proximal and distal end extrusion is proposed, specifically as follows: It includes two quick-release nozzle mechanisms 2, a multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3, a single-channel printing nozzle, a planar motion mechanism 1, two distal extrusion mechanisms 42, and a proximal extrusion mechanism 41. The X-axis guide rail of the planar motion mechanism 1 is extended to 800mm. The two quick-release nozzle mechanisms 2 are respectively installed at different positions on the X-axis guide assembly 51, and the working nozzle is switched through the control system. The two distal extrusion mechanisms 42 are connected to the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle 3 and are responsible for feeding PLA and TPU filaments; the proximal extrusion mechanism 41 is connected to the single-channel printing nozzle and is responsible for feeding carbon fiber reinforced PETG filaments.

[0059] In the actual printing process: the multi-channel hybrid printhead 3 is started, and the feed ratio of the two distal extrusion mechanisms 42 is adjusted to print the flexible anti-slip outer layer of the smart wearable device strap. The outer layer material is a blend of PLA and TPU. Then, the printhead is switched to a single-channel printhead, and the proximal extrusion mechanism 41 is used to print the rigid support inner layer of the strap. The inner layer material is carbon fiber reinforced PETG. The two layers automatically bond together during the printing process to form a rigid and flexible composite finished product. No secondary assembly is required, which greatly improves production efficiency.

[0060] Finally, the following points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components, or direct connections. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change. Secondly: The accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this invention. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other. In conclusion, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0061] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer, characterized in that, include: The quick-release mechanism for the nozzle has at least an assembly end and an execution end; A multi-channel hybrid printhead is fixedly installed on the actuator end of the printhead quick-release mechanism; A planar motion mechanism drives the printhead quick-release mechanism and the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead to move in conjunction in at least two planes; Multiple extrusion mechanisms are provided, with their discharge ends connected to the feed ends of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle, to independently feed different types of filaments to the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle.

2. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release mechanism for the nozzle includes: A fixed base is connected to the moving end of the planar motion mechanism; A movable connector is rotatably mounted on the fixed base at the end away from the planar motion mechanism; The printhead mounting component is fixedly connected to the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead. The nozzle mounting component is detachably connected to the fixed base to enable quick assembly and disassembly of the nozzle.

3. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixed base is provided with a plurality of first connecting holes and is fixed to the moving end of the planar motion mechanism by fasteners; the movable connector is provided with a second connecting hole and is connected to the fixed base by fasteners, the fasteners also serving as the pivot of the movable connector; the nozzle mounting part is limited to the fixed base by a slot engagement.

4. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multi-channel hybrid printhead includes: The feeding assembly has its feeding end connected to the discharge end of the extrusion mechanism; the feeding assembly is provided with multiple independent consumable channels; The heating assembly has an internal mixing chamber, and each of the consumable channels is connected to the mixing chamber. The nozzle is connected to the mixing chamber; A temperature control component is connected to the heating component to detect and control the temperature of the heating component; A heat dissipation component is provided at the connection between the feeding component and the heating component for heat dissipation.

5. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The consumable channel of the heating component has a stepped oblique hole structure, the consumable channel converges in the mixing and melting chamber, and the nozzle has a detachable structure.

6. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planar motion mechanism includes: At least two drive motors must be provided. A synchronous transmission assembly connects the drive motor and the linear guide assembly, wherein the drive motor drives the moving end of the linear guide assembly to move through the synchronous transmission assembly; The printhead quick-release mechanism is installed on the moving end of the linear guide assembly to drive the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead to move in at least two planes.

7. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The synchronous transmission assembly includes: The synchronous pulley is connected to the output terminals of the two drive motors; There are multiple idler wheels. A timing belt is wound around the timing pulley and the idler pulley; The linear guide assembly includes an X-axis guide assembly and a Y-axis guide assembly; the X-axis guide assembly and the Y-axis guide assembly are linked together, and the nozzle quick-release mechanism is fixed to the X-axis guide assembly.

8. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion mechanism includes a proximal extrusion mechanism and a distal extrusion mechanism; both the proximal and distal extrusion mechanisms are equipped with consumable guiding pipes and stepper motors, and the proximal extrusion mechanism includes: The near-end feeding gear is driven by a stepper motor to move the material. The near-end idler wheel is located on one side of the near-end feed gear and cooperates with the near-end feed gear to transport consumables. The proximal pressure regulating element is driven by a spring at one end and connected to the proximal idler wheel via a connecting rod at the other end. The proximal pressure regulating component drives the proximal idler wheel to move towards the proximal feeding gear, thereby ensuring the tightness of material conveying.

9. A multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distal extrusion mechanism includes: Remote feeding wheel, used for driving the conveying of consumables; Consumable guide, located at the front end of the remote feeding wheel, is used to guide consumables; The remote idler wheel works in conjunction with the remote feed wheel to transport consumables. The remote pressure regulating component is connected to the remote idler wheel via a connecting rod. The remote pressure regulating component drives the remote idler wheel to move closer to or further away from the remote feed wheel according to the outer circumference size of the consumable. A reduction gear is connected between the distal feeding wheel and the motor output shaft.

10. A printing method for a multi-color, multi-material 3D printer according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Establish a 3D model of the printed part and export it as an STL format file. Perform layer slicing processing on the STL format file, plan the nozzle movement path, and generate a G-Code file that the printer can recognize. S2. Import the G-Code file into the printer control system, set the printing process parameters, and fix the multi-channel hybrid printing printhead to the fixed base through the printhead mounting parts of the printhead quick-release mechanism to complete the printhead installation. S3. Start the printing program. The two drive motors of the planar motion mechanism drive the synchronous wheel to rotate. The synchronous belt drives the idler wheel to move together, thereby driving the X-axis guide component and the Y-axis guide component to move together, and driving the printhead quick release mechanism and the multi-channel hybrid printhead to move in the XY plane according to the preset path. S4. The driving components of multiple extrusion mechanisms drive the feeding assembly to run through the deceleration assembly. After the filament is guided by the closed consumable guide assembly, it is pushed by the feeding assembly to the low-friction conveying pipe and then conveyed to the feeding assembly of the multi-channel hybrid printing nozzle. S5. Different types of filaments enter the heating component through the independent consumable channel of the feeding component. The temperature control component detects and controls the temperature of the heating component, so that the filaments are melted and mixed in the mixing chamber of the heating component, and then extruded through the detachable nozzle. S6. The extruded molten filament is stacked and solidified layer by layer according to the preset path. After each layer is printed, the planar motion mechanism drives the nozzle to rise to a preset height. Repeat steps S3-S5 until all layers are printed. S7. After printing is completed, disassemble the movable connecting part of the printhead quick-release mechanism, remove the multi-channel hybrid printhead from the fixed base, clean and maintain the nozzle, and remove the molded part to complete the entire printing process.

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