Three-dimensional printer and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The application provides a three-dimensional printer and a working method thereof. The three-dimensional printer comprises a machine box, a printing platform, a printing device and a driving device arranged in the machine box. The driving device can drive the printing platform and the printing device to move relatively. The printing device comprises a wire printing module and a particle printing module. The wire printing module and the particle printing module can independently execute a printing task. The wire printing module and the particle printing module can also execute a composite printing task. The particle printing module can realize the extrusion molding of super-soft and elastic particle consumables. The three-dimensional printer and the working method thereof can mold a composite structure part with a hard skeleton and a super-soft and elastic coating layer, and have multiple molding modes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a 3D printer and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the mainstream technologies in 3D printing, widely used in rapid prototyping and personalized product manufacturing. Existing mainstream 3D printers include filament printers and particle printers. Filament printers offer high forming precision and can print intricate structures, but filaments require pretreatment and specialized manufacturing, resulting in significantly higher raw material costs compared to particle printers. Furthermore, the production of ultra-soft elastic materials (such as thermoplastic elastomers with a hardness less than or equal to 70A) into filaments is difficult and hinders stable extrusion molding in filament printers; therefore, these materials can only be printed as particles by particle printers. Particle printers, while offering lower raw material costs and higher throughput, enabling large-size printing, have limited forming precision and material compatibility. Thus, due to inherent design limitations, traditional 3D printers cannot achieve composite molding of rigid materials (such as engineering plastics like PLA, ABS, and nylon) and ultra-soft elastic materials; in other words, traditional 3D printers struggle to create composite structures with both a rigid framework and an ultra-soft elastic coating. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a 3D printer, including a chassis and a printing platform, a printing device, and a driving device disposed within the chassis. The driving device can drive the printing platform and the printing device to move relative to each other. The printing device includes a filament printing module and a particle printing module. Both the filament printing module and the particle printing module can perform printing operations independently, and they can also perform composite printing operations. The particle printing module can realize the extrusion molding of ultra-soft and elastic particle consumables.

[0004] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for operating a 3D printer that can produce composite structural parts with both a rigid skeleton and an ultra-soft elastic coating layer, and has multiple molding modes.

[0005] To achieve the first objective of this invention, this invention provides a 3D printer, including a chassis and a printing platform, a printing device, and a driving device disposed within the chassis. The driving device can drive the printing platform and the printing device to move relative to each other. The printing device includes a filament printing module and a particle printing module. Both the filament printing module and the particle printing module can perform printing operations independently, and the filament printing module and the particle printing module can also perform composite printing operations. The particle printing module can realize the extrusion molding of ultra-soft and elastic particle consumables.

[0006] As can be seen from the above, by configuring filament printing module and particle printing module, the 3D printer has a variety of selectable forming modes, such as single filament printing, single particle printing, and composite printing of filament and particle consumables, which effectively improves the practicality of the 3D printer. At the same time, since the particle printing module has the function of extruding ultra-soft and elastic particle consumables, the printing of composite structural parts with both rigid skeleton and ultra-soft and elastic coating layer can be realized through the linkage of filament printing module and particle printing module.

[0007] A preferred embodiment is that the particle printing module has a preheating zone, a partial melting zone, and a fully plasticizing zone. The operating temperature of the preheating zone is between 40°C and 60°C, the operating temperature of the partial melting zone is between 80°C and 100°C, and the operating temperature of the fully plasticizing zone is between 160°C and 190°C.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, the pellet printing module, through zoned temperature control, allows the pellet filament to be preheated in the preheating zone to remove any moisture that may be adhering to the surface of the pellet filament, thereby improving the heating effect of the partial melting zone on the pellet filament. At the same time, the partial melting zone further heats the pellet filament, softening and initially melting it, ensuring that the pellet filament can smoothly enter the fully plasticized zone, avoiding cold material blockage, and ensuring the melting efficiency of the pellet filament after entering the fully plasticized zone. The fully plasticized zone is used to heat the pellet filament, ensuring that the pellet filament is in a fully molten state, ensuring extrusion quality and extrusion smoothness.

[0009] A further embodiment is that the preheating zone is equipped with a first temperature sensor and a first heater. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the working temperature of the preheating zone and assist in controlling the heating temperature of the first heater. The partially melting zone is equipped with a second temperature sensor and a second heater. The second temperature sensor is used to detect the working temperature of the partially melting zone and assist in controlling the heating temperature of the second heater. The fully plasticized zone is equipped with a third temperature sensor. The third temperature sensor is used to detect the working temperature of the fully plasticized zone and assist in controlling the heating temperature.

[0010] As can be seen from the above, by setting temperature sensors and heaters separately in the preheating zone, the partial melting zone and the fully plasticizing zone, independent closed-loop control of each zone can be achieved to ensure the preheating and heating effect of the granular consumables, so as to further guarantee the extrusion quality and extrusion smoothness.

[0011] A further embodiment includes a pellet printing module comprising a feed hopper, a transfer hopper, a discharge sleeve, a first nozzle, a heating assembly, an extrusion screw, a first extrusion motor, and a first CAN communication module. The first feed inlet of the transfer hopper is connected to the second discharge outlet of the feed hopper. The transfer hopper has a preheating zone and a partial melting zone, with the preheating zone located between the first feed inlet and the partial melting zone. The third feed inlet of the discharge sleeve is connected to the first discharge outlet of the transfer hopper. The discharge sleeve has a fully plasticized zone. The first nozzle is connected to the third discharge outlet of the discharge sleeve. The heating assembly is mounted on the discharge sleeve and includes a first heating block and a second heating block. The first heating block is located at the third feed inlet, and the second heating block is located at the third discharge outlet. The extrusion screw is located within the partial melting zone and the discharge sleeve. The output shaft of the first extrusion motor is connected to the extrusion screw. The first CAN communication module is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor, the first heater, the second heater, the first extrusion motor, the first heating block, and the second heating block, respectively.

[0012] As can be seen above, the feeding hopper is used to receive the granular consumables output by the corresponding feeding device, so as to accurately guide the granular consumables to the preheating zone of the transfer hopper for preheating. After preheating, the granular consumables naturally enter the partial melting zone to complete softening and initial melting. Then, driven by the extrusion screw, the granular consumables are fed into the discharge sleeve and heated to a completely melted state by the first heating block and the second heating block. Finally, they are extruded from the first nozzle onto the printing platform or the corresponding pre-formed printing layer. In addition, a first CAN communication module is set up to make the granular printing module modular, so as to facilitate the maintenance, replacement and installation of the granular printing module.

[0013] A further proposed solution is that the major diameter of the extrusion screw is between 8 mm and 10 mm; the thread depth at the feed end of the extrusion screw is between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the thread depth at the discharge end is between 1 mm and 3 mm; the thread thickness at the feed end of the extrusion screw is less than the thread thickness at the discharge end; the pitch at the feed end of the extrusion screw is between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the pitch at the discharge end is between 8 mm and 10 mm; the first nozzle and the discharge sleeve are connected by a threaded sealing structure, and the distance between the extrusion port of the first nozzle and the third discharge port is adjustable.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, by designing the extrusion screw, the shear stroke and shear heat can be reduced, the degradation of ultra-soft elastic granule consumables can be avoided, and the uniformity of extrusion can be guaranteed.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment is that the wire printing module includes a second extrusion motor, a second nozzle, and a second CAN communication module. The second extrusion motor is equipped with a fourth temperature sensor for detecting the heating temperature of the second extrusion motor. The second nozzle is connected to the fourth discharge port of the second extrusion motor through a threaded sealing structure. The distance between the extrusion port of the second nozzle and the fourth discharge port is adjustable. The second CAN communication module is electrically connected to the second extrusion motor.

[0016] As can be seen above, the second extrusion motor is used to receive the wire consumables conveyed by the corresponding feeding device and heat the wire consumables to ensure that the wire consumables are in a completely molten state before being extruded by the second nozzle onto the printing platform or the corresponding pre-formed printing layer; the fourth temperature sensor is used to monitor the heating temperature of the wire consumables by the second extrusion motor in real time to ensure extrusion quality and extrusion smoothness, and to realize closed-loop control of the heating temperature; the setting of the second CAN communication module enables the wire printing module to be modularized as a whole, so as to facilitate the maintenance, replacement and installation of the wire printing module.

[0017] Another preferred embodiment is that the printing platform is equipped with a silicone heating film and a fifth temperature sensor. The silicone heating film is used to regulate the temperature of the printing platform, and the fifth temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the printing platform and assist in controlling the heating temperature of the silicone heating film.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, the silicone heating film is used to heat the printing platform to improve the forming effect of the printed parts and prevent the printed parts from warping and cracking due to sudden cooling; the fifth temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the printing platform in real time to realize closed-loop control of the heating temperature of the printing platform and ensure heating accuracy.

[0019] A further embodiment is that the driving device includes a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, and a third driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism can drive the printing device to move in a first direction, the second driving mechanism can drive the first driving mechanism to move in a second direction, and the third driving mechanism can drive the printing platform to move in the normal direction of the printing platform. The normal direction, the first direction, and the second direction are mutually perpendicular. The 3D printer also includes a first feeding device and a second feeding device. The first feeding device is used to feed filament to the filament printing module, and the second feeding device is used to feed particle filament to the particle printing module.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the first drive mechanism works in conjunction with the second drive mechanism to drive the printing device to move in a plane relative to the printing device, thereby achieving single-layer printing of the printed parts; the third drive mechanism drives the printing platform to rise and fall relative to the printing device, thereby achieving the layer-by-layer stacking of the printed parts; in addition, the corresponding feeding device is configured according to the type of consumables, which can ensure the stability and reliability of the supply of consumables for the filament printing module and the particle printing module, thereby ensuring the printing quality.

[0021] A further proposed solution involves a first feeding device comprising a wire feeder, a wire collector, a cutting mechanism, and two or more unwinding reels. The wire feeder includes two or more wire pushing units, each corresponding to one or more unwinding reels. The wire collector has an outlet channel and two or more inlet channels. The two or more unwinding reels and two or more inlet channels each correspond to one or more wire pushing units. The outlet of each inlet channel is connected to the inlet of the outlet channel. The cutting mechanism is located at the outlet of the wire pushing unit or at the inlet of the inlet channel and is used to cut the wire. The second feeding device comprises a hopper and a feeding pipe. The hopper includes two... There are more than one material chamber, and each material chamber has a solid material electrically controlled gate valve at the fifth outlet. The feeding pipe has two or more branch pipes, and the two or more branch pipes correspond one-to-one with two or more solid material electrically controlled gate valves. The inlet of one branch pipe is connected to the corresponding solid material electrically controlled gate valve. The driving device can drive the particle printing module to move to the outlet of the feeding pipe. The wire printing module can realize independent extrusion molding or composite extrusion molding of rigid wire consumables and flexible wire consumables. The particle printing module can also realize independent extrusion molding of rigid particle consumables and flexible particle consumables. The particle printing module can also realize composite extrusion molding of rigid particle consumables, flexible particle consumables and ultra-soft elastic particle consumables.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the first feeding device, through the cooperation of the wire feeder and the unwinding reel, unwinds the wire material roll and accurately and stably delivers the unwound wire to the wire printing module, effectively ensuring that the supply of wire consumables and the pushing speed are precisely controllable. Furthermore, the design of the number of wire pushing units and unwinding reels allows the wire printing module to switch between printing different colors and materials of wire consumables, meeting diverse printing needs. The second feeding device, through the opening and closing of the solid material electrically controlled gate valve, achieves precise control of the granular consumable supply, ensuring stable supply and accurate metering. Moreover, the design of the number of material chambers and solid material electrically controlled gate valves allows the granular printing module to switch between printing different colors and materials of granular consumables, meeting diverse printing needs.

[0023] To achieve the second objective of this invention, this invention provides a method for operating a 3D printer, wherein the 3D printer is the aforementioned 3D printer, and the method includes: acquiring a printing mode; controlling a drive device to drive the printing platform and printing device in conjunction according to the printing mode; when performing composite printing of filament and ultra-soft elastic particle filament, first controlling the filament printing module to print the hard skeleton region of the target printing layer according to a first preset path, and then switching to the particle printing module to print the ultra-soft elastic coating layer region of the target printing layer according to a second preset path, so that the ultra-soft elastic coating layer covers the outer periphery of the hard skeleton and the two are tightly bonded, and controlling the filament printing module and the particle printing module to alternately perform printing until the printing of the printed part is completed.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, based on the aforementioned 3D printer and using the working method provided by this invention, it is possible to print composite structural parts that combine a rigid skeleton and an ultra-soft elastic coating layer. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the 3D printer of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the first omitted component of the 3D printer embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the printing platform of an embodiment of the 3D printer of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the filament printing module of an embodiment of the 3D printer of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the particle printing module of an embodiment of the 3D printer of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the extrusion screw of the particle printing module in an embodiment of the 3D printer of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the second omitted component of the 3D printer embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the filament feeder in an embodiment of the 3D printer of the present invention.

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 3D printer examples Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The 3D printer 100 includes a chassis 1, a printing platform 2, a printing device 3, a drive device 4, a first feeding device, a second feeding device, a ventilation system, and a control device. The printing platform 2, printing device 3, and drive device 4 are all housed within the chassis 1 to ensure that the printed parts are not contaminated by external dust during the printing process. The control device is electrically connected to the printing device 3, drive device 4, first feeding device, second feeding device, and ventilation system to coordinate and control the precise linkage between these devices. The ventilation system ventilates the interior of the chassis 1 to ensure the quality of the printed parts and stable heat dissipation within the chassis 1. The drive device 4 drives the relative movement of the printing platform 2 and the printing device 3, enabling the printing device 3 to perform planar motion relative to the printing platform 2 for single-layer printing, and simultaneously driving the printing platform 2 to rise and fall layer by layer relative to the printing device 3, enabling the printed parts to be stacked and formed.

[0035] Combination Figure 3 The printing platform 2 is provided with a support plate 21, which is used to support the printed parts. Preferably, the support plate 21 is made of aluminum alloy, and its thickness is preferably between 3 mm and 6 mm. On the one hand, this ensures the structural strength of the support plate 21, and on the other hand, it avoids the printing platform 2 being too heavy, which would affect the driving accuracy of the drive device 4. Furthermore, the support plate 21 made of aluminum alloy has good thermal conductivity, so that a relevant temperature control unit can be set up to regulate the temperature of the support plate 21.

[0036] Furthermore, the printing platform 2 is equipped with a silicone heating film and a fifth temperature sensor 22 (such as an NTC temperature sensor; it is understood that this temperature sensor can also be other types of temperature sensors capable of achieving the same function) electrically connected to the control device. The silicone heating film is used to heat the support plate 21 to improve the forming effect of the printed parts and prevent warping and cracking caused by sudden cooling, especially when printing composite structures with rigid skeletons and ultra-soft elastic coating layers, to prevent delamination at the interface between the rigid skeleton and the ultra-soft elastic coating layer; the heating temperature of the silicone heating film is preferably continuously adjustable from 0℃ to 150℃, and the temperature control accuracy is preferably ±1℃. The fifth temperature sensor 22 is used to monitor the temperature of the support plate 21 in real time to achieve closed-loop control of the heating temperature of the printing platform 2 and ensure heating accuracy. Moreover, the surface of the printing platform 2 is coated with a coating (such as a polytetrafluoroethylene coating) to facilitate demolding of the printed parts and prevent damage to the printed parts during demolding.

[0037] The printing device 3 includes a filament printing module 31 and a particle printing module 32. Both the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 can perform printing operations independently; of course, the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 can also perform composite printing operations.

[0038] Understandably, the filament printing module 31 is used to melt filament consumables and extrude them through its second nozzle 312, enabling fine structure printing; the particle printing module 32 is used to melt granular consumables and extrude them through its first nozzle 324, enabling the printing of ultra-soft elastic granular consumables (such as thermoplastic elastomers with a hardness between 0A and 70A). Based on this, the printing device 3 can achieve printing of a single type of consumable material, as well as extrusion and composite molding of two different materials, meeting diverse needs such as different molding modes and composite molding of different materials, making it widely applicable and highly practical.

[0039] The filament printing module 31 preferably enables independent extrusion molding or composite extrusion molding of rigid filament consumables (e.g., with a hardness between D50 and D85) and flexible filament consumables (e.g., with a hardness between 70A and 95A); while the particle printing module 32 preferably enables independent extrusion molding of rigid particle consumables (e.g., with a hardness between D50 and D85), flexible particle consumables (e.g., with a hardness between 70A and 95A), or ultra-soft elastic particle consumables. Of course, it can also enable composite extrusion molding of rigid particle consumables, flexible particle consumables, and ultra-soft elastic particle consumables.

[0040] It should be noted that, since the particle printing module 32 can extrude ultra-soft elastic particle consumables, compared with the composite structure that uses hard particle consumables to print a hard skeleton and then uses ultra-soft elastic particle consumables to print an ultra-soft elastic coating layer, the composite structure that uses hard wire consumables to print a hard skeleton and then uses ultra-soft elastic particle consumables to print an ultra-soft elastic coating layer has higher structural precision and better molding quality.

[0041] Furthermore, the printing device 32 has the following advantages by designing the wire printing module 3121 and the particle printing module 3222 as separate units: First, it can effectively prevent cross-contamination of different types of consumables within the printing module during the printing process; Secondly, due to the different material properties of filament and pellets (such as filament being shear-sensitive while pellets require high shear plasticization), the design of the screw and / or nozzle differs greatly. Therefore, the separate design can effectively ensure the printing effect. Third, since filament and granule filament are usually in different melting temperature ranges (especially the melting temperature difference between rigid filament and ultra-soft elastic filament is large), the separate design can ensure the melting effect and facilitate temperature control of the printing module. Fourth, the split design can reduce the maintenance difficulty of the printing device 3 and reduce the mechanical failure rate.

[0042] Combination Figure 4The wire printing module 31 includes a second extrusion motor 311, a second nozzle 312, a second heat dissipation unit 313, and a second CAN communication module 314. The second extrusion motor 311 receives the wire consumable from the first feeding device, heats and melts the wire consumable, and then extrudes the consumable onto the printing platform 2 or the corresponding pre-formed printing layer through the second nozzle 312. Preferably, the second extrusion motor 311 is equipped with a fourth temperature sensor, which is used to monitor the heating temperature of the wire consumable by the second extrusion motor 311 in real time to ensure extrusion quality and smoothness, and to realize closed-loop control of the heating temperature of the printing platform 2.

[0043] The second nozzle 312 is connected to the fourth discharge port 3111 of the second extrusion motor 311. Preferably, the second nozzle 312 and the fourth discharge port 3111 are connected through a precision threaded sealing structure, making the distance between the extrusion port of the second nozzle 312 and the fourth discharge port 3111 adjustable. This allows adjustment of the relative height (in the normal direction of the printing platform 2) between the second nozzle 312 and the first nozzle 324 of the particle printing module 32, ensuring that they maintain a horizontal alignment. This ensures that the molten filament and the molten particle (especially the ultra-soft elastic particle) bonding surfaces are tightly fused, ensuring the bonding strength of the bonding surfaces and avoiding delamination and cracking. During adjustment, the second nozzle 312 can be rotated relative to the fourth discharge port 3111 using a tool to adjust the extension amount of the second nozzle 312 relative to the fourth discharge port 3111.

[0044] The second heat dissipation unit 313 includes a second fan 3131 and a second air guide 3132. The second fan 3131 is mounted on the second extrusion motor 311. The air outlet of the second fan 3131 is connected to the air inlet of the second air guide 3132. The air outlet of the second air guide 3132 is arranged towards the extrusion end of the second nozzle 312, so that the second heat dissipation unit 313 can cool the molten wire consumable extruded by the second nozzle 312 to accelerate its cooling and solidification speed.

[0045] The second CAN communication module 314 is electrically connected to the second extrusion motor 311 and its fourth temperature sensor and second fan 3131. The second CAN communication module 314 enables the wire printing module 31 to be modularized, which facilitates the maintenance, replacement and installation of the wire printing module 31.

[0046] Combination Figure 5 The particle printing module 32 includes a feeding bin 321, a transfer bin 322, a discharge sleeve 323, a first nozzle 324, a heating component 325, an extrusion screw 326, a first extrusion motor 327, a first heat dissipation unit 328, and a first CAN communication module 329.

[0047] The pellet printing module 32 can be moved to the second feeding device under the drive of the drive device 4, so that the second receiving port of the feeding bin 321 can receive the pellet consumables released by the second feeding device. The second discharge port of the feeding bin 321 is connected to the first inlet of the transfer bin 322, so that the pellet consumables can enter the transfer bin 322 through the feeding bin 321.

[0048] The third inlet of the discharge sleeve 323 is connected to the first outlet of the transfer hopper 322, and the third outlet of the discharge sleeve 323 is connected to the first nozzle 324. Preferably, the first nozzle 324 and the third outlet of the discharge sleeve 323 are connected by a precision threaded sealing structure. The distance between the extrusion port of the first nozzle 324 and the third outlet is adjustable, thereby adjusting the relative height (in the normal direction of the printing platform 2) between the first nozzle 324 and the second nozzle 312 of the filament printing module 31 to ensure that the two are matched at the same horizontal level, so that the bonding surface of the molten granular consumable (especially the ultra-soft elastic granular consumable) and the molten filament consumable is tightly fused, ensuring the bonding strength of the bonding surface and avoiding delamination and cracking. During adjustment, the first nozzle 324 can be rotated relative to the third outlet by using a tool to adjust the extension amount of the first nozzle 324 relative to the third outlet.

[0049] Furthermore, the pellet printing module 32 is provided with a preheating zone A, a partial melting zone B, and a fully plasticized zone C. The preheating zone A and the partial melting zone B are preferably located at the transfer hopper 322, with the preheating zone A located between the first feed inlet and the partial melting zone B, and the partial melting zone B located between the preheating zone A and the first discharge outlet; the fully plasticized zone C is located at the discharge sleeve 323.

[0050] The operating temperature of the preheating zone A is preferably between 40℃ and 60℃; the operating temperature of the partially melting zone B is preferably between 80℃ and 100℃; and the operating temperature of the fully plasticized zone C is preferably between 160℃ and 190℃. The pellet printing module 32, through zoned temperature control, allows the pellet filament to be preheated in the preheating zone A to remove any moisture that may adhere to the surface of the pellet filament, thereby improving the heating effect of the partially melting zone B on the pellet filament. Next, the granular material is further heated in the partial melting zone B to soften and initially melt it, ensuring its smooth entry into the fully plasticized zone C. This prevents cold material blockage and guarantees the melting efficiency of the granular material once it enters the fully plasticized zone C. For example, when the temperature of the partial melting zone B is between 80°C and 90°C, the granular material gradually softens, losing its elasticity and hardness at room temperature and becoming easily deformable. At this point, there is generally no obvious melt flow on the surface. When the temperature of the partial melting zone B is between 90°C and 100°C, the granular material begins to enter a preliminary melting state, reducing the material viscosity and giving it slight fluidity, but at this point, the uniform melting effect of complete plasticization has not yet been achieved. It should be noted that the state of the granular material in the partial melting zone B varies depending on the material, but all achieve the goal of ensuring complete melting of the granular material in the fully plasticized zone C and improving melting efficiency. The fully plasticized zone C is used for the final heating of the granular material to ensure it is in a completely molten state, ensuring extrusion quality and extrusion smoothness.

[0051] Specifically, a first temperature sensor and a first heater are provided in preheating zone A, both electrically connected to the first CAN communication module 329. The first temperature sensor detects the operating temperature of preheating zone A and assists in controlling the heating temperature of the first heater to achieve closed-loop control of heating in preheating zone A, ensuring the preheating effect on the granular consumables. A second temperature sensor and a second heater are provided in partially melting zone B, both electrically connected to the first CAN communication module 329. The second temperature sensor detects the operating temperature of partially melting zone B and assists in controlling the heating temperature of the second heater to achieve closed-loop control of heating in partially melting zone B, ensuring the heating effect on the granular consumables. A third temperature sensor, electrically connected to the first CAN communication module 329, is provided in fully plasticized zone C. The third temperature sensor detects the operating temperature of fully plasticized zone C and assists in controlling the heating temperature of heating component 325 to achieve closed-loop control of heating in fully plasticized zone C, ensuring that the granular consumables reach a fully melted state, thereby guaranteeing extrusion quality and extrusion smoothness.

[0052] The heating assembly 325 is installed on the discharge sleeve 323. The heating assembly 325 includes a first heating block 3251 and a second heating block 3252 that are electrically connected to the first CAN communication module 329. The first heating block 3251 is located at the third inlet of the discharge sleeve 323, and the second heating block 3252 is located at the third outlet of the discharge sleeve 323. The heating assembly 325 is used to heat the granular consumables in the discharge sleeve 323 (i.e., the fully plasticized part) to make them reach a completely molten state.

[0053] The extrusion screw 326 is located in the partially melting zone B and the discharge sleeve 323. The output shaft of the first extrusion motor 327 is connected to the extrusion screw 326, and the first extrusion motor 327 is electrically connected to the first CAN communication module 329 so as to control the extrusion screw 326 to rotate at a set speed through the first extrusion motor 327, so as to uniformly, stably and smoothly extrude the molten granular consumable from the first nozzle 324 to the printing platform 2 or the previous printed layer.

[0054] The first heat dissipation unit 328 includes a first fan 3281 and a first air guide 3282. The air outlet of the first fan 3281 is connected to the air inlet of the first air guide 3282. The air outlet of the first air guide 3282 is positioned towards the extrusion end of the first nozzle 324, enabling the first heat dissipation unit 328 to cool the molten granular consumable in the first nozzle 324 to accelerate its cooling and solidification speed. A first CAN communication module 329 is included, making the granule printing module 32 modular, facilitating the maintenance, replacement, and installation of the granule printing module 32.

[0055] Combination Figure 6 The major diameter D of the extrusion screw 326 is preferably between 8 mm and 10 mm (the major diameter D remains constant throughout the entire process). The major diameter D fits snugly against the inner wall of the discharge sleeve 323 to ensure the extrusion effect and stability of the granular consumables. The helical tooth profile of the extrusion screw 326 is preferably rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0056] In this embodiment, the feed end minor diameter d1 of the extrusion screw 326 is smaller than the discharge end minor diameter d2. The feed end minor diameter d1 is preferably 5.5 mm, and the discharge end minor diameter d2 is preferably 7 mm. Furthermore, the diameters from the feed end minor diameter d1 to the discharge end minor diameter d2 exhibit a linear change. It is understood that in other embodiments, the specific values ​​of the feed end minor diameter d1 and the discharge end minor diameter d2 can be appropriately adjusted according to the hardness of the granular material. In this embodiment, the feed end minor diameter d1 and the discharge end minor diameter d2 are preferably designed to improve the extrusion effect of the ultra-soft elastic granular consumable.

[0057] The effective working length L of the extrusion screw 326 is preferably between 45 mm and 60 mm. The feed end tooth depth h1 of the extrusion screw 326 is preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the discharge end tooth depth h2 is preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. The depths of the feed end tooth depth h1 and the discharge end tooth depth h2 change linearly to achieve the effect of pressurization and melting.

[0058] Furthermore, the feed end tooth thickness S1 of the extrusion screw 326 is smaller than the discharge end tooth thickness S2. In this embodiment, the feed end tooth thickness S1 is preferably 1.2 mm, and the discharge end tooth thickness S2 is preferably 2.8 mm. The thicknesses of the feed end tooth thickness S1 and the discharge end tooth thickness S2 exhibit a linear variation, with the tooth thickness increasing towards the discharge end, resulting in a narrower groove width. This achieves the purpose of compression and degassing, thereby improving the extrusion effect. It is understood that in other embodiments, the specific values ​​of the feed end tooth thickness S1 and the discharge end tooth thickness S2 can be appropriately adjusted according to the hardness of the granular material. In this embodiment, the feed end tooth thickness S1 and the discharge end tooth thickness S2 are preferably designed to primarily improve the extrusion effect of the ultra-soft elastic granular consumable.

[0059] The feed end pitch P1 of the extrusion screw 326 is preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the discharge end pitch P2 is preferably between 8 mm and 10 mm, with a linear variation between the feed end pitch P1 and the discharge end pitch P2. This design of the extrusion screw 326 reduces shear stroke and shear heat, prevents degradation of the ultra-soft elastic granular consumables, and ensures uniform extrusion.

[0060] Combination Figure 7 The driving device 4 includes a first driving mechanism 41, a second driving mechanism 42, and a third driving mechanism 43. The first driving mechanism 41 is used to drive the printing device 3 to move in a first direction. In this embodiment, the first driving mechanism 41 includes a first driving unit 411 and a second driving unit 412. The first driving unit 411 is used to drive the filament printing module 31 to move in the first direction, and the second driving unit 412 is used to drive the particle printing module 32 to move in the first direction. By setting the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 as two separate entities that can move relative to each other, printing flexibility is improved, and interference between the two during the printing process is better avoided.

[0061] As another alternative, in some embodiments, the first driving mechanism 41 is a single driving mechanism, that is, the printing device 3 also includes a first connecting seat, and the wire printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 are both mounted on the first connecting seat, so that the first connecting seat, the wire printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 form a relatively static whole, and the first connecting seat is connected to the first driving mechanism 41, so that the first driving mechanism 41 can drive the entire printing device 3 to move in the first direction.

[0062] The second drive mechanism 42 is used to drive the first drive mechanism 41 to move in a second direction; wherein the second direction, the first direction, and the normal of the printing platform 2 are mutually perpendicular. Preferably, both the first drive mechanism 41 and the second drive mechanism 42 adopt a combination structure of linear guide rail, synchronous belt, and servo motor, so that the first drive mechanism 41 and the second drive mechanism 42 can accurately and flexibly drive the printing device 3 to move relative to the printing platform 2 in a planar manner, and ensure smooth and jerky movement, which helps to improve the accuracy of the motion trajectory of the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 in composite printing, and ensures the forming accuracy of fine structures. Preferably, the moving accuracy of the filament printing module 31, the particle printing module 32, and the first drive mechanism 41 is less than or equal to 0.02 mm, and the maximum moving speed is greater than or equal to 250 mm per second.

[0063] The third drive mechanism 43 is used to drive the printing platform 2 to move relative to the printing device 3 in the normal direction of the printing platform 2. The third drive mechanism 43 preferably adopts a combination structure of high-precision ball screw, limiting guide rail, servo motor, etc., to ensure the movement accuracy of the printing platform 21. Preferably, the movement accuracy of the printing platform 2 is less than or equal to 0.01 mm.

[0064] The first feeding device 5 is electrically connected to the control device and is used to feed wire consumables to the wire printing module 31. The first feeding device 5 includes a wire feeder 51 and an unwinding reel 52; the wire feeder 51 includes a wire pushing unit 50, which feeds wire to the wire printing module 31, and the unwinding reel 52 feeds wire to the wire pushing unit 50. Through the cooperation of the wire feeder 51 and the unwinding reel 52, the first feeding device 5 realizes the unwinding operation of the wire roll and accurately and stably feeds the wire consumables to the wire printing module 31, while ensuring that the supply of consumables and the pushing speed are precisely controllable.

[0065] Preferably, there are two or more wire feeding units 50 and unwinding reels 52. The first feeding device 5 also includes a wire feeder 53 and a cutting mechanism. The wire feeder 53 has an outlet channel and two or more inlet channels 531. The two or more unwinding reels 52 and the two or more inlet channels 531 correspond one-to-one with the two or more wire feeding units 50. The outlet of each inlet channel 531 is connected to the inlet of the outlet channel. The cutting mechanism is located at the outlet of the wire feeding unit 50 or at the inlet of the inlet channel 531. The cutting mechanism is used to cut the wire. By designing the number of wire feeding units 50 and unwinding reels 52, the wire printing module 31 can switch between printing wire consumables of different colors, materials, and melting points to meet diverse printing needs. In this embodiment, there are four wire feeding units 50 and four unwinding reels 52. Correspondingly, the wire feeder 53 has four inlet channels 531.

[0066] Combination Figure 8 The wire feeding unit 50 includes a drive motor 511, a drive wheel 512, a driven wheel 513, a swing arm 514, an infeed guide seat 515, an outfeed guide seat 516, a wire breakage detection sensor 517, and an elastic element. The drive motor 511 is mounted on the housing 54 of the wire feeder 51, and the drive motor 511 is electrically connected to the control device.

[0067] The drive wheel 512 is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor 511, and a first gear 5121 is provided on the drive wheel 512. The first end of the swing arm 514 is rotatably connected to the housing 54, and the driven wheel 513 is rotatably mounted on the swing arm 514, and the driven wheel 513 is located close to the first end of the swing arm 514; a second gear 5131 is provided on the driven wheel 513, the second gear 5131 meshes with the first gear 5121, and a clamping channel is formed between the driven wheel 513 and the drive wheel 512. The clamping channel is used to clamp the filament consumable, and under the friction of the filament consumable with the drive wheel 512 and the driven wheel 513, the filament consumable is pushed towards the filament printing module 31; wherein, the drive motor 511 is a servo motor or a stepper motor to precisely drive the movement of the filament consumable. Preferably, the wire feeding speed of the wire feeding unit 50 is between 0.1 mm / s and 10 mm / s; it should be noted that the wire feeding speed of each wire feeding unit 50 may be the same or different.

[0068] An elastic element is disposed between the housing 54 and the swing arm 514. The elastic element forces the swing arm 514 to rotate, thereby pushing the driven wheel 513 towards the driving wheel 512 to clamp the wire consumable, while ensuring the reliability of the meshing of the first gear 5121 and the second gear 5131. Preferably, both the driving wheel 512 and the driven wheel 513 are provided with annular grooves, and the annular grooves of both form the aforementioned clamping channel. The design of the annular grooves helps to reduce the space occupied by the wire pushing unit 50, and on the other hand, better clamps the wire consumable and ensures the reliability of the gear meshing. Of course, in some embodiments, an adjustment component with the same adjustment function as the elastic element can be used to adjust the position of the swing arm 514, including but not limited to a pair of magnets with repulsive magnetic forces (one magnet is mounted on the housing 5454, and the other magnet is mounted on the swing arm 514).

[0069] The inlet guide seat 515 is mounted on the housing 54 and is located at the upstream end of the clamping channel; the outlet guide seat 516 is mounted on the housing 54 and is located at the downstream end of the clamping channel; both the inlet guide seat 515 and the outlet guide seat 516 are provided with wire channels for wire consumables to pass through.

[0070] A wire breakage detection sensor 517 is mounted on the housing 54 and is electrically connected to the control device. The sensor detects whether any wire is passing through the filament channel of the wire guide 516, determining if the wire is broken and unable to continue feeding the filament printing module 31. When a wire breakage is detected, causing the wire pushing unit 50 to be unable to continue feeding the filament printing module 31, the control device immediately stops printing to prevent printing defects. The wire breakage detection sensor 517 can be a microswitch, the trigger end of which can extend into the filament channel of the wire guide 516, so that the microswitch is triggered when there is filament in the filament channel.

[0071] In addition, each wire feeding unit 50 is equipped with a quantity sensor to detect the remaining amount of wire. This quantity sensor can be located at the unwinding reel 52 or the drive motor 511, etc. The quantity sensor is electrically connected to the control device so that when the control device receives feedback from the quantity sensor that the remaining amount of the wire roll is insufficient, it controls the 3D printer 100 to issue a prompt or pause printing. For example, when the quantity sensor is located at the unwinding reel 52, it can be an encoder or a weighing sensor; when the quantity sensor is located at the drive motor 511, it can be an encoder or an encoder built into the drive motor 511. Since the weight and length of each wire roll are fixed, the remaining amount of the wire roll can be easily and efficiently identified by a weighing sensor or an encoder device.

[0072] The second feeding device 6 is electrically connected to the control device and is used to feed granular consumables to the granule printing module 32. Preferably, the second feeding device 6 includes a hopper 61, a solid material electrically controlled gate valve, and a feeding pipe 62. The solid material electrically controlled gate valve is located at the outlet of the hopper 61 and is connected to the inlet of the feeding pipe 62. The solid material electrically controlled gate valve is electrically connected to the control device, and the drive device 4 can drive the granule printing module 32 to move to the outlet of the feeding pipe 62. Through the design of the second feeding device 6, it can achieve precise control of the granule consumable supply through the opening and closing action of the solid material electrically controlled gate valve, ensuring stable supply and accurate metering.

[0073] Preferably, the hopper 61 includes two or more material chambers, each with a discharge port and a solid material electrically controlled gate valve. The feed pipe 62 has two or more branch pipes, each corresponding to one of the two or more solid material electrically controlled gate valves. The inlet of one branch pipe is connected to a corresponding solid material electrically controlled gate valve. The outlets of all branch pipes converge at the inlet of the main pipe of the feed pipe 62 and connect to the main pipe. The feed bin 321 of the granule printing module 32 can be moved to the outlet of the main pipe to receive the granule consumables discharged through the main pipe. In this embodiment, the hopper 61 includes four material chambers, corresponding to four solid material electrically controlled gate valves and four branch pipes of the feed pipe 62. It should be noted that the second feeding device 6 can also adopt other structures such as a rotary multi-disc hopper or a linear push rod hopper.

[0074] Furthermore, the additive manufacturing system also includes an Ethernet interface, which is installed on chassis 1 and connected to the control device; and / or, it also includes a wireless communication interface, which is installed on chassis 1 and connected to the control device. The Ethernet and wireless communication interfaces allow the additive manufacturing system to directly access the cloud platform, supporting remote printing tasks, printing mode selection, printing process monitoring, and pause / termination of printing by clients (such as computers and mobile terminals), enabling unattended printing. Simultaneously, the 3D printer can retrieve various parameter information from the cloud platform's preset material parameter database for direct user access, and also supports uploading custom parameters. In addition, it can meet predictive maintenance needs, such as predicting printer malfunctions (e.g., nozzle wear, filament feed roller aging) based on the 3D printer's operating data (e.g., extrusion pressure, motor speed, temperature, and feeding speed) through big data analysis, and issuing maintenance reminders in advance; the predictive model for the 3D printer's lifespan prediction of various components is also existing technology, so it will not be discussed further.

[0075] In summary, by configuring the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32, the 3D printer 100 has a variety of selectable forming modes, such as single filament printing, single particle printing, and composite printing of filament and particle consumables, effectively improving the practicality of the 3D printer 100. At the same time, since the particle printing module 32 has the function of extruding ultra-soft elastic particle consumables, the coordinated operation of the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 can achieve high-quality printing of composite structural parts that combine a rigid skeleton and an ultra-soft elastic coating layer.

[0076] How a 3D printer works The working method of this embodiment is applied to the 3D printer 100 described in the above-described 3D printer embodiment to achieve the printing of a part. The working method includes: The printer acquires the printing mode (including the corresponding printing program) and controls the drive device 4 to drive the printing platform 2 and printing device 3 in conjunction with the printing mode. For example, the user can select the desired printing mode through the touch screen of the 3D printer 100 or remotely select the desired printing mode through a client. The printing modes include printing with only filament, printing with only particulate filament, and printing with a combination of filament and particulate filament.

[0077] Before the printing job begins, the printing platform 2 is moved to the set position by the third drive mechanism 43 of the drive device 4 to ensure the adhesion of the first printing layer on the printing platform 2.

[0078] Next, the control device controls the relevant parts of the filament printing module and particle printing module 32 of the printing device 3 (such as the wire melting zone of the filament printing module and the preheating zone A of the particle printing module 32) to preheat according to the set parameters to ensure the stability and quality of the filament melting.

[0079] Next, execute the print job according to the selected mode: When printing with only filament consumables, the filament printing module 31 is controlled to perform printing operations according to the first preset printing parameters. During the printing process, the first feeding device 5 pushes the corresponding filament consumables to the filament printing module according to the printing parameters, ensuring the timeliness of switching filament consumables during the printing process and ensuring the reliability of the supply of various filament consumables.

[0080] When printing with only granular consumables, the granular printing module 32 is controlled to perform printing operations according to the second preset printing parameters. During the printing process, the second feeding device 6 supplies the corresponding granular consumables to the granular printing module 32 according to the printing parameters, ensuring the timeliness of switching granular consumables during the printing process and ensuring the reliability of the supply of various granular consumables.

[0081] When performing composite printing with filament and particle consumables, the filament printing module 31 and particle printing module 32 are controlled to perform alternating or sequential printing operations according to the third preset printing parameters. During the printing process, the first feeding device 5 pushes the corresponding filament consumable to the filament printing module according to the printing parameters, ensuring the timeliness of switching filament consumables during printing and guaranteeing the reliability of the supply of various filament consumables; the second feeding device 6 supplies the corresponding particle consumable to the particle printing module 32 according to the printing parameters, ensuring the timeliness of switching particle consumables during printing and guaranteeing the reliability of the supply of various particle consumables; at the same time, the first driving mechanism 41 and the second driving mechanism 42 control the corresponding filament printing module 31 and particle printing module 32 to move according to the set printing path and switch the corresponding printing module to perform the printing operation according to the consumable currently used for printing.

[0082] In addition, during the printing operation, the control device controls the third drive mechanism 43 to drive the printing platform 2 to gradually move down according to the thickness of the printing layer, so as to ensure the reliability of the bonding of each printing layer.

[0083] In the process of printing a composite structure with both a rigid skeleton and an ultra-soft elastic coating layer, the filament printing module 31 is first controlled to print the rigid skeleton area of ​​the target printing layer according to a first preset path. Then, the process switches to controlling the particle printing module 32 to print the ultra-soft elastic coating layer area of ​​the target printing layer according to a second preset path, so that the ultra-soft elastic coating layer covers the outer periphery of the rigid skeleton and the two are tightly bonded. When the printing of the target printing layer is completed, the filament printing module 31 and the particle printing module 32 are repeatedly controlled to alternately and cyclically print the rigid skeleton area and ultra-soft elastic coating layer area of ​​each printing layer according to the above printing sequence until the printing of the composite structure is completed.

[0084] Furthermore, during the printing process, the control device focuses on dynamically adjusting the temperatures of the preheating zone A, the partially melting zone B, and the fully plasticizing zone C based on the temperature data fed back by the first, second, and third temperature sensors of the particle printing module 32. At the same time, it dynamically adjusts the heating temperature of the silicone heating film based on the detection data fed back by the fifth temperature sensor 22 and the printing progress to ensure the quality of the printed parts forming and demolding. In addition, the remaining material sensor, the wire breakage detection sensor 517, etc., also dynamically detect the supply of consumables. When the remaining material is insufficient or the wire consumables are broken and cannot be supplied normally, the printing device 3 is controlled to suspend the printing operation.

[0085] After the printing is completed, the printing device 3 is moved to the initial position, and the heating temperature of the silicone heating film is controlled to slowly cool down the support plate 21 of the printing platform 2 (the cooling rate is preferably less than or equal to 5°C per minute) to prevent the printed parts (especially composite structural parts) from warping or cracking due to sudden cooling (especially the delamination of the interface between the rigid skeleton and the ultra-soft elastic coating layer).

[0086] Once the printing platform 2 has cooled to room temperature, the printed document can be removed from the printing platform 2.

[0087] In summary, based on the above-mentioned 3D printer 100, the working method provided by the present invention can realize the printing of composite structural parts with both rigid skeleton and ultra-soft elastic coating layer. It can also realize that the filament printing module 31 or the particle printing module 32 can perform independent printing operations to meet the needs of different molding modes and improve the practicality of the 3D printer 100.

[0088] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. 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.

Claims

1. A 3D printer, comprising a chassis and a printing platform, a printing device, and a driving device disposed within the chassis, wherein the driving device is capable of driving the printing platform and the printing device to move relative to each other, characterized in that: The printing device includes a filament printing module and a particle printing module. Both the filament printing module and the particle printing module can perform printing operations independently, and they can also perform composite printing operations. The particle printing module can realize the extrusion molding of ultra-soft and elastic particle consumables.

2. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The particle printing module is equipped with: The preheating zone has an operating temperature between 40°C and 60°C. A partially molten zone, wherein the operating temperature of the partially molten zone is between 80°C and 100°C; The fully plasticized zone has an operating temperature between 160°C and 190°C.

3. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preheating zone is equipped with a first temperature sensor and a first heater. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the operating temperature of the preheating zone and assist in controlling the heating temperature of the first heater. The partially melting zone is equipped with a second temperature sensor and a second heater. The second temperature sensor is used to detect the working temperature of the partially melting zone and to assist in controlling the heating temperature of the second heater. The fully plasticized zone is equipped with a third temperature sensor, which is used to detect the working temperature of the fully plasticized zone and assist in controlling the heating temperature.

4. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The particle printing module also includes: Feed hopper; A transfer silo, wherein the first inlet of the transfer silo is connected to the second outlet of the inlet silo, and the transfer silo is provided with the preheating zone and the partial melting zone, wherein the preheating zone is located between the first inlet and the partial melting zone; The discharge sleeve has a third inlet that is connected to the first outlet of the transfer hopper, and the discharge sleeve is provided with the fully plasticized zone. The first nozzle is connected to the third discharge port of the discharge sleeve; A heating assembly is installed on the discharge sleeve. The heating assembly includes a first heating block and a second heating block. The first heating block is located at the third inlet, and the second heating block is located at the third outlet. An extrusion screw, wherein the extrusion screw is disposed within the partially melting zone and the discharge sleeve; A first extrusion motor, the output shaft of which is connected to the extrusion screw; The first CAN communication module is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor, the first heater, the second heater, the first extrusion motor, the first heating block, and the second heating block, respectively.

5. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The major diameter of the extrusion screw is between 8 mm and 10 mm; The feed end of the extrusion screw has a tooth depth between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the discharge end has a tooth depth between 1 mm and 3 mm. The feed end tooth thickness of the extrusion screw is smaller than the discharge end tooth thickness; The feed end pitch of the extrusion screw is between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the discharge end pitch is between 8 mm and 10 mm. The first nozzle is connected to the discharge sleeve by a threaded sealing structure, and the distance between the extrusion port of the first nozzle and the third discharge port is adjustable.

6. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wire printing module includes: The second extrusion motor is equipped with a fourth temperature sensor, which is used to detect the heating temperature of the second extrusion motor. The second nozzle is connected to the fourth discharge port of the second extrusion motor via a threaded sealing structure, and the distance between the extrusion port of the second nozzle and the fourth discharge port is adjustable. The second CAN communication module is electrically connected to the second extrusion motor.

7. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing platform is equipped with a silicone heating film and a fifth temperature sensor. The silicone heating film is used to regulate the temperature of the printing platform, and the fifth temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the printing platform and assist in controlling the heating temperature of the silicone heating film.

8. The three-dimensional printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The driving device includes a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, and a third driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism can drive the printing device to move in a first direction, the second driving mechanism can drive the first driving mechanism to move in a second direction, and the third driving mechanism can drive the printing platform to move in the normal direction of the printing platform. The normal direction, the first direction, and the second direction are all perpendicular to each other. The 3D printer further includes a first feeding device and a second feeding device. The first feeding device is used to feed filament to the filament printing module, and the second feeding device is used to feed granular consumables to the granular printing module.

9. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first feeding device includes a wire feeder, a wire combiner, a cutting mechanism, and two or more unwinding reels. The wire feeder includes two or more wire pushing units, each corresponding to one or more unwinding reels. The wire combiner has an outlet channel and two or more inlet channels. The two or more unwinding reels and two or more inlet channels correspond to two or more wire pushing units. The outlet of each inlet channel is connected to the inlet of the outlet channel. The cutting mechanism is located at the outlet of the wire pushing unit or at the inlet of the inlet channel. The cutting mechanism is used to cut the wire. The second feeding device includes a hopper and a feeding pipe. The hopper includes two or more material chambers. Each material chamber is equipped with a solid material electrically controlled gate valve at its fifth outlet. The feeding pipe has two or more branch pipes, which correspond one-to-one with two or more solid material electrically controlled gate valves. The inlet of one branch pipe is connected to a corresponding solid material electrically controlled gate valve. The driving device can drive the particle printing module to move to the outlet of the feeding pipe. The wire printing module can realize independent extrusion molding or composite extrusion molding of rigid wire consumables and flexible wire consumables. The particle printing module can also realize the independent extrusion molding of rigid particle consumables and flexible particle consumables, and the particle printing module can also realize the composite extrusion molding of the rigid particle consumables, the flexible particle consumables and the ultra-soft elastic particle consumables.

10. A method of operation of a three-dimensional printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer is the 3D printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 above, and the working method includes: Obtain the printing mode, and control the drive device to drive the printing platform and the printing device in conjunction with the printing mode; When performing composite printing of filament and ultra-soft elastic particle filament, the filament printing module is first controlled to print the rigid skeleton area of ​​the target printing layer according to the first preset path, and then the particle printing module is switched to print the ultra-soft elastic coating layer area of ​​the target printing layer according to the second preset path, so that the ultra-soft elastic coating layer covers the outer periphery of the rigid skeleton and the two are tightly bonded. The filament printing module and the particle printing module are controlled to perform printing alternately until the printing of the part is completed.

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