A vortex feed 3D printing nozzle
The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle, through a combination of spiral impeller and heat pipe design, solves the problems of uneven material mixing and extrusion in FDM 3D printers during high-speed printing, achieving more efficient filament melting and stable extrusion, and improving print quality and continuity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUBEI CREALITY 3D TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing FDM 3D printers suffer from uneven material mixing, insufficient melting, and uneven extrusion during high-speed printing, leading to decreased molding quality and potentially clogging of the nozzles.
The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle uses a spiral impeller to rotate, stir, and divide the printing filament in the printing filament channel. Combined with a heat pipe and an electric heating jacket, it ensures uniform melting and stable extrusion of the filament.
It improves the melting rate and mixing uniformity of consumables, enhances printing speed and forming quality, avoids clogging, and ensures continuous and smooth printing.
Smart Images
Figure CN224576189U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a vortex feed 3D printing nozzle. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, mainstream FDM 3D printers on the market are classified into two types based on the materials used. The first type uses thermoplastic filament, where the filament melts through a heat sink and is then extruded through a nozzle. The second type uses thermoplastic granules, which melt in a screw extrusion structure and are then extruded through a tapered nozzle. Both types of consumables are composed of a mixture of multiple polymers, which can lead to uneven mixing and unstable material properties. For multi-color materials, color powder or masterbatch is typically added, which can also result in color deviations.
[0003] When the printing speed reaches the defined high speed, the extrusion motor power increases, and the time the material spends passing through the heating element is significantly shortened, directly resulting in the material being extruded in an incompletely melted state. Insufficient extrusion force will cause uneven material output, affecting the molding quality. At high-speed printing, this problem is magnified proportionally, leading to uneven extrusion and even nozzle clogging, directly impacting the printing results. These defects are problems that urgently need to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model discloses a vortex feed 3D printing nozzle.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A vortex feed 3D printing nozzle, comprising:
[0007] Heat pipe;
[0008] The printhead is installed at the discharge end of the heat pipe; the printhead has a printing consumable channel inside.
[0009] The spiral impeller is rotatably connected to the printing filament channel of the printhead to divert the semi-molten printing filament; and rotates under the push of the printing filament to stir it.
[0010] Preferably, the helical impeller comprises:
[0011] The axle is rotatably connected to the printing consumable channel of the printhead;
[0012] Helical channels, which are multiple channels spaced circumferentially along the wheel axle;
[0013] Spikes are located at one end of the wheel axle corresponding to the heat pipe.
[0014] Preferably, the spiral channel is a spiral groove provided along the wheel axle shaft, or a spiral blade provided along the wheel axle shaft.
[0015] Preferably, the heat-conducting pipe is fitted with an electric heating jacket.
[0016] Preferably, the end of the heat-conducting pipe facing away from the nozzle is connected to the extruder via a throat pipe.
[0017] Preferably, the throat tube body is provided with a heat dissipation block.
[0018] By adopting the technical solution described above, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0019] (1) The spiral impeller of this utility model and its coordination with the printing consumable channel bring many advantages. On the one hand, the spiral impeller is movably inserted into the straight section of the channel and is limited by the reduced diameter section, making the structure simple and easy to disassemble and maintain. On the other hand, the spiral impeller diverts the semi-molten consumable, increases the heating area, accelerates the melting process, and improves the melting rate, thereby increasing the printing speed. At the same time, the reaction force generated when the consumable flows causes the spiral impeller to rotate, which plays a stirring role on the consumable. Especially in multi-color printing, it can make the consumable mix with the toner or masterbatch evenly, improving the quality of the printed products.
[0020] (2) The spiked structure of the spiral impeller of this utility model has a significant effect on the processing of printing consumables. The spikes divide the semi-molten solid consumables into hollow tubes, expanding the heating surface of the consumables. Combined with the conical port of the heat pipe, it is beneficial to further divert and guide the consumables. This not only improves the melting efficiency of the consumables, but also lays the foundation for subsequent uniform extrusion, further optimizing the printing effect.
[0021] (3) An electric heating jacket is added to the outside of the heat-conducting pipe of this utility model, which can heat the heat-conducting pipe, making the melting of consumables more uniform and stable, and improving the controllability of the printing process. In addition, the heat-conducting pipe is connected to the extruder through the throat tube, and the extruder provides power for the consumables to be transported, ensuring that the molten consumables are smoothly extruded from the nozzle; the heat dissipation block on the throat tube can prevent the consumables from melting in advance before entering the heat-conducting pipe, avoiding clogging of the throat tube, and ensuring the continuity and smoothness of printing. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spiral impeller;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the present invention.
[0026] In the diagram: 1. Heat pipe; 2. Nozzle; 3. Spiral impeller; 3-1. Shaft; 3-2. Spiral channel; 3-3. Spike; 4. Electric heating jacket; 5. Throat; 6. Heat sink; 7. Extruder. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0030] Example 1:
[0031] Combined with appendix Figures 1-2 A vortex feed 3D printing nozzle includes a heat pipe 1, a nozzle 2, and a helical impeller 3. The heat pipe 1 plays a crucial role in heating the printing filament, bringing it to a molten state to facilitate subsequent extrusion. The nozzle 2 is installed at the outlet end of the heat pipe 1, and its interior contains a printing filament channel through which the molten filament can be extruded, thus achieving additive printing.
[0032] Inside the printing consumable channel of printhead 2, a spiral impeller 3 is rotatably connected. (See attached image) Figure 1As shown, the printing consumable channel is designed with a structure that includes a straight section and a reduced-diameter section. The spiral impeller 3 is movably inserted into the straight section of the printing consumable channel, while its bottom is limited by the reduced-diameter section of the printing consumable channel. This design makes the overall structure simpler, facilitating disassembly, assembly, and subsequent maintenance.
[0033] The main function of the spiral impeller 3 is to divert the semi-molten printing filament. Specifically, it divides the entire piece of printing filament into multiple portions, each flowing along the spiral channel of the spiral impeller 3. This effectively increases the heated surface area of the printing filament, accelerates its melting process, and allows the printing filament to gradually reach a molten state during flow. Furthermore, the increased melting rate of the printing filament correspondingly improves the printing speed.
[0034] Because the printing consumables exert a reaction force on the spiral impeller 3 during circulation, the spiral impeller 3 can rotate under the push of the printing consumables, thereby agitating them. Related experiments have verified that the spiral impeller 3 can also apply a pushing force to the molten printing consumables within the constricted section of the nozzle 2, effectively increasing the extrusion rate of the printing material and further improving the printing speed. Experimental results can be found in the appendix. Figure 3 .
[0035] Furthermore, the stirring function of the spiral impeller 3 is of great significance for printing multi-color materials. It enables the printing consumables to mix more evenly with the toner or masterbatch, resulting in more delicate colors in the printed products and significantly improving print quality.
[0036] Specifically, the spiral impeller 3 consists of a shaft 3-1, spiral channels 3-2, and spikes 3-3. The shaft 3-1 is rotatably connected to the inside of the printing consumable channel of the printhead 2. Multiple spiral channels 3-2 are arranged circumferentially along the shaft of the shaft 3-1 to guide the printing consumable along the corresponding spiral channels 3-2. A spike 3-3 is located at the end of the shaft 3-1 near the heat pipe 1. During the downward flow of the printing consumable, it first contacts the spike 3-3. The spike 3-3 can divide the semi-molten solid printing consumable into hollow tubular structures. Simultaneously, due to the conical structure of the spike 3-3, it can also guide the formed hollow tubular printing consumable towards the spiral channels 3-2, where it is diverted. (See attached diagram) Figure 1 As shown, the port of heat pipe 1 corresponding to spike 3-3 is designed as a tapered structure, which is beneficial for dividing the printing consumable into hollow tubular structures.
[0037] Furthermore, the helical channel 3-2 can be designed as a helical groove along the shaft of the wheel axle 3-1, or it can take the form of a helical blade along the shaft of the wheel axle 3-1. (See attached diagram) Figure 2As shown, the number of spiral channels 3-2 can be selected according to actual needs, and can generally be set to 3 to 15.
[0038] Example 2:
[0039] Combined with appendix Figures 3-4 This utility model also relates to another vortex feed 3D printing nozzle. The main difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that, based on embodiment one, an electric heating sleeve 4 is fitted around the heat pipe 1. The heat pipe 1 is heated by the electric heating sleeve 4, thereby melting the printing consumables.
[0040] Furthermore, the end of the heat pipe 1 facing away from the nozzle 2 is connected to the extruder 7 via the throat 5. The function of the extruder 7 is to feed the printing filament into the heat pipe 1 along the throat 5 and apply a pushing force to the printing filament, so that the molten printing filament can be smoothly extruded from the nozzle 2, thereby achieving the printing purpose. A heat dissipation block 6 is provided on the body of the throat 5 to dissipate heat from the throat 5 and prevent the printing filament from melting prematurely before entering the heat pipe 1, which would lead to blockage of the throat 5.
[0041] The parts of this utility model not described in detail are prior art. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that this utility model can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and are intended to include all changes that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents within this utility model.
Claims
1. A vortex feed 3D printing nozzle characterized by, include: Heat pipe (1); The nozzle (2) is installed at the discharge end of the heat pipe (1); The printhead (2) has a printing consumable channel inside; The spiral impeller (3) is rotatably connected to the printing consumable channel of the nozzle (2) to divert the semi-molten printing consumable; and rotates under the push of the printing consumable to stir the printing consumable.
2. The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle of claim 1, wherein, The helical impeller (3) includes: The axle (3-1) is rotatably connected to the printing consumable channel of the printhead (2); The spiral channels (3-2) are multiple channels spaced circumferentially along the wheel axle (3-1); Spikes (3-3) are located at one end of the axle (3-1) corresponding to the heat pipe (1).
3. The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral channel (3-2) is a spiral groove provided along the shaft of the wheel axle (3-1), or a spiral blade provided along the shaft of the wheel axle (3-1).
4. The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pipe (1) is covered with an electric heating jacket (4).
5. The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the heat pipe (1) facing away from the nozzle (2) is connected to the extruder (7) through the throat pipe (5).
6. The vortex feed 3D printing nozzle as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The throat tube (5) is equipped with a heat dissipation block (6).