3D printer for printing an object and methods for operating a 3D printer

Abstract

The invention relates to a 3D printer (1) for printing an object (2), comprising an X, Y, Z axis system (3) and two print heads (10, 11). According to the invention, the first (10) and the second print head (11) are arranged on a bridge (30) that can be moved in the direction of the Y-axis (20). The invention further relates to a method for operating a 3D printer (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a 3D printer and a method for operating a 3D printer. State of the art

[0002] The state of the art in 3D printing encompasses various technologies and machine configurations that aim to create objects by depositing material layer by layer. Granular 3D printers, which use granular materials, are particularly well-known.

[0003] From DE 102016222306 A1, a printhead is known in which a granulate is plasticized via a piston and a heated section. When the piston presses on the granulate, it is compacted and conveyed to a plasticization zone in the lower part of the printhead.

[0004] These printers typically use piston extruders that melt and deposit the granules. A common problem with these printers is the need to interrupt the printing process to refill and melt new granules. These interruptions result in visible marks on the printed object and compromise the part quality. Furthermore, many 3D printers are heavy and unwieldy due to their design and motor arrangement, leading to higher purchase costs and lower efficiency.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a granulate 3D printer that has a compact, efficient, and cost-effective design. The printer should enable an optimal positioning process, offer higher traverse speeds and rapid traverse capabilities, reduce component wear, lower acquisition costs, deliver improved component quality, and be able to complete the printing job with few short interruptions. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] Within the scope of the invention, a 3D printer for printing an object and a method for operating a 3D printer were developed.

[0007] The invention comprises a 3D printer for printing an object, comprising an X, Y, Z axis system and two print heads, wherein, according to the invention, the first and the second print head are arranged on a bridge that is movable in the direction of a Y axis.

[0008] This allows for alternating printing, thus advantageously minimizing interruptions during the printing process. The arrangement of the printheads on a movable bridge enables efficient use of the build volume and improves component quality through continuous printing.

[0009] In this advanced training, the X-axis can be controlled independently of the Y-axis. Independent control of the X-axis enables more precise movement and positioning of the printheads, resulting in greater dynamics and torque stability, thus advantageously improving printing speed and quality.

[0010] In a further training course, the print heads are moved via guide rails and belt drives, with the belt drives guided by deflection pulleys to ensure precise positioning.

[0011] The precise positioning of the printheads by means of guide rails and belt drives advantageously ensures high printing accuracy. The configuration for compensating for dynamic movements of the bridge contributes to the stability and accuracy of the printing process.

[0012] In a further training, at least one motor for the Y-axis is relocated to the machine frame to reduce the moving mass, with the bridge being designed to be weight-optimized in order to increase repeatability.

[0013] Relocating at least one motor and using a weight-optimized bridge reduce the moving mass, increasing repeatability and extending component lifespan. This design allows for a more compact printer size, saving space and facilitating integration into various work environments.

[0014] In a preferred further development, the Y-axis can be driven by two motors simultaneously to achieve better positional accuracy, with the motors being driven in parallel to avoid deflection as a result of dynamic movement of the bridge.

[0015] Simultaneous control of the Y-axis by two motors significantly improves positional accuracy. The parallel drive effectively prevents deflections of the bridge that could occur due to dynamic movements, thus ensuring more precise and stable print quality.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for operating a 3D printer, wherein the two print heads print alternately to minimize interruptions during a printing process, wherein the second print head takes over the starting position of the first print head in order to continue the printing process when the latter switches to a refill mode to fill the print head. Alternating the printing of the printheads minimizes interruptions during the printing process, thus improving efficiency and component quality. The control configuration, which compensates for dynamic bridge movements, contributes to the stability and accuracy of the printing process.

[0017] In a further training course, the printheads are moved independently of each other along the X-axis, with the possibility of parallel printing with both printheads using different materials.

[0018] The independent movement of the printheads along the X-axis enables more flexible printing processes and the possibility of printing with different materials simultaneously. This significantly increases the printer's flexibility and versatility. The control system for compensating the printhead position contributes to the precision and quality of the printing process.

[0019] The present invention describes a 3D printer that, through the combination of the aforementioned features, offers higher efficiency, improved component quality, and lower acquisition costs. The alternating print heads minimize interruptions, while the weight-optimized bridge and relocated motors reduce the moving mass and increase repeatability. Parallel control of the Y-axis and precise positioning via guide rails and belt drives ensure high positional accuracy. The ability to print with different materials simultaneously increases the printer's flexibility and application range.

[0020] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the figure. Brief description of the drawing

[0021] It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a 3D printer according to the invention. Examples of implementation

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 3D printer 1 for printing an object 2, comprising an X, Y, Z axis system 3 and two print heads 10, 11, wherein the first 10 and the second print head 11 are arranged on a bridge 30 that is displaceable in the direction of a Y axis 20. The X, Y, Z axis system 3 forms a drive system 3, or drive device 3, for moving the print heads 10, 11 in the X and Y directions and a build plate 4 in the Z direction, whereby the object 2 to be printed is printed onto the build plate 4. The directions of the X, Y, Z axis system 3 are shown by an X, Y, Z axis 5.

[0023] The Y-axis 20 can be driven simultaneously by two motors 40 and 41 to achieve improved positional accuracy. The first motor 40 and the second motor 41 can be driven in parallel to prevent deflection due to dynamic movement of the bridge 30. The X-axis 50 can be controlled independently of the Y-axis 20 by two further motors 60 and 61.

[0024] The printheads 10, 11 are moved via guide rails 80, 81 and belt drives 82, 83, the belt drives 82, 83 being guided by pulleys 92, 93 to ensure precise positioning. The guide rails 80, 81 form bridge shoulders on which the bridge 30 is mounted in the Y direction. The belt drives 82, 83 move the printheads 10, 11 in the X direction 50, with the third motor 60 moving the first printhead 10 in the X direction via the first belt drive 82 and the fourth motor 61 moving the second printhead 11 in the X direction via the second belt drive 83. The motors 40, 41 for the Y-axis 20 are arranged on a machine frame 70 to reduce the moving mass, which allows the bridge 30 to be designed in a weight-optimized manner to increase the repeatability of the printing process.

[0025] The two printheads 10, 11 can print alternately to minimize interruptions during a printing operation or printing process, with the second printhead 11 taking over the starting position of the first printhead 10 to continue the printing process when it switches to a refill mode to fill the first printhead 10.

[0026] The printheads 10, 11 can be moved independently of each other along the X-axis 50, and it is also possible to print in parallel with both printheads 10, 11 using different materials.

[0027] Alternatively, the Y-axis 20 can also be controlled on one side by only one of the motors 40, 41, whereby this, for example the first motor 40, is also arranged on the machine frame 70 and the bridge 30 is supported on the opposite side, or guide rail 81, in order to minimize a possible deflection of the bridge 30 at higher dynamics.

[0028] The print heads 10 and 11 are moved primarily by the third motor 60 driving the first print head 10, or the first extruder, along the X-axis 50 via the belt 82 and the pulleys 94, 96, 92, and 98. The fourth motor 61 drives the second print head 11, or extruder, along the X-axis 50 via the belt 83 and the pulleys 95, 97, 93, and 99.

[0029] The first two motors 40, 41 move the bridge 30 along the Y-direction 20 and, to achieve better positional accuracy, are generally driven in parallel, thus preventing deflection due to the dynamic movement of the bridge 30. The respective belt is driven by the respective motor 40, 41 and deflected via pulleys 90, 91.

[0030] Because the motors 60 and 61 are not located on the bridge 30, they must always move along with the bridge 30 when it is moved along the Y-axis 20 in order to compensate for the position of the respective printheads 10, 11.

[0031] As an alternative function, the inventive design of the 3D printer 1 also offers the possibility of printing simultaneously with both print heads 10, 11, in particular with the same or different starting materials. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102016222306 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] 3D printer (1) for printing an object (2), comprising an X, Y, Z axis system (3) and two print heads (10, 11), characterized by , that the first (10) and the second printhead (11) are arranged on a bridge (30) that can be moved in the direction of a Y-axis (20). [2] 3D printer (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the X-axis (50) can be controlled independently of the Y-axis (20). [3] 3D printer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the printheads (10, 11) are movable via guide rails (80, 81) and belt drives (82, 83), and the belt drives (82, 83) are guided by deflection pulleys (92, 93). [4] 3D printer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one motor (40, 41) for the Y-axis (20) is arranged on a machine frame (70) of the 3D printer (1). [5] 3D printer (1) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the Y-axis (20) can be driven simultaneously by two motors (40, 41), wherein the motors (40, 41) are driven in parallel. [6] Method for operating a 3D printer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two printheads (10, 11) print alternately, with the second printhead (11) taking over the starting position of the first printhead (10) to continue the printing process when it switches to a refill mode to fill the first printhead (10). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the printheads (10, 11) can be moved independently of each other along the X-axis (50), with the possibility of parallel printing with both printheads (10, 11) using different materials.

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