Extruder print head with camera and sensor extensions

Abstract

Technical solution relates to an extruder print head for additive manufacturing using thermoplastic materials, preferably for robotic 3D printing. The print head is equipped with camera and sensor components enabling real-time process monitoring and non-contact measurement of the distance between the nozzle and the print bed. Mounted on the housing structure (17) are an inspection camera (9) held in an adjustable mount (10) and a laser sensor (11) for measuring the nozzle-to-bed distance; the latter is mounted on a micro-positioning mechanism (12) and connected to the housing structure (17) via a mounting flange (13). Attachment to the robot arm is achieved using a quick-release system (16) fastened to a mounting adapter (15). Cooling of the print head is provided by an active axial fan (18) and a radial fan (19) located on the housing structure (17).