A peeling nozzle

Abstract

A peeling nozzle, comprising a first filament channel configured to receive a first tube-core filament comprising a first tube filled with a first core material; a first core channel configured to receive the first core material; and a first peeling mechanism configured to peel the first tube; wherein the peeling nozzle is configured to enable peeling of the first tube, while allowing flow of the first core material in the first core channel.

Description

[0001] A PEELING NOZZLE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to nozzles and specifically to peeling nozzles for peeling tube-core filaments.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] 3D printing is the process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using an additive process where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes. 3D printing is also considered distinct from traditional machining techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting or drilling (subtractive processes).

[0006] A material printer usually performs 3D printing processes using digital technology.

[0007] Additive manufacturing takes virtual blueprints from computer-aided design (CAD) or animation modeling software and "slices" them into digital cross-sections for the machine to successively use as a guideline for printing. Depending on the machine used, material or a binding material is deposited on the build bed or platform until material / binder layering is complete, and the final 3D model has been "printed."

[0008] To perform a print, the machine reads the design and lays down successive layers of liquid, powder, paper, or sheet material to build the model from a series of cross sections. These layers, which correspond to the virtual cross sections from the CAD model, are joined or automatically fused to create the final shape. The primary advantage of this technique is its ability to create almost any shape or geometric feature.

[0009] Typical layer thickness is around 100 micrometers (pm), although some machines, such as the Objet Connex series and 3D Systems' Pro Jet series, can print layers as thin as 16 pm. X-Y resolution is comparable to that of laser printers. The particles (3D dots) are around 50 to 100 pm in diameter. The construction of a model with contemporary methods can take anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on the method used and the size and complexity of the model. Additive systems can typically reduce this time to a few hours, although it varies widely depending on the type of machine used and the size and number of models being produced simultaneously.

[0010] Several different 3D printing processes have been invented since the late 1970s. The printers were originally large, expensive, and highly limited in what they could produce.

[0011] Several additive processes are now available. They differ in the way layers are deposited to create parts and in the materials that can be used. Some methods melt or soften material to produce the layers, e.g., selective laser melting (SLM) or direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS), and fused deposition modeling (FDM), while others cure liquid materials using different sophisticated technologies, e.g., stereolithography (SLA). With laminated object manufacturing (LOM), thin layers are cut to shape and joined together (e.g., paper, polymer, metal).

[0012] Fused deposition modeling (FDM) usually uses a plastic filament or metal wire that is wound on a coil and unreeled to supply material to an extrusion nozzle, which turns the flow on and off. The nozzle heats up to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions by a numerically controlled mechanism that is directly controlled by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software package. The model or part is produced by extruding small beads of thermoplastic material to form layers as the material hardens immediately after extrusion from the nozzle. Stepper motors, or servo motors, are typically employed to move the extrusion head.

[0013] Existing methods, such as FDM, use the filament in its entirety. The 3D model is printed using the core and the tube / coating / shell / casing / skin of the filament.

[0014] Demand for printing only, or essentially, only the filament's core, is growing.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for a nozzle that enables the filament's tube to be peeled and the core material to be used. Such a nozzle may be used in dispensing machines, hot glue guns, silicon guns, and the like, and in various industries, such as, for example, 3D printing industries, robotic automation industries, pharmaceutical industries, construction industries, or any other industry requiring using only or essentially only the core material.

[0016] SUMMARY

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peeling nozzle, comprising: a first filament channel configured to receive a first tube-core filament comprising a first tube filled with a first core material; a first core channel configured to receive the first core material; and a first peeling mechanism configured to peel the first tube; wherein the peeling nozzle is configured to enable peeling of the first tube, while allowing flow of the first core material in the first core channel.

[0018] The first peeling mechanism may comprise at least one cutting element configured to cut the first tube.

[0019] The first peeling mechanism may further comprise at least one tube channel configured to enable disposal of the peeled first tube.

[0020] The first core channel may comprise a tapered section configured to facilitate tube separation.

[0021] The first core channel may comprise a cone shape.

[0022] The first core channel may comprise at least one slit, at the upper end of the first core channel.

[0023] The peeling nozzle may further comprise a second filament channel configured to receive a second tube-core filament comprising a second tube filled with a second core material; a second core channel configured to receive the second core material; and a second peeling mechanism configured to peel the second tube; wherein the peeling nozzle is further configured to enable peeling of the second tube, while allowing flow of the second core material in the second core channel.

[0024] The peeling nozzle may further comprise a mixing mechanism configured to receive the first core material and the second core material, mix the first core material with the second core material, thereby creating a mixed core material. The first tube-core filament may be an 8-shape tube-core filament which may comprise a third tube filled with a third core material, and a fourth tube filled with a fourth core material.

[0025] The peeling nozzle may further comprise a separating cutting element configured to separate the third tube from the fourth tube; and a first extruder configured to pull and push the third tube, thereby pulling and pushing the fourth tube.

[0026] The peeling nozzle may further comprise a second extruder; a first hobbed wheel connected to a second hobbed wheel; a first wheel faces the first hobbed wheel; and a second wheel faces the second hobbed wheel; wherein the second extruder is configured to pull and push the first tubecore filament in between the first hobbed wheel and the first wheel, thereby rotating the second hobbed wheel, thus pulling and pushing a fifth tube-core filament, placed between the second hobbed wheel and the second wheel.

[0027] The peeling nozzle may further comprise a third extruder configured to push and pull the first tube-core filament and another tube-core filament.

[0028] The first tube-core filament may be a tube-2core filament which may comprise a first core material, a second core material and a membrane between the first and second core materials; wherein the first core channel comprises two parts of core channels, one configured to receive the first core material and the other configured to receive the second core material, and a cutting element placed between the two parts of core channels and configure to cut the membrane.

[0029] The peeling nozzle may further comprise a collector mechanism configured to collect the first tube.

[0030] The collector mechanism may comprise a motor, rotating a first gear; at least one collection wheel, rotatably connected via a second gear to a fixed location; and a band or a belt, stretched around the first and second gears; wherein the motor is configured to rotate the first gear, which rotates the second gear via the band or belt, thereby collecting the first tube on the at least one collection wheel.

[0031] The collector mechanism may comprise a motor, rotating a first cogwheel; and at least one collection wheel, rotatably connected via a second cogwheel to a fixed location; wherein the motor is configured to rotate the first cogwheel, which rotates the second cogwheel, thereby collecting the first tube on the at least one collection wheel.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing core material out of a tube-core filament, comprising: receiving a tube-core filament comprising a tube filled with core material; peeling the tube; and dispensing the core material.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a plurality of tube-core filaments, comprising: receiving a plurality of tube-core filaments, each comprises a tube filled with core material; peeling the tubes of the plurality of tube-core filaments; mixing the core materials of the plurality of tube-core filaments; and dispensing the mixed core material.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a mixed core material out of an 8-shape tube-core filament comprising a first tube filled with a first core material and second tube filled with a second core material, comprising: feeding the first tube into an extruder; pulling and pushing the first tube, by the extruder, while separating the first tube from the second tube, thereby pushing and pulling the second tube; peeling the first tube and the second tube; mixing the first core material with the second core material; and dispensing the mixed core material.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a plurality of tube-core filaments, comprising: feeding a first tubecore filament comprising a first tube and a first core material into an extruder; placing a second tube-core filament comprising a second tube and a second core material between a second hobbed wheel and a second wheel; pulling and pushing the first tube-core filament, by the extruder, thereby placing the first tube-core filament between a first hobbed wheel and a first wheel and causing the first hobbed wheel to rotate, thereby rotating the second hobbed wheel thus pulling and pushing the second tube-core filament; peeling the first tube and the second tube; mixing the first core material with the second core material; and dispensing the mixed core material. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a plurality of tube-core filaments, comprising: feeding a plurality of tube-core filaments into an extruder; pulling and pushing the plurality of tube-core filaments, by the extruder; peeling tubes of the plurality of tube-core filaments; mixing core materials of the plurality of tube-core filaments; and dispensing the mixed core material.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a tube-2core filament comprising a tube, a first core material, a second core material, and a membrane between the first and second core materials, comprising: fitting the tube-2core filament on a core channel comprising a first part configured to receive the first core material, a second part configured to receive the second core material, and a cutting element placed between the first and second parts; progressing the tube-2core on the core channel thereby peeling the tube and cutting the membrane; mixing the first and second core materials; and dispensing the mixed core material.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] For better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0040] Fig- 1 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of an exemplary peeling nozzle 100, according to embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 1A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle of Fig. 1, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other;

[0041] Fig. IB to Fig. IE show an exemplary process of peeling a tube-core filament using the nozzle 100 of the present invention;

[0042] Fig- 2 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of another exemplary peeling nozzle, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 2A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle of Fig. 2, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other;

[0044] Fig. 2B shows two side views of the leading tube of the peeling nozzle 200, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other;

[0045] Fig. 2C shows the cross-section A-A of Fig. 2B;

[0046] Fig. 2D shows the cross-section B-B of Fig. 2B;

[0047] Fig. 2E to Fig. 2H show an exemplary process of peeling a tube-core filament using the nozzle 200 of the present invention;

[0048] Fig. 3 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of another exemplary peeling nozzle, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Fig. 3A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle of Fig. 3, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other;

[0050] Fig. 4 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of another exemplary peeling nozzle, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 4A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle of Fig. 4, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other; Fig. 4B to Fig. 4E show an exemplary process of peeling a tube-core filament using the nozzle 400 of the present invention;

[0052] Fig- 5 shows an exemplary peeling nozzle comprising a long core nozzle;

[0053] Fig. 6 shows two side views, from the same angle, of another exemplary peeling nozzle, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of the exemplary peeling nozzle of Fig. 6;

[0055] Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the exemplary peeling nozzle of Fig. 6 with a disposal tube;

[0056] Fig. 6C shows an exemplary core channel with an exemplary cone structure;

[0057] Fig. 6D shows an upper view of a cone structure;

[0058] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary setup, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Fig. 8 shows another exemplary setup, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0060] Fig. 8A shows an enlargement of detail C of Fig. 8;

[0061] Fig. 8B shows an enlargement of detail D of Fig. 8;

[0062] Fig. 9 shows another exemplary setup, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0063] Fig. 9A shows an enlargement of detail A of Fig. 9;

[0064] Fig. 10 shows another exemplary setup, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0065] Fig. 10A shows an enlargement of detail B of Fig. 10;

[0066] Fig. 10B shows an enlargement of detail D of Fig. 10A;

[0067] Fig. 11 shows two side views, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other, of an exemplary core channel and peeling mechanism, according to embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 12 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of an exemplary collector mechanism;

[0068] Fig. 12A shows an exemplary nozzle and the collector mechanism of Fig. 12; and

[0069] Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of an exemplary setup including any one of the nozzles described above.

[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0071] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or the Examples. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0072] The present invention provides a peeling nozzle for dispensing machines, hot glue guns, silicon guns, and the like, and for various industries, such as, for example, 3D printing industries, robotic automation industries, pharmaceutical industries, construction industries, or any other industry requiring using only or essentially only the core material of a filament.

[0073] The peeling nozzle enables the use of a filament comprising a tube and a core and to dispense only or essentially only the core material.

[0074] The nozzle separates the tube from the core material in such a way that it enables the device, which uses the filament, to apply the core material and dispose of or save the emptied tube. According to embodiments of the present invention, the separation may be done by pushing the tube-core filament towards a cone with a slightly larger diameter than the tube’s inner diameter, thus forcing the core material into the cone and the tube material outside. It will be appreciated that the emptied tube may exit the nozzle from any direction (downward, sideways, or upward). According to embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle may be, or may comprise disposable parts, enabling to maintain a sterile environment for the core material by preventing contact between the core material and any device or nozzle parts that might not be sterile.

[0075] According to embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle may be joined with additional mechanical or electromechanical parts for gathering the tube material, for progressing or pulling the filament into or through the nozzle, for mixing of core materials, for temperature control, for cutting the filament, etc.

[0076] According to embodiments of the present invention, the filament may be cut with a blade, which may be heated to a certain temperature, by geometrically separating layers, sides, or parts of the tube, and the like. Such a blade may be made from any hard material, such as stainless steel, tungsten, tungsten-carbide, carbide, sapphire, ceramics, diamonds, or a combination of materials.

[0077] According to embodiments of the present invention, feeding the filament into the nozzle may be done with existing extruder feeding mechanisms, by changing some parts of existing extruder feeding mechanisms (e.g., replacing the hobbed gears with specific gears), and / or by pulling the emptied tube from the bottom part of the nozzle, and / or by a mechanism placed elsewhere (e.g., not connected to the moving head of a printer), by a flexible tube connected to the printer head, and / or by an existing Bowden extruder.

[0078] According to embodiments of the present invention, the electric feed of existing extruders, or any other available electric source, may be used to connect a motor for collecting the empty tube after separation (e.g., by rolling or compressing into a bin). This motor may be attached to a speed reduction gear, which may also comprise a clutch mechanism (thus eliminating the need for precise speed control while still applying meaningful pulling force to the tube through the nozzle). Such a mechanism for collecting the empty tube may be rotated by a DC motor, a stepper motor, a servo motor, etc. and may comprise a sensor for measuring the tension of the pulled empty tube.

[0079] According to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzle may be configured to peel a chocolate core filament. In such cases, a heating element and an active or passive cooling zone may precede the peeling nozzle (in the filament path before entering the nozzle). This enables continuous tempering of the chocolate inside the tube, thus enabling the printing of high- quality chocolate mixes.

[0080] According to embodiments of the present invention, the filament's tube may be separated from the core material before entering the nozzle for deposition. Such separation enables heating the core material before deposition without heating the tube material.

[0081] According to embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle may comprise or may be connected to an injection tube connected to the core material exit hole to allow, e.g., gel suspension printing.

[0082] According to embodiments of the present invention, all or part of the nozzle may be coated with friction reduction material, such as PTFE, ETFE, BAM, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, the nozzle may be made from low friction materials, such as, for example, Molybdenum, PTFE, aluminum, boron nitride, etc.

[0083] According to embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle may comprise a wiper - a device that wipes the core material from the inner side of the tube after the tube is cut and before the tube is disposed to reduce the amount of core material adhered to the tube in the separation stage.

[0084] According to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzle may be configured to dispose of the core material with or without heating, depending on the core material.

[0085] Fig- 1 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of an exemplary peeling nozzle 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Nozzle 100 comprises a thread 110 for connecting the nozzle to any existing extruder using a standard thread or to any other device for any other required use using a custom thread; at least one blade 120 (two blades are shown); two tube material exit channels 130A and 130B; a core channel 140 having a core channel exit 150; and a filament channel 160.

[0086] When a filament is inserted through the upper end 160A into the filament channel 160, the filament progresses downward, being cut by blades 120, which separate the filament's tube into two, one directed to the exit channel 130A and the other to the exit channel 130B, while the core is directed to the core channel 140 and through the core channel exit 150. It will be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, at the point of transition from the filament channel 160 to the core channel 140, the upper outer circumference of the core channel 140 may have, but is not limited to, a cone shape to assist in the separation of the filament's tube from its core.

[0087] It will be appreciated that the at least one blade 120 and the tube material exit channels 130A and 130B may be referred to as a peeling mechanism.

[0088] Fig. 1A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle 100 of Fig. 1, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the thread 110 may be replaced by any other connector or mechanism for connecting the nozzle 100 to any required device.

[0090] Fig. IB to Fig. IE show an exemplary process of peeling a tube-core filament 170 using the nozzle 100 of the present invention.

[0091] In Fig. IB, the tube-core filament 170 is inserted into the filament channel 160.

[0092] In Fig. 1C, the tube-core filament 170 progresses downward inside the filament channel 160 and reaches the core channel 140 which, according to embodiments of the present invention, may have an upper outer circumference in the shape of a cone to assist in the separation of the filament's tube from its core. From this stage, as the filament progresses downward, the filament's core material is directed into the core channel 140, and the filament's tube progresses downward on the outer circumference of the core channel 140.

[0093] In Fig. ID, as the tube-core filament 170 continues to progress downward, the filament's tube reaches the blades 120 (one is shown), which cut the filament's tube, thus directing the tube into the tube material exit channels 130A and 130B.

[0094] In Fig. IE, as the tube-core filament 170 continuously progresses downward, the blades 120 continuously cut the filament's tube, and the filament's tube is continuously directed into the tube material exit channels 130A and 130B, thus allowing the filament's core material to exit through the core channel exit 150 and the filament's tube to exit through the lower end of the tube material exit channels 130A and 130B.

[0095] Fig- 2 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of another exemplary peeling nozzle 200, according to embodiments of the present invention. The nozzle 200 comprises a thread (not shown, such as, for example, thread 110 of Fig. 1) for connecting the nozzle to any existing extruder using a standard thread or to any other device for any other required use using a custom thread; a leading tube 215 comprising a filament channel 220, at least one blade 225, a leading tube core material exit 230, a tube material channel 235 and a tube material channel exit 240; and a nozzle envelope 250 comprising a core material cavity 255 and a core material exit 260.

[0096] When a filament is inserted through the upper end 220A into the filament channel 220, the filament progresses downward, and the filament's tube is cut by the blade 225. The filament's tube is forced into the tube material channel 235 by the progression of the filament, which squeezes the filament's tube and forces the core material to exit through the leading tube core material exit 230 and into the core material cavity 255, thereby allowing the core material to exit through the core material exit 260.

[0097] It will be appreciated that the peeling nozzle 200 is not limited to including a thread, which may be replaced by any other connector or mechanism for connecting the nozzle 200 to any required device. It will be appreciated that the core material cavity 255 may be referred to as a core material channel. It will be appreciated that the at least one blade 225 and the tube material channel 235 may be referred to as a peeling mechanism.

[0098] Fig. 2A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle 200 of Fig. 2, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other.

[0099] Fig. 2B shows two side views of the leading tube 215 of the peeling nozzle 200, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other.

[0100] Fig. 2C shows the cross-section A-A of Fig. 2B. Fig. 2D shows the cross-section B-B of Fig. 2B. When a filament progresses downward inside the filament channel 220, the filament's tube is cut and forced into the tube material channel 235, which squeezes the tube, forcing the core material to exit through the leading tube core material exit 230.

[0101] Fig. 2E to Fig. 2H show an exemplary process of peeling a tube-core filament 270 using the nozzle 200 of the present invention. Each figure shows three views from three different angles.

[0102] In Fig. 2E, the tube-core filament 270 is inserted into the filament channel 220.

[0103] In Fig. 2F, the tube-core filament 270 progresses downward inside the filament channel 220 and reaches the blade 225, which cuts the filament's tube.

[0104] In Fig. 2G, as the tube-core filament 270 continues to progress downward, the filament's tube is forced into tube material channel 235, which squeezes the tube, thus forcing the filament's core material (not shown) to exit through the leading tube core material exit 230 and into the core material cavity 255.

[0105] In Fig. 2H, as the tube-core filament 270 continuously progresses downward, the blade 225 continuously cuts the filament's tube, the filament's tube is continuously forced into tube material channel 235, which squeezes the tube thus forcing the filament's core material (not shown) to exit through the leading tube core material exit 230 and into the core material cavity 255, while disposing of the filament's tube through the tube material channel exit 240.

[0106] Fig- 3 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of another exemplary peeling nozzle 300, according to embodiments of the present invention. The nozzle 300 comprises a thread (not shown, such as, for example, thread 110 of Fig. 1) for connecting the nozzle to any existing extruder using a standard thread or to any other device for any other required use using a custom thread; at least one blade 320 (two blades are shown); a circumferential tube material exit channel 330; a core channel 340 having a core channel exit 350; and a filament channel 360.

[0107] When a filament is inserted through the upper end 360A into the filament channel 360, the filament progresses downward, being cut by the blades 320, which separate the filament's tube into two and direct them to the circumferential tube material exit channel 330, while the core is directed to the core channel 340 and through the core channel exit 350. It will be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, at the point of transition from the filament channel 360 to the core channel 340, the upper outer circumference of the core channel 340 may have, but is not limited to, a cone shape to assist in the separation of the filament's tube from its core. It will also be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, this cone may have, but is not limited to, slits 335 configured to assist the core material in being directed into the core channel 340 by allowing core material, stuck between the upper end of the core channel and the inner circumference of the tube, to return into the core channel 340. It will also be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzle 300 may comprise one blade, two blades, or more, and the peeling nozzle 300 of Fig. 3 is shown with two blades only for the purpose of explanation and demonstration.

[0108] It will be appreciated that the peeling nozzle 300 is not limited to including a thread, which may be replaced by any other connector or mechanism for connecting the nozzle 300 to any required device. It will be appreciated that the at least one blade 320 and the tube material exit channel 330 may be referred to as a peeling mechanism.

[0109] Fig. 3A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle 300 of Fig. 3, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other.

[0110] Fig- 4 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of another exemplary peeling nozzle 400, according to embodiments of the present invention. Nozzle 400 is essentially similar or identical to the nozzle 300 except for the outer shape of the nozzle, which has no effect on the functionality of the nozzle; the shape of the core channel 440, which has the shape of a long cone; and the absence of the slits 335 shown in Fig. 3. The nozzle 400 comprises a thread (not shown, such as, for example, thread 110 of Fig. 1) for connecting the nozzle to any existing extruder using a standard thread or to any other device for any other required use using a custom thread; at least one blade 420 (two blades are shown); a circumferential tube material exit channel 430; a core channel 440 having a core channel exit 450; and a filament channel 460. When a filament is inserted through the upper end 460A into the filament channel 460, the filament progresses downward, being cut by the blades 420, which separate the filament's tube into two and direct them to the circumferential tube material exit channel 430 and through the tube material exit channel exit 435, while the core is directed to the core channel 440 and through the core channel exit 450. It will be appreciated that the core channel 440 is not limited to having the shape of a cone. It will also be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the core channel 440 may have, but is not limited to, slits like slits 335 shown in Fig. 3 configured to assist the core material in being directed into the core channel 440. It will also be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzles 100, 300, and 400 may comprise one blade, two blades, or more, and the peeling nozzle 400 of Fig. 4 is shown with two blades only for the purpose of explanation and demonstration.

[0111] It will be appreciated that the peeling nozzle 400 is not limited to including a thread, which may be replaced by any other connector or mechanism for connecting the nozzle 400 to any required device. It will also be appreciated that the tube material exit channel 330 and the tube material exit channel 430 are not limited to being circumferential. According to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzles 100, 300, and / or 400 may comprise a plurality of tube material exit channels, e.g., a channel between each two blades. It will be appreciated that the at least one blade 420 and the tube material exit channel 430 may be referred to as a peeling mechanism.

[0112] Fig. 4A shows two side views of the peeling nozzle 400 of Fig. 4, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other.

[0113] Fig. 4B to Fig. 4E show an exemplary process of peeling a tube-core filament 470 using the nozzle 400 of the present invention. Each figure shows two views, from two different angles. It will be appreciated that, essentially, the same process may be performed using the nozzle 300.

[0114] In Fig. 4B, tube-core filament 470 is inserted into the filament channel 460 (or channel 360, in the case of the nozzle 300). In Fig. 4C, the tube-core filament 470 progresses downward inside the filament channel and reaches the upper end of the core channel 440 (or 340, in the case of the nozzle 300). From this stage, as the filament progresses downward, the filament's core material is directed into the core channel 440 (or 340, in the case of the nozzle 300), and the filament's tube progresses downward on the outer circumference of the core channel 440 (or 340, in the case of the nozzle 300).

[0115] In Fig. 4D, as the tube-core filament 470 continues to progress downward, the filament's tube reaches the blades 420 (or 320, in the case of the nozzle 300), which cut the filament's tube, thus directing the tube into the tube material exit channel(s) 430 (or 330, in the case of the nozzle 300).

[0116] In Fig. 4E, as the tube-core filament 470 continuously progresses downward, the blades 420 (or 320, in the case of the nozzle 300) continuously cut the filament's tube, the filament's tube is continuously directed into tube material exit channel(s) 430 (or 330, in the case of the nozzle 300), thus allowing the filament's core material to exit through the core channel exit 450 (or 350, in the case of the nozzle 300) and the filament's tube to exit through the lower end (435) of the tube material exit channel(s) 430 (or 330, in the case of the nozzle 300).

[0117] It will be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, the at least one blade of peeling nozzles 100, 300, and / or 400 may be placed at the same height as the upper end of its respective core channel.

[0118] It will be appreciated that, according to embodiments of the present invention, any one of the nozzles described above may be used without heating the nozzle, i.e., a hot end is not required.

[0119] For cases where it might be needed to heat the nozzle, it would be preferred not to heat the filament’s tube material. Therefore, according to embodiments of the present invention, any one of the peeling nozzles 100, 300, and / or 400 may comprise a long core channel, allowing to keep the filament away from the heating area and heating only the core material.

[0120] Fig- 5 shows an exemplary peeling nozzle 500 comprising a long core nozzle 540. It will be appreciated that any one of the peeling mechanisms described above may be used with a long nozzle. As can be seen, the peeling location 510 is kept away from the heating location, e.g., 520, thus preventing heating of the filament’s tube material.

[0121] Fig. 6 shows two side views, from the same angle, of another exemplary peeling nozzle 600, according to embodiments of the present invention. The nozzle 600 comprises a core channel 610 on which a tube-core filament 620 progresses downward, such that the core, of the tube-core filament 620, is inserted into the core channel 610, and the tube, of the tube-core filament 620, progresses downward on the outer circumference of the core channel 610; a blade 630 for cutting the tube of the tube-core filament 620; an inclined surface 640 for diverting the cut tube 645 (the tube of the tube-core filament 620); and a core channel exit 670

[0122] According to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzle 600 may further comprise a Luer connector 660 for connecting a standard medical needle and / or a magnet or a metal plate 680 for interfacing a sensor in the extruder (head). It will be appreciated that the nozzle 600 is not limited to including a Luer connector and / or a magnet.

[0123] According to embodiments of the present invention, the core channel 620 may be long enough to reach a pulling / pushing mechanism, e.g., an extruder, placed above the peeling nozzle 600, for enhancing the grabbing force of the extruder on the tube-core filament 620.

[0124] Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of the exemplary peeling nozzle 600 of Fig. 6.

[0125] According to embodiments of the present invention, the peeling nozzle 600 may further comprise a disposal tube for collecting the empty tube and passing it away from the printing area. The empty tube may be disposed of, shredded or collected manually or by an automatic collecting mechanism.

[0126] Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the exemplary peeling nozzle 600 of Fig. 6 with the disposal tube 690. The disposal tube 690 may be connected to the nozzle 600 via a disposal tube connector 690A.

[0127] According to embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the core channel 610 may have a cone structure for assisting in the separation of the filament's tube from its core and collecting as much core material as possible. This cone structure may have holes for allowing the core material to pass into the core channel. Moreover, the upper end of the core channel may have varying diameters for assisting in collecting as much core material as possible.

[0128] Fig. 6C shows an exemplary core channel 610A with an exemplary cone structure 611.

[0129] Fig. 6D shows an upper view of cone structure 611.

[0130] According to embodiments of the present invention, it may be required to extrude a material which is a mixture of two or more core materials, such as, for example, 2-parts silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, etc. For that purpose, there is a need for a setup enabling to receive a plurality of tube-core filaments, mix the core materials of those plurality tube-core filaments, and print the mixed material.

[0131] Fig- 7 shows an exemplary setup 700, according to embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of demonstration and explanation, the exemplary setup 700 is shown with extruders (pushing / pulling mechanism). The extruders may be existing extruders of standard multi-head printers. The setup 700 may comprise a plurality of nozzles, e.g., like nozzle 600 of Fig. 6 (two are shown), connected on their upper end to extruders 710A and 710B, and on their lower end to a mixing mechanism 720, e.g., a static mixer. Tube-Core filaments are pushed, using the extruders 710A and 710B, downward inside channels 730A and 730B, and reach the core channels 740A and 740B which direct the core materials into the core channels and dispose of the tube materials (as described in conjunction with Fig. 6). Then, the core materials reach a shared space 750 which directs them into the mixing mechanism 720 and out of the mixing mechanism end 720A.

[0132] It will be appreciated that other pushing mechanisms, nozzles, and mixing mechanisms may be used, and the present invention is not limited to the ones shown.

[0133] It will be appreciated that setup 700 may enable any mixture of core materials, e.g., 1 : 1 or any other required ratio, for example, 1 Part A to 10 Part B - 1 : 10. It will be appreciated that the setup 700 may be used for materials which the different ratio between parts controls the quality of the final (cured) material, e.g., flexibility or color.

[0134] It will be appreciated that the setup 700 may be used with more than two filaments and extruders. This can, for example, allow printing of full color prints by mixing core materials of base colors, such as, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.

[0135] Fig- 8 shows another exemplary setup 800, according to embodiments of the present invention. Setup 800 is similar to setup 700 except for the following differences:

[0136] Setup 700 is intended to receive a plurality of (e.g., two) separate tube-core filaments and comprises a plurality of extruders (two are shown in Fig. 7), according to the number of tubecore filaments used; and setup 800 is intended to receive a single 8-shape tube-core filament and comprises one extruder (pushing / pulling mechanism). An 8-shape tube-core filament comprises two tube-core filaments attached, e.g., glued, welded, etc., to one another.

[0137] Setup 800 receives an 8-shape tube-core filament 805, such that one of the filaments (805A of Fig. 8A) of the 8-shape filament is inserted into a pulling / pushing mechanism, e.g., extruder 810, and the other filament (805B of Fig. 8A) of the 8-shape filament is directed into a leading channel 820. When extruder 810 pulls filament 805A, a separation mechanism 815 separates the two parts of the 8-shape filament into two conventional tube-core filaments, 805A and 805B, filament 805A is pulled through the extruder 810 and thereby pulling filament 805B into the leading channel 820. The tube-core filaments 805A and 805B progress downward inside channels 820 and 821 and reach the core channels 840A and 840B which direct the core materials into the core channels and dispose of the tube materials (as described in conjunction with Fig. 6). Then, the core materials reach a shared space 850 which directs them into the mixing mechanism 820 and out of the mixing mechanism end 820 A.

[0138] Fig. 8A shows an enlargement of detail C of Fig. 8.

[0139] Fig. 8B shows an enlargement of detail D of Fig. 8. According to embodiments of the present invention, the separation mechanism 815 may comprise a cutting element, e.g., blade 815A, for separating the 8-shape tube-core filament 805 into two tube-core filaments 805A and 805B. Fig- 9 shows another exemplary setup 900, according to embodiments of the present invention. Setup 900 is similar to setup 700 except for the following differences:

[0140] Setup 700 is intended to receive a plurality of (e.g., two) separate tube-core filaments and comprises a plurality of extruders (two are shown in Fig. 7), according to the number of tubecore filaments used; and setup 900 is intended to receive a plurality (two are shown) of separate tube-core filaments, 905A and 905B, and comprises one extruder 910 (pushing / pulling mechanism) and a passive pulling mechanism 915. Passive pulling mechanism 915 comprises a hobbed wheel 915A, which is connected to another hobbed wheel 915B, such that when the hobbed wheel 915A is rotated it rotates the hobbed wheel 915B. Each wheel 915A and 915B faces another wheel 915C and 915D, respectively, thus enabling filament 905A to progress between wheels 915A and 915C, and filament 905B to progress between wheels 915B and 915D. When the extruder 910 pushes the tube-core filament 905A downward, filament 905A rotates wheel 915A, which rotates wheel 915B, thereby pulling the tube-core filament 905B downward, in between wheels 915B and 915D, as well.

[0141] For the purpose of demonstration and explanation, setup 900 is shown with two tube-core filaments. It will be appreciated that any number of tube-core filaments may be used, and the present invention is not limited to two.

[0142] According to embodiments of the present invention, setup 900 receives two tube-core filaments 905A and 905B, one directed into the extruder 910 and the other into a leading channel 922. When extruder 910 pulls filament 905A, the filament movement rotates the hobbed wheel 915A, thereby rotating the hobbed wheel 915B which pulls the tube-core filament 905B. The tube-core filaments 905A and 905B reach the core channels, as explained in conjunction with Fig. 8, which direct the core materials into the core channels and dispose of the tube materials (as described in conjunction with Fig. 6). Then, the core materials reach a shared space 950 which directs them into the mixing mechanism 920 and out of the mixing mechanism end 920A.

[0143] Fig. 9A shows an enlargement of detail A of Fig. 9.

[0144] Fig. 10 shows another exemplary setup 1000, according to embodiments of the present invention. Setup 1000 is similar to setup 700 except for the following differences: Setup 700 is intended to receive a plurality of (e.g., two) separate tube-core filaments and comprises a plurality of extruders (two are shown in Fig. 7), according to the number of tubecore filaments used; and setup 1000 is intended to receive a plurality (two are shown) of separate tube-core filaments, 1005A and 1005B, and comprises one extruder 1010 (pushing / pulling mechanism) comprising at least one hobbed wheel (1030 of Fig. 10A) and at least one idler wheel (1040 of Fig. 10A). Extruder 1010 receives the tube-core filaments, 1005A and 1005B, pulls them from the upper side of the extruder 1010, and pushes them to exit from the lower side of the extruder 1010.

[0145] For the purpose of demonstration and explanation, setup 1000 is shown with two tube-core filaments. It will be appreciated that more tube-core filaments may be used, and the present invention is not limited to two.

[0146] According to embodiments of the present invention, setup 1000 receives two tube-core filaments 1005A and 1005B, both directed into extruder 1010. Extruder 1010 pulls the filaments 1005A and 1005B and pushes them out from the lower side of the extruder. The tube-core filaments 1005A and 1005B reach the core channels, as explained in conjunction with Fig. 8, which direct the core materials into the core channels and dispose of the tube materials (as described in conjunction with Fig. 6). Then, the core materials reach a shared space 1050 which directs them into the mixing mechanism 1020 and out of the mixing mechanism end 1020A.

[0147] Fig. 10A shows an enlargement of detail B of Fig. 10.

[0148] Fig. 10B shows an enlargement of detail D of Fig. 10A.

[0149] Tube-core filaments 1005A and 1005B reach the core channels 1050 and 1060, which direct them towards the blades 1070 and 1080, that cut and dispose of the empty tubes 1006 and 1007 as explained above.

[0150] It will be appreciated that the extruder 1010 may receive a plurality of tube-core filaments and conventional filaments, the hobbed wheel 1030 and the idler wheel 1040 may be wide enough to receive those filaments, and at least one of the hobbed wheel 1030 and the idler wheel 1040 may be driven by a motor of the extruder. According to embodiments of the present invention, the extruder 1010 may also be intended to receive a conventional filament or a dedicated filament and the extruder may comprise a mechanism for switching between extruding the conventional filament and the tube-core filaments. The switching may be done by touching the extruder head to a lever on the side of the printer. This enables printing of support material and two-parts material using a single extruder.

[0151] Fig. 11 shows two side views, one rotated 90 degrees with respect to the other, of an exemplary core channel and peeling mechanism 1100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The core channel and peeling mechanism 1100 may replace any of the core channels and peeling mechanisms in any of the setups described above and is intended to provide solution for peeling a tube-2core filament comprising two different core materials, with a membrane between them. The core channel and peeling mechanism 1100 comprises two halves of core channels 1120 and 1130, each intended to receive a different core material, a membrane blade 1140 for cutting the membrane, and at least two tube blades 1150 and 1160, each for cutting a different half of the filament's tube. After the cutting of the membrane, the two halves of the core channels 1120 and 1130 become a single core channel 1170. Both core materials may be mixed in the core channel 1170 or directed into a mixing mechanism, such as, for example, mixing mechanism 1020 of Fig. 10

[0152] It will be appreciated that core channel is not limited to including two halves of core channels and may include two parts of core channels of any size.

[0153] It will be appreciated that any one of the nozzles described in conjunction with Figs. 1-5 may be placed between the extruder(s) and the shared space of any one of Figs. 7-10.

[0154] It will be appreciated that any one of the mixing mechanisms described above may be in a hot environment, e.g., a hot end, thereby enabling them to heat the mixed core materials before printing.

[0155] It will be appreciated that the mixing mechanism is not limited to a static mixer.

[0156] It will be appreciated that any one of the nozzles and setups described above may be retrofitted in existing 3D printers. It will be appreciated that the deposition of the core material may be done by any one of the nozzles and setups described above or by an existing nozzle connected to the lower end of any one of the nozzles and setups described above.

[0157] It will be appreciated that the deposition of the core material may be done by the long nozzle or by an existing nozzle connected to the lower end of the long nozzle.

[0158] It will be appreciated that any one of the peeling nozzles described above may receive a filament directly into the filament channel, e.g., using a direct feeding; or through a tube, e.g., using indirect feeding, such as, for example, in Bowden extruders.

[0159] It will be appreciated that any one of the nozzles described above may be used in any dispensing machine, hot glue guns, silicon guns, and the like, and in various industries, such as, for example, 3D printing industries, robotic automation industries, pharmaceutical industries, construction industries, or any other industry requiring using only or essentially only the core material.

[0160] It will be appreciated that any one of the nozzles described above may be configured to peel any percentage of the tube material, e.g., 100% (the whole tube material), 90%, 80%, etc.

[0161] According to the embodiments of the present invention, any one of the nozzles described above may comprise or may be connected to a collector mechanism, allowing to collect the tube material disposed of during the filament peeling.

[0162] Fig. 12 shows two perspective views, from two different angles, of an exemplary collector mechanism 1200 comprising a motor 1210, rotating a gear 1220; two collection wheels 1230, rotatably connected via gears 1240 to a fixed location, e.g., plate 1250; and a band or a belt 1260, stretched around gear 1220 and gears 1240. The collector mechanism 1200 collects the empty filament tube on the collection wheels 1230 using the continuous rotation of gear 1220 driven by motor 1210, e.g., a DC motor. The band, or belt 1260, stretched around gear 1220 and gears 1240, allows the gear 1220 to rotate the collection wheels 1230, thereby collecting the empty filament tube. It will be appreciated that the collector mechanism 1200 may comprise any known method of driving gears by a belt or a band, for example, a conveyor belt, a mechanism that ensures tension between the gears, and the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the gears may be cogwheels engaging each other directly or indirectly via additional cogwheels.

[0163] Fig. 12A shows an exemplary nozzle 1200A and the collector mechanism 1200 of Fig. 12. As can be seen, the collector mechanism 1200 collects the empty filament tube 1200B. The nozzle 1200 may be any one of the nozzles described above. It will be appreciated that for the nozzle 200 of Fig. 2, the mechanism 1200 may comprise one collection wheel 1230, one gear 1240, and the rest of the parts described above.

[0164] As mentioned above, according to embodiments of the present invention, any one of the peeling nozzles described above may comprise one blade, two blades, or more. Therefore, the collector mechanism of the present invention may comprise any number of collection wheels, gears, or any other modification required for collecting the tube material.

[0165] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to including any of the blades described above. Alternatively, any cutting element which may be capable of performing the required task may be used, for example, laser, filament, hot air, etc.

[0166] It will be appreciated that at the beginning of the process, it might be needed to assist the empty filament tube in being rolled on the collection wheels, e.g., by rolling the empty filament tube on the collection wheels manually or by any mechanism allowing the empty filament tube to be fixed to the collection wheels.

[0167] According to embodiments of the present invention, any one of the nozzles described above may enable the use of a filament comprising a food core, e.g., chocolate. For such an embodiment, any one of the nozzles described above may be part of a setup including a tempering station that allows the filament to be heated in a controlled manner.

[0168] Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of an exemplary setup 1300 including any one of the nozzles described above 1310 and a filament 1320 passing through a tempering station comprising a controlled heating zone 1330 and an active or passive cooling zone 1340. The setup may further comprise a hot end 1350 of any conventional extruder. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A peeling nozzle, comprising: a first filament channel configured to receive a first tube-core filament comprising a first tube filled with a first core material; a first core channel configured to receive said first core material; and a first peeling mechanism configured to peel said first tube; wherein said peeling nozzle is configured to enable peeling of said first tube, while allowing flow of said first core material in said first core channel.

2. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, wherein said first peeling mechanism comprises at least one cutting element configured to cut said first tube.

3. The peeling nozzle of claim 2, wherein said first peeling mechanism further comprises at least one tube channel configured to enable disposal of said peeled first tube.

4. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, wherein said first core channel comprises a tapered section configured to facilitate tube separation.

5. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, wherein said first core channel comprises a cone shape.

6. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, wherein said first core channel comprises at least one slit, at the upper end of said first core channel.

7. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, further comprising: a second filament channel configured to receive a second tube-core filament comprising a second tube filled with a second core material; a second core channel configured to receive said second core material; and a second peeling mechanism configured to peel said second tube; wherein said peeling nozzle is further configured to enable peeling of said second tube, while allowing flow of said second core material in said second core channel.

8. The peeling nozzle of claim 7, further comprising a mixing mechanism configured to receive said first core material and said second core material, mix said first core material with said second core material, thereby creating a mixed core material.

9. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, wherein said first tube-core filament is an 8-shape tubecore filament comprising a third tube filled with a third core material, and a fourth tube filled with a fourth core material.

10. The peeling nozzle of claim 9, further comprising: a separating cutting element configured to separate said third tube from said fourth tube; and a first extruder configured to pull and push said third tube, thereby pulling and pushing said fourth tube.

11. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, further comprising: a second extruder; a first hobbed wheel connected to a second hobbed wheel; a first wheel faces said first hobbed wheel; and a second wheel faces said second hobbed wheel; wherein said second extruder is configured to pull and push said first tube-core filament in between said first hobbed wheel and said first wheel, thereby rotating said second hobbed wheel, thus pulling and pushing a fifth tube-core filament, placed between said second hobbed wheel and said second wheel.

12. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a third extruder configured to push and pull said first tube-core filament and another tube-core filament.

13. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, wherein said first tube-core filament is a tube-2core filament comprising a first core material, a second core material and a membrane between said first and second core materials; wherein said first core channel comprises two parts of core channels, one configured to receive said first core material and the other configured to receive said second core material, and a cutting element placed between said two parts of core channels and configure to cut said membrane.

14. The peeling nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a collector mechanism configured to collect said first tube.

15. The peeling nozzle of claim 14, wherein said collector mechanism comprises: a motor, rotating a first gear;at least one collection wheel, rotatably connected via a second gear to a fixed location; and a band or a belt, stretched around said first and second gears; wherein said motor is configured to rotate said first gear, which rotates said second gear via said band or belt, thereby collecting said first tube on said at least one collection wheel.

16. The peeling nozzle of claim 14, wherein said collector mechanism comprises: a motor, rotating a first cogwheel; and at least one collection wheel, rotatably connected via a second cogwheel to a fixed location; wherein said motor is configured to rotate said first cogwheel, which rotates said second cogwheel, thereby collecting said first tube on said at least one collection wheel.

17. A method of dispensing core material out of a tube-core filament, comprising: receiving a tube-core filament comprising a tube filled with core material; peeling said tube; and dispensing said core material.

18. A method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a plurality of tube-core filaments, comprising: receiving a plurality of tube-core filaments, each comprises a tube filled with core material; peeling said tubes of said plurality of tube-core filaments; mixing said core materials of said plurality of tube-core filaments; and dispensing said mixed core material.

19. A method of dispensing a mixed core material out of an 8-shape tube-core filament comprising a first tube filled with a first core material and second tube filled with a second core material, comprising: feeding said first tube into an extruder; pulling and pushing said first tube, by said extruder, while separating said first tube from said second tube, thereby pushing and pulling said second tube; peeling said first tube and said second tube; mixing said first core material with said second core material; anddispensing said mixed core material.

20. A method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a plurality of tube-core filaments, comprising: feeding a first tube-core filament comprising a first tube and a first core material into an extruder; placing a second tube-core filament comprising a second tube and a second core material between a second hobbed wheel and a second wheel; pulling and pushing said first tube-core filament, by said extruder, thereby placing said first tube-core filament between a first hobbed wheel and a first wheel and causing said first hobbed wheel to rotate, thereby rotating said second hobbed wheel thus pulling and pushing said second tube-core filament; peeling said first tube and said second tube; mixing said first core material with said second core material; and dispensing said mixed core material.

21. A method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a plurality of tube-core filaments, comprising: feeding a plurality of tube-core filaments into an extruder; pulling and pushing said plurality of tube-core filaments, by said extruder; peeling tubes of said plurality of tube-core filaments; mixing core materials of said plurality of tube-core filaments; and dispensing said mixed core material.

22. A method of dispensing a mixed core material out of a tube-2core filament comprising a tube, a first core material, a second core material, and a membrane between said first and second core materials, comprising: fitting said tube-2core filament on a core channel comprising a first part configured to receive said first core material, a second part configured to receive said second core material, and a cutting element placed between said first and second parts; progressing said tube-2core on said core channel thereby peeling said tube and cutting said membrane; mixing said first and second core materials; and dispensing said mixed core material.

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