CNC Spindle-Driven 3D Printer Wire Feed Without Extra Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing devices are complex and expensive due to the need for separate motors and controllers to manage the feed of welding wire, and they require a direct connection to a machine tool, making it difficult to convert CNC machines into 3D printing devices without significant effort and cost.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing device that uses the rotational movement of a CNC machine's spindle directly to feed the welding wire into the extruder, eliminating the need for a separate motor and controller, and allowing for easy conversion of CNC machines into 3D printing devices by using the existing spindle drive, with a simplified structure and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate motor and controller are used to manage the feed of welding wire in conventional 3D printing devices, then the welding wire can be fed precisely, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the welding wire feed function with the existing CNC spindle drive system. The spindle's rotational movement is directly transmitted through transmission means (gears, belts, or chains) to drive the welding wire feed mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors and controllers. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining precise feed control through the CNC system's existing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The CNC spindle drive system, originally designed for cutting tools, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also drive the welding wire feed mechanism. The same spindle rotation that previously drove cutting tools now simultaneously drives the extrusion of welding wire, allowing one system to perform multiple functions and reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional 3D printing devices use separate motors and controllers for welding wire feed, then the control is precise, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the welding wire feed control function with the existing CNC control system. By using the spindle's rotational speed and position control already present in CNC machines, the system achieves precise welding wire feed control without requiring additional expensive motors and controllers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing CNC spindle drive system serves dual purposes: driving the cutting tool and driving the welding wire feed mechanism. The CNC system's own control capabilities are utilized to manage the welding wire feed, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate control components that would increase cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a 3D printing device is designed as a standalone system with its own drive and control, then it operates independently, but the conversion from CNC machine is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the CNC machine to perform both cutting and 3D printing functions by making the spindle drive system multi-functional. The same spindle that drives cutting tools can also drive the welding wire feed and print head movement, allowing easy conversion between operations without requiring a completely separate 3D printing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the 3D printing functionality with the existing CNC machine structure and control system. By integrating the welding wire feed mechanism and print head onto the CNC machine's existing drive system, the conversion requires minimal additional components and leverages the CNC machine's independent operation capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the structure of 3D printing devices, reduces costs, and enables easy conversion of CNC machines into 3D printing devices without the need for additional motors or controllers, allowing for efficient and cost-effective 3D printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
A heating device is provided in the print head for melting the welding wire
Implementation Method 2
the rotational movement of the spindle is converted directly into a feed movement of the welding wire via transmission means connected between the rotating spindle and the retraction device for the welding wire
Implementation Method 3
A cooling device is arranged between the feed device for the welding wire and the print head in order to prevent heat from being transferred from the print head into the feed device
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D printing device comprising a print head (10), a heating device, a feed device (13) for a plastic welding wire, a workpiece table with a support surface for the workpiece to be printed, means for moving the workpiece to be printed along at least two mutually perpendicular axes, i.e., in the X-direction and in the Y-direction, and means for moving the print head in the Z-direction, wherein the feed device (13) for the plastic welding wire is driven by the spindle drive (11) of a CNC machine, and wherein the means for moving the workpiece to be printed in the X-direction and in the Y-direction, as well as the means for moving the print head in the Z-direction, are controlled by the control of the CNC milling machine. The rotational movement of the spindle is directly converted into a feed movement of the welding wire by means of a gear mechanism located between the rotating spindle (11) and the feed device (13) for the welding wire.This means that a separate motor is not needed for the process of pulling in the welding wire.