Single-Nozzle FDM Color Mixing for Precise 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional modeling technologies, such as the fused deposition modeling method (FDM), require labor-intensive filament changes for multi-color modeling, leading to precision issues and increased costs when using multiple inkjet heads for color expression.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple material resin supply units and a mixed resin ejection unit that mixes and controls the supply of different colored filaments before extrusion, allowing continuous color changes without precision loss, using a single nozzle and heater unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inkjet heads with multiple nozzles are used for color expression, then color diversity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple material supply units (each providing different colored materials) into a single ejection unit with one nozzle. This merging approach allows the system to achieve color diversity through material composition rather than through multiple complex ejection heads, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ejection unit is designed to handle multiple colored materials from different supply units, making it a universal component that can produce various colors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized inkjet heads, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining color expression capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filament replacement is performed during modeling for multi-color modeling, then color variety is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to operation break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous modeling operation by having multiple material supply units ready to provide different colored materials through a single ejection unit. This eliminates the need to stop and replace filaments during modeling, maintaining continuous operation and preserving manufacturing precision while achieving color variety.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple material supply units are prepared in advance with different colored materials, allowing the system to switch colors without interruption. This preliminary preparation of multiple material sources enables seamless color transitions during modeling, preventing operation breaks that would compromise precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating extrusion apparatuses are used for color switching, then color variety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple material supply units with a single heating extrusion apparatus and ejection unit. This consolidation allows color switching by changing the material source rather than using separate extrusion apparatuses for each color, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining color variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The single heating extrusion apparatus is designed to process multiple colored materials from different supply units, making it a universal component that can handle various colors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized extrusion apparatuses, reducing system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If filament replacement is performed during modeling, then color variety is improved, but loss of time increases due to labor-intensive replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous modeling operation by having multiple material supply units ready to provide different colored materials through a single ejection unit. This eliminates the need to stop and replace filaments during modeling, maintaining continuous operation and reducing time loss while achieving color variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically switches between different colored materials from multiple supply units without requiring manual filament replacement. This self-service capability allows the system to manage its own material supply and color transitions, eliminating labor-intensive replacement operations and reducing time loss.
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
Enables cost-effective, precise, and diverse color modeling by mixing filaments before extrusion, reducing the need for multiple nozzles and inkjet heads, thus maintaining modeling precision and lowering equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heater unit configured to heat the material resins
Implementation Method 2
a resin mixing unit configured to mix the material resins heated by the heater unit, thereby generating a mixed resin
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle configured to eject the mixed resin generated at the resin mixing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a three-dimensional object by a fused deposition modeling method. The method uses a plurality of material resin supply units, each configured to supply a coloring material resin of a different color, and the coloring material resins are resins to be used as a modeling material. A mixed resin ejection unit is configured to eject a mixed resin obtained by mixing the coloring material resins supplied from the plurality of material resin supply units. The plurality of material resin supply units being configured to supply the coloring material resins of different colors to the mixed resin ejection unit. The method includes controlling the amounts of the coloring material resins to be supplied from each of the plurality of material resin supply units to the mixed resin ejection unit, thereby adjusting a color of the mixed resin that is to be ejected by the mixed resin ejection unit.