Multi-Nozzle Additive Manufacturing Apparatus for Simultaneous Component Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing methods, such as melt-based printing, face challenges in reducing build time and production costs for components with complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a printing apparatus with a central extruder, a distributor system, and multiple nozzles spaced apart, allowing for simultaneous manufacturing of identical components by conveying extrusion material from the extruder through the distributor to the nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single nozzle is used for additive manufacturing, then the device complexity is low, but the build time and productivity are high
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus divides the single nozzle into multiple nozzles (at least two nozzles spaced apart from one another) that can operate simultaneously. Each nozzle can extrude material independently to form separate components or portions of components at the same time, thereby reducing build time while managing complexity through modular nozzle design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple nozzles are integrated into a single printing apparatus with a common extruder device and distributor device, allowing coordinated operation of multiple extrusion points. The nozzles share common material supply infrastructure while enabling parallel manufacturing operations, achieving higher productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If multiple nozzles are used for simultaneous manufacturing, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor device serves multiple nozzles simultaneously, acting as a multi-functional component that distributes melted material to several extrusion points. This universal distributor design enables multiple components to be manufactured in parallel while using a single distributed material delivery system, increasing productivity without linearly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor device acts as an intermediary between the single extruder device and multiple nozzles, managing material distribution to multiple output points. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized material distribution mechanism that serves multiple nozzles without requiring separate extrusion systems for each nozzle
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 method significantly reduces build time and production costs by enabling the simultaneous production of multiple components, with the potential to halve build time when using two nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
an extruder device (3) for melting the material to be printed
Implementation Method 2
a distributor device (4) connected to the extruder device (3)... By way of example, the distributor system may be a hot runner system manufactured from injection molds. Via the distributor device or the distributor system, the melt or the extrusion material can be conveyed to the nozzles
Implementation Method 3
a multiplicity of nozzles (5) which are spaced apart from one another... extrusion material emitted by the nozzles is printed
Data Source
AI summary
Please substitute the new Abstract submitted herewith for the original Abstract: A method and device for additively manufacturing components. In the method and device, a printing device is provided for additively manufacturing components, wherein the printing device comprises an extruder apparatus, a manifold apparatus connected to the extruder apparatus, and a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles. Furthermore, a plurality of components are manufactured by the printing device, wherein extrusion material is conveyed from the extruder apparatus via the manifold apparatus to the nozzles, and wherein the components are manufactured simultaneously.