3D Print Head With Rotation-Asymmetrical Outlet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges in producing additive products with high quality and strength, particularly due to insufficient bonding between layers caused by temperature differences and air inclusions, leading to weak welds and potential chemical decomposition of materials.

Innovation Solution

A 3D printer head with a chamber and outlet system that applies heated, liquefied plastic material to a surface while using controlled heat input and cooling to optimize bonding, and allows for the addition of additives like particles or fibers to enhance material properties, along with a spiral conveyor screw for precise material dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the temperature difference between already applied plastic material and newly applied plastic material is increased to ensure intimate and uniform welding, then the bonding strength between layers is improved, but the risk of chemical decomposition of the plastic material increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strength between layersVSAvoidchemical decomposition
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temperature of both the already applied plastic material and the newly applied plastic material within specific ranges. The temperature of the already applied material is maintained at 20-50°C above its glass transition temperature or melting point, while the newly applied material is kept 10-30°C below its decomposition temperature. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient thermal energy for bonding while preventing chemical decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary anti-action by pre-heating the already applied plastic material layer before applying the new material. This pre-heating action prepares the bonding surface in advance, ensuring it has sufficient temperature to facilitate intimate welding when the new material is applied, thereby preventing bonding failures without requiring excessive temperature differences that could cause decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Strength

If the temperature of already applied plastic material is increased to improve bonding, then the welding quality between layers is improved, but the plastic material may run appreciably and lose its shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidshape retention
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by setting the temperature of the already applied plastic material within a precise range of 20-50°C above its glass transition temperature or melting point. This optimized temperature range provides sufficient thermal energy for intimate welding and bonding while maintaining the material's structural integrity and preventing excessive flow that would cause shape loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the temperature of newly applied plastic material is increased to improve flow and filling, then the material achieves desired physical properties, but the material may chemically decompose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical properties achievementVSAvoidchemical decomposition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the newly applied plastic material to be 10-30°C below its decomposition temperature. This optimized temperature parameter ensures the material has sufficient fluidity for proper flow and filling while maintaining its chemical stability and preventing decomposition, thereby achieving the desired physical properties safely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the strength and quality of the printed products by ensuring intimate and uniform bonding between layers, preventing chemical decomposition, and maintaining desired material properties, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

heating the surface before/during/after applying the plastic material significantly improves the bond between the applied plastic material and the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the plastic material of the already applied plastic material, which at least partially forms the surface, softens on its surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoftening: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the applied plastic material increases its strength after a short time by cooling / solidifying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 4

spiral screw conveyor that feeds the printing material to the outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew conveyance: Screw

Implementation Method 5

For processing thermoplastic plastic material, the chamber 110 has a heating device 138 to heat the thermoplastic plastic material to its melting temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3658351B13D print head for use in a 3D printer, 3D printer having such a 3D print head and method for operating such a 3D printer.
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 STARFORT KG DES STUBENRUSS MORITZ
  • EP3658351B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3658351B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3658351B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a 3D print head for additively building up a component, comprising a chamber (110) which is configured to obtain liquid or solid printing material through an inlet (114), wherein the chamber has an outlet (120) which is provided and designed for the application of liquid or liquefied printing material onto a surface, wherein the outlet has a rotation-asymmetrical passage cross-section for the printing material.