3D Print Head Covering Device for Dripping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D print heads face issues with material dripping, especially when multiple extruder nozzles are used, leading to printing errors and uncontrolled material deposition, which can result in unusable prints.
Innovation Solution
A print head design that incorporates a covering device coupled with the extruder nozzle via cam control, allowing precise synchronization and independent movement of the nozzle, which reduces the risk of material dripping by catching excess material and optimizing the positioning of nozzles for improved print quality and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extruder nozzles are used for multiple materials, then material versatility is improved, but the risk of material dripping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print head is divided into multiple independent extruder nozzle units, each capable of processing different materials. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be independently controlled and managed, reducing the interference between multiple materials while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A material collecting gate is introduced as an intermediary component between the extruder nozzles and the printing area. This gate actively collects and redirects material that would otherwise drip onto the workpiece, serving as a mediator that prevents the harmful effect of dripping while allowing multiple nozzles to operate simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If a material collecting gate is added to catch dripping material, then print quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material collecting gate is merged with the existing print head structure, integrating the drip collection function into the overall design rather than adding it as a separate, complex subsystem. This integration minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the goal of preventing material dripping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extruder nozzles are moved independently with precise synchronization, then printing flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam control mechanism is designed to automatically coordinate the movement of multiple extruder nozzles through mechanical interconnection. The system serves itself by using the motion of one nozzle to drive the positioning of others, eliminating the need for complex electronic synchronization controls while maintaining printing flexibility.
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
The solution significantly enhances print quality by preventing unwanted material deposition, reduces the complexity of the print head structure, and allows for faster printing with less powerful motors, thereby saving costs and improving the integration of multiple extruder nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
The material, which is solid at room temperature, is thermally liquefied before application
Implementation Method 2
The material, which is solid at room temperature, is thermally liquefied before application and solidifies again immediately after application by cooling
Data Source
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AI summary
Print head (2) for use in an extruder (1) for producing three-dimensional workpieces using a 3D printing process in which the workpiece is built up by applying a material, preferably by liquefying the material, which is solid at room temperature, before application and allowing it to solidify again after application by cooling, comprising: - at least one extruder nozzle (4, 4', 4") for metered output of the preferably liquefied material from a forming opening, characterized in that: - a cover device (5) is provided to cover the forming opening (7) in the output direction (Z) behind the extruder nozzle (4, 4', 4"), so that material exiting the opening, in particular dripping material, can be collected by the cover device (5), - wherein the cover device (5) and the at least one extruder nozzle (4, 4', 4") are movable relative to each other, so that the forming opening of the at least one extruder nozzle (4,4', 4") in whose resting state can be covered by the covering device (5) in the output direction and released again for printing in the output direction.