摘要:
An extruder or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extruder may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder. In another aspect, modular tool heads are disclosed that can be automatically coupled to and removed from the three-dimensional printer by a suitable robotics system. A tool crib may be provided to store multiple tool heads while not in use.
摘要:
Provided is a new and better solution to the problems associated with the premature softening of PLA filaments in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles. It is based upon the finding that poly (lactic acid) filaments with high crystallinity offer much better resistance to heat-induced softening. The crystalline poly (lactic acid) filament can accordingly be used in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without encountering the problems associated with premature softening, such as poor quality and printer jamming. The crystalline poly (lactic acid) filaments can also be used in additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without compromising the quality of the ultimate product, reducing printing speed, increasing cost, or leading to increased printer complexity. It more specifically discloses a filament for use in three-dimensional printing which is comprised of crystalized poly (lactic acid), wherein said filament has a diameter which is within the range of 1.65 mm to 1.85 mm.
摘要:
A method of plastic moulding to form a moulded or extruded article, the method employing a moulding apparatus comprising a barrel containing a screw extending between a feed zone supplied by a feed hopper for plastics material, a compression zone and a metering zone for delivery of molten plastics material to a mould or extrusion die, the method comprising introducing into the feed zone a first plastics material (20) and a single body of a second plastics material (22), the first plastics material (20) having a different physical property to the second plastics material and the second plastics material (22) being introduced into the feed zone in a size and a frequency of delivery relative to the flow of the material through the barrel such that the second plastics material (22) is substantially melted and blended with the first plastics material to form a third plastics material with a different physical property to the first or second plastics material across the whole cross sectional area of the metering zone, the molten plastics material delivered to the mould or extrusion die in a predetermined sequence with each plastics material having different physical properties.
摘要:
An extruder for welding plastic components, of the type comprising a rear part (12), for feeding and segmenting a continuous plastic filament (13), and a front part (11), for plasticizing and ejecting plastic material to be deposited on the weld. The front part (11) comprises a first chamber (15) for moving the particles (16) of plastic material from the rear part (12) to a second chamber (17) for plasticizing and ejection, which ends with a first nozzle (18) suitable to eject the melted plastic material. The extruder further comprises a duct (33) for heating forced air, which is formed between the outer surface (34) of the external containment enclosure (14) and the walls of the first and second chambers (15, 17); the heating duct (33) ends with a second nozzle (35) for ejecting the heated air, which is arranged proximate to the first nozzle (18). The heated air that exits from the second nozzle (35) is useful for preheating the welding area.