公开(公告)号：US12017410B1

公开(公告)日：2024-06-25

申请号：US18380500

申请日：2023-10-16

Applicant: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Inventor： Ethan R. Wilke ,  Loris Fichera ,  Nicholas E. Pacheco

IPC: B33Y10/00 ,  B29C64/118 ,  B29C64/209 ,  B33Y30/00

CPC classification number: B29C64/209 ,  B29C64/118 ,  B33Y10/00 ,  B33Y30/00

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for a 3D printer employs a center post or shape and extrudes a circumferential, tubular form having a central void. The nozzle includes a radial arrangement of prongs or supports around a center post, which provides space for molten print medium to flow in a 360° form around the center post. The nozzle extrudes a hollow tubular form around the post that can lay a tube shaped article on a perpendicular print bed, or can be used to deposit high resolution, hollow cylindrical segments for forming lightweight articles with less volume of print medium required due to the hollow extruded shape. A stream of air or gas may be emitted into the center of the extrusion for maintaining a tubular shape. Other suitable shapes may be employed by altering the contour of the center post and the bore.