DE102019120328A1 - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a printing device is provided which can have the following, for example: a printing bed (120); a print head (110), wherein the print head (110) has a first nozzle (112-1) for applying a first print material (122-1) to the print bed (120) along a first print track (132-1) and wherein the print head (110) has a second nozzle (112-2) arranged at a distance from the first nozzle (112-1) for applying a second print material (122-2) to the print bed (120) and / or print material along a second print track ( 132-2); a manipulator arrangement (130) which is set up in such a way that the print head (110) and the print bed (120) can be moved translationally relative to one another, and wherein the print head (110) or the manipulator arrangement (130) has a rotary bearing arrangement (140), wherein the rotary bearing arrangement (140) is set up such that the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) can be moved relative to the print bed (120) by means of the rotary bearing arrangement (140).

Description

Various embodiments relate to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

In general, so-called additive manufacturing can be used for the efficient production of three-dimensional objects. Additive manufacturing can be done using various techniques suitable for creating a three-dimensional object, e.g., layer by layer, using computer control. Additive manufacturing is also known as three-dimensional printing (3D printing). The nomenclature of additive manufacturing techniques is not necessarily used uniformly in the specialist literature, but there are different basic concepts. The different additive manufacturing techniques can vary, for example, in the way in which the desired three-dimensional shape of the object is produced and how the successive layers are provided in combination with a suitable material for this process. Additive manufacturing techniques of the extrusion type are for example FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), Robocasting, etc. Additive manufacturing techniques of the powder bed type are for example binder jetting (also known as powder bed and ink jet head 3D printing, 3DP), electron beam melting ( EBM), selective laser melting (SLM), selective heat sintering (SHS), selective laser sintering (SLS), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), etc. Light-polymerized additive manufacturing techniques are, for example, stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), etc. Furthermore, various other types of additive manufacturing techniques can be used.

Various embodiments relate to extrusion-type additive manufacturing techniques. However, the aspects described herein can also be used for other suitable additive manufacturing techniques, if this is helpful.

Various embodiments relate to a print head with a rotatably (rotatably) mounted nozzle arrangement, the rotatably mounted nozzle arrangement having a plurality of nozzles. A drive is used to set an angular position of the nozzle arrangement so that in addition to the three translational degrees of freedom (e.g. in the X, Y and Z directions of a Cartesian coordinate system) at least one rotational degree of freedom is provided. The rotatably mounted nozzle arrangement and the drive are designed in such a way that, due to a rotation of the rotatably mounted nozzle arrangement, the position (e.g. the X, Y and / or Z position in the Cartesian coordinate system) of at least one of the nozzles is changed. In other words, the nozzle arrangement can be rotatably mounted in such a way that at least one of the nozzles lies next to the axis of rotation (axis of rotation).

Various embodiments relate to a printing device (e.g. a 3D printer) which is set up such that a distance between two print tracks of a print head can be set by rotating (turning) the print head and / or rotating a nozzle arrangement of the print head. Alternatively or additionally, the print bed can also be rotated. The print bed can for example have a base plate or any other suitable structure.

Various embodiments relate to a printing device (e.g. a 3D printer) that can be operated in at least two mutually different operating modes, with at least two nozzles being rotated or being rotated in a first operating mode in such a way that at least two print tracks adjoin one another to generate one individual total pressure trace; and, wherein in a second operating mode, the at least two nozzles are or are rotated in such a way that the at least two print tracks are at a predefined distance from one another, so that several (e.g. conforming or non-conforming) individual print tracks are generated.

According to various embodiments, a printing device may include: a print bed; a print head, wherein the print head has a first nozzle for applying a first print material to the print bed along a first print track, and wherein the print head has a second nozzle arranged at a distance from the first nozzle for applying a second print material to the print bed along a second print track ; a manipulator arrangement which is set up in such a way that the print head and the print bed can be moved translationally relative to one another. The print head or the manipulator arrangement can have a rotary bearing arrangement (in other words a rotary bearing arrangement) which is set up in such a way that at least one of the two nozzles can be moved relative to the print bed (e.g. on a predefined path) by means of the rotary bearing arrangement.

According to various embodiments, a printing device can have the following: a print head with a plurality of nozzles for simultaneously printing at least one print item by means of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the print head is mounted so as to be translationally movable, and wherein the print head is furthermore mounted rotatably; and a drive system for translating the print head and for rotating the print head in a predefined one Angular position. The print head can, for example, be mounted in a translationally movable manner in such a way that it can be moved with two translational degrees of freedom (e.g. in the X and Y directions of a Cartesian coordinate system) or with three translational degrees of freedom (e.g. in the X, Y and Z directions of a Cartesian coordinate system) can.

According to various embodiments, a printing device may include: a print bed; a print head, wherein the print head has a first nozzle for applying a print material to the print bed along a first print track and wherein the print head has a second nozzle arranged at a distance from the first nozzle for applying a print material to the print bed along a second print track; a manipulator arrangement which is set up in such a way that the print head and the print bed can be moved relative to one another with three degrees of translational freedom, and wherein the print head, the first nozzle of the print head are rotatably mounted relative to the second nozzle of the print head and / or the print bed is / is .

According to various embodiments, a printing device can have the following: a reference coordinate system for printing a three-dimensional object; a printhead, the printhead having a first nozzle for printing a first print material along a first print track and a second nozzle spaced from the first nozzle for printing a second print material along a second print track; a manipulator arrangement which is set up such that the print head can be moved translationally with respect to the reference coordinate system. The print head or the manipulator arrangement can have a rotary bearing arrangement which is set up in such a way that at least one of the two nozzles can be moved by means of the rotary bearing arrangement with respect to the reference coordinate system (e.g. on a predefined path).

According to various embodiments, the print head for use in a printing device can have the following: multiple nozzles for simultaneous printing of at least one print item, at least one nozzle of the multiple nozzles being rotatably mounted in such a way that its position relative to at least one other of the multiple nozzles or relative to one Reference coordinate system can be changed by rotating the at least one nozzle; and a drive for rotating the at least one nozzle.

According to various embodiments, a printing method can have the following: moving a print head along a print head track, wherein the print head has a first nozzle for printing a first print material along a first print track and a second nozzle arranged at a distance from the first nozzle for printing a second print material along a has a second print track; Changing a distance between the first print track and the second print track by changing a position of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle relative to the print head track.

Exemplary embodiments are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

Figure list

• 1A and 1B a printing device, each in a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 2A to 2G a printing device, each in a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 3A to 3F different configurations of a print head for printing a workpiece, each in a schematic view, according to different embodiments;
• 4A to 4C an extruder in each case a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 5A and 5B an extruder arrangement in each case a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 6A a printing device, each in a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 6B and 6C a printing material feed of a printing device in a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 7A and 7B a print head in each case a schematic view, according to various embodiments;
• 7C and 7D a print head in each case a schematic view, according to various embodiments; and
• 8th a schematic flow diagram of a printing method, according to various embodiments.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown, for purposes of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It goes without saying that other embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes can be made without relying on the The scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Melt layer process (English: Fused Deposition Modeling - FDM or Fused Filament Fabrication - FU) describes, for example, a manufacturing process from the field of rapid prototyping. A workpiece can be built up in layers from a meltable plastic or from another meltable material. This method results in degrees of freedom with regard to production. This applies in particular to undercuts and cavities that cannot be produced using conventional production methods or can only be produced using complex processes. In addition, the material costs of a fused layer process are comparatively low, since an efficient use of material is possible. However, the disadvantage of conventional devices is the comparatively long production time. Even with models with a volume of 1 to 10 liters, printing times of several hours to days can result, depending on the layer resolution.

Conventionally, larger or variable diameter nozzle holes are used, for example, to reduce the printing times. A higher material throughput can be achieved by means of larger nozzle holes in the pressure nozzle and the printing time of workpieces can thus be reduced, for example. If you use larger nozzle holes, the print quality will decrease. This can be due to the fact that the smallest radii to be mapped correspond at least to the nozzle hole diameter. The resolution and quality in the X-Y plane consequently decrease as the nozzle holes become larger. With a higher throughput, the layer thickness of the applied layer is usually increased. This can lead, for example, to a lower resolution and quality in the Z direction.

There are also approaches to parallel printing. By means of parallelized printing, for example by using several print heads, which sit next to one another on the same X-Y-Z manipulator, the printing time of workpieces per printer can be reduced, for example.

When printing in parallel, the printing time per workpiece is not reduced. This means that there is no advantage in the production of individual parts, for example. There is only a time advantage when printing several components. The space required for such devices also increases linearly as the number of components increases. If there is also a printing error caused by the manipulator, all components are affected.

According to various embodiments, for example, a print head and a corresponding printing method are presented which halve the printing time of a workpiece at least without changing the specified print quality or increasing the installation space required for printing. Thus, for example, the printing times of large-capacity printers, which can be several days, can be reduced considerably. In addition, compact printers can also produce much faster, which can result in increased profitability.

According to various embodiments, a print head (e.g. a single filament print head or a multifilament print head) is provided for printing one and the same workpiece. According to various embodiments, the print head can clearly be used to print at different points on the workpiece at the same time. The same print quality can result for a multifilament print head as with classic filament printers with a print head and an extruder, provided that, for example, the same nozzle hole diameter is used. If an additional filament feed is used (e.g. a two- or three-filament print head), the printing time is reduced (e.g. halved or third).

If one or more extruders are used whose nozzles have different nozzle hole diameters, the filament throughput can also be increased and the printing time can be reduced while the surface quality of the printed workpiece remains the same. The printing time can be further reduced with additional extruders.

According to various embodiments, a two-filament print head is provided which is mounted so that it can rotate freely about the Z axis and can be controlled accordingly, it being possible to change its spatial position by an X-Y-Z manipulator. This means that the workpiece can, for example, always be printed in two places at the same time.

According to various embodiments, a multifilament print head is provided which has a plurality of extruders, at least one further extruder being arranged like a satellite around one or more central extruders. Each additional extruder is also mounted so that it can rotate and be controlled with respect to the one or more central extruders. Based on such a Structure can result in comparatively short printing times. Printing with different colors is also possible, as can already be the case with commercially available multi-extruder printers or multi-nozzle printers.

1A Figure 11 illustrates a printing device 100 in a schematic cross-sectional view, according to various embodiments.

The printing device 100 can for example be a print head 110 and a print bed 120 exhibit. Furthermore, the printing device 100 a manipulator assembly 130 have which with the print head 110 and / or the print bed 120 is coupled to move the print head 110 relative to the print bed 120 . According to various embodiments, the manipulator arrangement 130 only with the print head 110 be coupled, for example to move the print head 110 relative to a stationary installed print bed 120 . In a similar way, the manipulator arrangement 130 only with the print bed 120 be coupled, e.g. to move the print bed 120 relative to a stationary installed printhead 110 . In a similar way, the manipulator arrangement 130 with the print head 110 and with the print bed 120 be coupled, for example to move the print head 110 and the print bed 120 relative to each other.

According to various embodiments, the manipulator arrangement 130 be set up such that the relative movement between the print head 110 and print bed 120 has three degrees of translational freedom, for example the movement can take place along the X, Y and / or Z directions of a Cartesian coordinate system. In one embodiment, the manipulator arrangement 130 be an XYZ table that allows three independent linear movements and with the print head 110 or the print bed 120 is coupled. In another embodiment, the manipulator arrangement 130 be an XY table that has two independent linear movements for the print head 110 allowed and with the print head 110 is coupled with the print bed 120 is set up displaceable in the Z direction. It goes without saying that there are further possible configurations for a relative movement of the print head 110 relative to the print bed 120 to realize.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 multiple nozzles 112 have for printing a print item. The nozzles 112 can for example be part of an extruder or several extruders. As a nozzle 112 Any suitable structure can be understood that allows the print material to be targeted on the print bed 120 to apply or to print a workpiece from the print material.

As in 1A is shown by way of example, the print head 110 a first nozzle 112-1 have for applying a first print item 122-1 on the print bed 120 and one at a distance (e.g. in the XY plane) from the first nozzle 112-1 arranged second nozzle 112-2 for applying a second print item 122-2 on the print bed 120 .

1B illustrates a movement of two nozzles of a print head (e.g. the print head 110 the printing device 100 or a print head of another printing device) in a schematic view, according to various embodiments.

Using the first nozzles 112-1 of the printhead 110 can for example be the first print item 122-1 along a first pressure trace 132-1 printed and by means of the second nozzle 112-2 of the printhead 110 can, for example, the second print item 122-2 along a second pressure trace 132-2 to be printed.

According to various embodiments, the printhead is 110 designed such that a distance between the pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 from each other from the direction of movement of the print head 110 relative to the print bed 120 is dependent. For example, if the printhead 110 while printing, as in 1B is aligned in the X-direction (e.g. if the connecting line (see line 110a) the nozzle openings of the nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 parallel to the X-direction), a distance between the pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 from each other be maximum when the print head 110 is moved in the Y direction (or perpendicular to the connecting line of the nozzle openings). In this case, the distance between the pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 from one another essentially equal to the distance between the nozzle opening of the first nozzle 112-1 from the nozzle opening of the second nozzle 112-2 be. The two pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 but can also fall on top of each other when the print head 110 for example in the X direction (or parallel to the connecting line of the nozzle openings).

To use the two nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 any pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 with a distance less than or equal to the maximum distance (ie the distance between the nozzle opening of the first nozzle 112-1 from the nozzle opening of the second nozzle 112-2 ) to be able to print, must for example in addition to the three degrees of translational freedom (for example provided by the manipulator arrangement 130 ) another degree of freedom of movement must be or will be provided.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 or the manipulator arrangement 130 a rotary bearing assembly 140 exhibit. The rotary bearing assembly 140 can for example be set up in such a way that the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 140 relative to the print bed 120 on a predefined path 145-1 , 145-2 can / can be moved.

According to various embodiments, the rotary bearing arrangement 140 an axis of rotation 141 define by which a rotational movement 143 the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 can / can be done. The axis of rotation 141 for example between the first nozzle 112-1 and the second nozzle 112-2 lie. Furthermore, the first nozzle 112-1 on the axis of rotation 141 and thus the second nozzle 112-2 at a distance from the axis of rotation 141 be arranged. Alternatively, the second nozzle 112-2 on the axis of rotation 141 and thus the first nozzle 112-1 at a distance from the axis of rotation 141 be arranged. According to various embodiments, either of the two nozzles can be used 112-1 , 112-2 at a distance from the axis of rotation 141 be arranged. According to various embodiments, by means of a rotational movement 143 the alignment of the printhead 110 (e.g. the alignment of the line connecting the nozzle openings of the nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 in the XY plane) relative to the print bed 120 or relative to a reference coordinate system of the printing device 100 (see for example the directions 101 , 103 and 105 ) to be changed. Thus, based on translational movements of the print head 110 any pressure traces in the pressure space and the at least one rotary movement 132-1 , 132-2 with a distance less than or equal to the maximum distance (ie the distance between the nozzle opening of the first nozzle 112-1 from the nozzle opening of the second nozzle 112-2 ) simultaneously using the two nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 of the printhead 110 to be printed. From a kinematic point of view, this is independent of whether there is a rotational movement 143 of the print bed 120 or the entire printhead 110 takes place or whether the position of the individual nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 of the printhead 110 is changed relative to each other.

According to various embodiments, the manipulator arrangement 130 (which is only indicated schematically) have a linear drive system (not shown) for translational movement of the print head 110 and the print bed 120 relative to each other. According to various embodiments, the rotary bearing arrangement 140 (which is only indicated schematically) have a rotary drive system (not shown) for rotating the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 around the axis of rotation 141 .

As in 1B is shown by way of example, a rotation 143 of the printhead 110 , the print bed 120 and / or the nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 relative to each other cause one or both of the nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 execute a movement (e.g. on a circular path) in the XY plane. For example, the axis of rotation 141 be oriented perpendicular to the XY plane. It goes without saying that there are further possible configurations for a corresponding translational and rotational relative movement of the print head 110 to realize.

2A and 2 B each show a print head 110 a printing device 100 and its control for moving the print head 110 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments. The movement of the print head 110 can be relative to the print bed 120 respectively.

According to various embodiments, the printing device 100 a control device 210 have for printing a workpiece. The workpiece can be printed layer by layer, for example. For example, a first layer of the workpiece can be placed on the print bed 120 printed, a second layer of the workpiece on the first layer, a third layer of the workpiece on the second layer, etc.

In some configurations, the print head 110 multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 having a first nozzle 112-1 the multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 a first distance to the print bed 120 and wherein a second nozzle 112-2 the multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 a second distance to the print bed 120 wherein the first distance is different from the second distance. In this case, you can use the print head 110 several layers of the workpiece can be printed at the same time. The first nozzle can be used clearly 112-1 of the printhead 110 (which for example a closer distance from the print bed 120 having) a first layer of the Workpiece are printed and using the second nozzle 112-2 of the printhead 110 (which for example a greater distance from the print bed 120 has) a second layer of the workpiece.

In other configurations, the print head 110 multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 which are the same distance from the print bed 120 exhibit. In this case, by means of the print head 110 For example, only one layer of the workpiece can be printed at the same time, but this at a higher printing speed compared to a print head with only one nozzle. The first nozzle can be used clearly 112-1 of the printhead 110 a first portion of a layer of the workpiece can be printed and by means of the second nozzle 112-2 of the printhead 110 a second section of the layer of the workpiece.

According to various embodiments, the control device 210 the printing device 100 be set up such that a distance 201-1 , 201-2 the first pressure trace 132-1 and the second print track 132-2 can be set from each other according to a predefined value by means of rotary movement 143 the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 around the axis of rotation 141 .

It is understood that the relative movement of the print head 110 or the nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 of the printhead 110 can take place in that by means of the control device 210 a drive system 230 the manipulator assembly 130 and a drive system 240 the rotary bearing assembly 140 is controlled accordingly. The drive system 230 the manipulator assembly 130 can, for example, be an electromechanical linear drive of any configuration. The drive system 240 the rotary bearing assembly 140 can for example be an electromechanical rotary drive of any configuration.

According to various embodiments, the control device 210 the printing device 100 be set up, the drive system 230 the manipulator assembly 130 so control that the print head 110 and the print bed 120 relative to each other along an overall track 202 can be moved. According to various embodiments, the control device 210 the printing device 100 be set up, the drive system 240 the rotary bearing assembly 140 so control that the distance 211-1 the first pressure trace 132-1 from the total track 202 and / or the distance 211-2 the second print track 132-2 from the total track 202 by rotating 143 the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 around the axis of rotation 141 can be changed.

According to various embodiments, the rotary bearing 140 Part of the printhead 110 be. For example, a portion of the print head 110 on which the two nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 are mounted, be rotatably mounted. Alternatively, the entire printhead can be used 110 and / or the print bed 120 be rotatably mounted. The printhead 110 can for example be set up in such a way that a position of the second nozzle 112-2 relative to the first nozzle 112-1 can be changed. For example, the angular position of the two nozzles can be illustrated 112-1 , 112-2 (e.g. with regard to the XY plane). The angular position 207-1 , 207-2 of the two nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 relative to the current direction of the entire track 202 (e.g. the direction of movement of the print head 110 ) defines the distance, for example 201-1 , 202-2 of the two pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 from each other or the distance 211-1 , 211-2 the respective pressure mark 132-1 , 132-2 from the total track 202 . At an angle of 0 °, the two pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 lie on top of each other and at an angle of 90 ° the distance 201-1 , 202-2 the pressure marks 132-1 , 132-2 be maximal from each other.

According to various embodiments, the axis of rotation 141 in the geometric center between the two nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 lie. According to various embodiments, the second nozzle 112-2 around the first nozzle 112-1 be moved around. In the latter case, the first nozzle is located 112-1 on the axis of rotation 141 (not shown).

In a common construction of 3D printers, the print bed 120 define a plane (for example an XY plane) or with respect to a reference plane of the printing device 100 be aligned. The rotary bearing assembly 140 can be set up in such a way that the axis of rotation 141 is aligned perpendicular to the plane or the reference plane.

The print material can be fed to the print head by means of a corresponding print material feed 110 are fed. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 several single extruders or at least one double extruder (with two nozzles). In this case, the print head in the form of one filament or several filaments can be sent to the print head 110 are fed, wherein the material of the respective filament can be melted by means of the extruder and printed by means of at least one nozzle of the extruder. The one or more filaments can be stored efficiently by means of a filament spool or multiple filament spools. During printing, the respective filament can be unwound from the filament spool as required. When the printhead 110 or at least one of the nozzles of the print head 110 is rotatably mounted, it can be helpful to also mount the printing material feed (for example the one filament spool or the multiple filament spools) in a rotatable manner.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 the printing device 100 more than two nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 have, for example, three or more than three nozzles, or four or more than four nozzles.

2C and 2D each show a print head 110 a printing device 100 and its control for moving the print head 110 in a schematic view according to various embodiments, the printhead 110 three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 having. This nozzle arrangement is suitable, for example, for the parallel printing of support structures.

According to various embodiments, the third nozzle 112-3 at a distance from the first nozzle 112-1 and the second nozzle 112-2 be arranged. Thus, by means of the third nozzle 112-3 a third print item can be printed, e.g. on the print bed 120 the printing device 100 be applied. The third print material can be along at least one third print track 132-3 are printed simultaneously with the printing of the respective print item along the first print track 132-1 and / or the second print track 132-2 .

According to various embodiments, the rotary bearing arrangement 140 the printing device 100 furthermore be set up such that the at least one third nozzle 112-3 by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 140 relative to the print bed 120 can be moved on a further predefined path (e.g. a circular path). The rotary bearing assembly 140 can for example be set up in such a way that the at least one third nozzle 112-3 around the same axis of rotation 141 rotates 143 can be like the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 .

According to various embodiments, one of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 (e.g. the second nozzle 112-2 , as in 2C and 2D is illustrated) on the axis of rotation 141 so that their position in the XY plane is not by means of a rotation 143 around the axis of rotation 141 can be changed. In this case, for example, two of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 (e.g. the first nozzle 112-1 and the second nozzle 112-2 , as in 2C and 2D is illustrated) next to the axis of rotation 141 lie so that their position in the XY plane by means of a rotation 143 around the axis of rotation 141 can be changed. When one of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 on the axis of rotation 141 is arranged and only one axis of rotation 141 is provided, for example, the first distance 201-1 , 201-2 the first pressure trace 132-1 from the second print track 132-2 not independent of the second distance 221-1 , 221-2 the second print track 132-2 from the third print track 132-3 can be set.

2E and 2F each show a print head 110 a printing device 100 and its control for moving the print head 110 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments, wherein the print head 110 three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 having.

According to various embodiments, all three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 of the printhead 110 next to the axis of rotation 141 lie so that their position in the XY plane by means of a rotation 143 around the axis of rotation 141 can be changed. The rotary bearing arrangement can 140 be set up so that the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 independently of each other around the axis of rotation 141 can be rotated or that at least two of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 independently of each other around the axis of rotation 141 rotates 143 can be. Thus, for example, the first distance 201-1 , 201-2 the first pressure trace 132-1 from the second print track 132-2 regardless of the second distance 221-1 , 221-2 the second print track 132-2 from the third print track 132-3 can be set.

For example, a first angular position can be illustrated 207-1 , 207-2 the first and second nozzle 112-1 , 112-2 (e.g. with regard to the XY plane). The first angular position 207-1 , 207-2 relative to the current direction of the entire track 202 (e.g. the direction of movement of the print head 110 ) defines the distance, for example 201-1 , 202-2 the first and second print track 132-1 , 132-2 from each other. Furthermore, for example, a second angular position 227-2 the third nozzle 112-3 (e.g. with regard to the XY plane). The second angular position 227-2 relative to the current direction of the entire track 202 (e.g. the direction of movement of the print head 110 ) defines the distance, for example 221-1 , 222-2 the third print track 132-3 and the first and second print tracks, respectively 132-1 , 132-2 from each other.

According to various embodiments, the rotary bearing arrangement 140 for example be set up in such a way that the first nozzle 112-1 and the second nozzle 112-2 around a first axis of rotation 141 can be rotated and that the third nozzle 112-3 around at least a second axis of rotation 241 can be rotated, as in 2G is shown schematically.

As described and illustrated herein by way of example, see, for example 2A to 2D , can be a printing device 100 Include: a printhead 100 with multiple nozzles 112 for simultaneously printing at least one item to be printed by means of the multiple nozzles 112 , with the printhead 110 is mounted so as to be translationally movable, and wherein the print head is also mounted rotatably; and a drive system for translating the print head 110 and to rotate the print head 110 into a predefined angular position.

It goes without saying that there are further possible configurations in order to achieve rotational movements of the nozzles 112 of the printhead 110 to realize. If there are n nozzles, it can be helpful to use the rotary bearing arrangement 140 designed in such a way that n-1 degrees of freedom of rotation are present, so that the position of the pressure tracks relative to one another can be set independently of one another by means of the corresponding rotations.

3A illustrates three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 of a print head 110 for use in a printing device 100 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments. The three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 can for example by means of a suitable control device 210 and suitable drive mechanisms 230 , 240 , for example as described above, correspondingly rotated independently of one another 345 , 355 eg around an axis of rotation 141 around. The axis of rotation 141 can be directed perpendicular to a reference plane (eg the XY plane). The printhead 110 can for example be mounted movably along directions parallel to the reference plane for printing a layer of a workpiece. The printhead 110 can, for example, also be mounted movably along a direction perpendicular to the reference plane for successive printing of several layers of a workpiece.

According to various embodiments, a print head 110 for example: multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 for the simultaneous printing of at least one item to be printed, the multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 are rotatably mounted that their position relative to each other by rotating the multiple nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 around an axis of rotation 141 can be changed.

3B illustrates an example of a workpiece to be printed 300 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments. The workpiece to be printed 300 can for example be an outer wall 302 have and a filling structure 304 (e.g. a grid-like wall structure). The outer wall 302 can the filling structure 304 at least partially surrounded.

According to various embodiments, the workpiece 300 in an efficient manner by means of the printhead described herein 110 or the printing device described herein 100 printed as in the 3C to 3E is illustrated.

3C illustrates positions of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 of the printhead 110 during printing of a first portion of the outer wall 302 in a schematic detailed representation of the area 300r-1 .

3D illustrates positions of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 of the printhead 110 while printing a second portion of the outer wall 302 in a schematic detailed representation of the area 300r-2 .

3E and 3F each illustrate positions of the three nozzles 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 of the printhead 110 while the filling structure is being printed 304 in a schematic detailed representation of the area 300i .

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 the printing device 100 be designed as a single, double or multifilament print head. A filament can, for example, be partially melted by means of a double extruder and the melted material of the filament can be printed by means of at least two nozzles, for example onto a printing bed 120 or on sections of a workpiece. Several filaments can each be partially melted, for example by means of several extruders, and the melted material of the respective filament can be printed by means of at least one nozzle, for example onto a printing bed 120 or on sections of a workpiece.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 have or consist of several extruders (eg an extruder arrangement). According to various embodiments, the print head 110 have or consist of an extruder with several nozzles. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 comprise or consist of an extruder with a plurality of nozzles and an extruder with a nozzle.

It will be understood that there are several possible configurations around a printhead 110 to realize. Some possible configurations are described below as examples.

4A illustrates an extruder 400a in a schematic view, according to various embodiments.

In principle, every nozzle ( 3A-F 112-1 , 112-2 , 112-3 ) from an extruder according to 4A-C consist.

According to various embodiments, the extruder 400a a nozzle 412 (also referred to as a pressure nozzle). The nozzle 412 has a nozzle opening 410 through which the material to be printed can emerge. The material can for example be in the form of a filament 401 the extruder 400a are fed to the extruder 400a one corresponding filament channel 414a has in which the filament 401 can be introduced.

The extruder 400a can for example be a heating element 402 have, by means of which the material of the filament 401 can be melted. The advance of the filament 401 can for example by means of a drive element 406 respectively. Between the drive element 406 and the heating element 402 can for example be a cooling element 404 be arranged, which can prevent the filament 401 in an area above the heating element 402 (e.g. in the area of the drive element 406 ) melts. An extruder (e.g. the in 4A shown extruder 400a) with just one nozzle 412 or a nozzle opening 410 is referred to herein as a single extruder.

4B and 4C each illustrate an extruder 400b in a schematic view, according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the extruder 400b two nozzles 412-1 , 412-2 exhibit. Each of the two nozzles 412-1 , 412-2 has a nozzle opening 410-1 , 410-2 through which the material to be printed can emerge. The material can for example be in the form of a filament 401 the extruder 400b are fed to the extruder 400b one corresponding to the two nozzles 412-1 , 412-2 split filament channel 414b has in which the filament 401 can be introduced.

The extruder 400b can for example be a heating element 402 have, by means of which the material of the filament 401 can be melted. The advance of the filament 401 can for example by means of a drive element 406 respectively. Between the drive element 406 and the heating element 402 can for example be a cooling element 404 be arranged, which can prevent the filament 401 in an area above the heating element 402 (e.g. in the area of the drive element 406 ) melts. An extruder (e.g. the in 4B shown extruder 400b) with two nozzles 412-1 , 412-2 or two nozzle openings 410-1 , 410-2 is referred to herein as a twin extruder. It goes without saying that a multi-extruder with more than two nozzles can also be used in the same or a similar manner 412-1 , 412-2 or two nozzle openings 410-1 , 410-2 can be provided.

According to various embodiments, the first nozzle opening 410-1 of the extruder 400b have a first opening width and the second nozzle opening 410-2 of the extruder 400b can have a second opening width different from the first opening width. Alternatively, the two nozzle openings 410-1 , 410-2 of the extruder 400b have the same opening width.

Furthermore, the extruder 400b be set up such that a first height position 415-1 the first nozzle opening 410-1 of the extruder 400b different from a second height position 415-2 the second nozzle opening 410-2 of the extruder 400b is (see for example 4C ). Thus, for example, when using the extruder 400b in a printing device 100 a first distance of the first nozzle opening 410-1 of the extruder 400b from the print bed 120 different from a second distance of the second nozzle opening 410-2 of the extruder 400b from the print bed 120 be. Alternatively, the extruder 400b be set up such that a height position of the first nozzle opening 410-1 of the extruder 400b equal to a height position of the second nozzle opening 410-2 is (see for example 4B) . Thus, when using the extruder 400b in a printing device 100 , a distance of the first nozzle opening 410-1 of the extruder 400b from the print bed 120 equal to the distance between the second nozzle opening 410-2 of the extruder 400b from the print bed 120 be.

5A and 5B each illustrate an extruder arrangement 500 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments. The extruder arrangement 500 can, for example, have two extruders 500-1 , 500-2 have, for example, two single extruders 400a as described above.

According to various embodiments, the nozzle opening 410 of the first extruder 500-1 the extruder assembly 500 have a first opening width and the nozzle opening 410 of the second extruder 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 may have a second opening width, the first opening width being different from the second opening width. Alternatively, the two nozzle openings 410 of the two extruders 500-1 , 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 have the same opening width.

Furthermore, the extruder arrangement 500 be set up or adjustable in such a way that a first height position 515-1 the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the first extruder 500-1 the extruder assembly 500 different from a second height position 515-2 the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the second extruder 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 is. Thus, when using the extruder assembly 500 in a printing device 100 , a distance of the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the first extruder 500-1 the Extruder arrangement 500 from the print bed 120 different from a distance of the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the second extruder 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 from the print bed 120 be. Alternatively, the extruder arrangement 500 be set up such that the height position of the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the first extruder 500-1 the extruder assembly 500 equal to the height position of the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the second extruder 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 is. Thus, when using the extruder assembly 500 in a printing device 100 , the distance of the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the first extruder 500-1 the extruder assembly 500 from the print bed 120 equal to the distance of the nozzle opening 410 (or the nozzle 412 ) of the second extruder 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 from the print bed 120 be.

According to various embodiments, the respective cooling elements 404 of the two extruders 500-1 , 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 be provided as a common component. According to various embodiments, the respective heating elements 402 of the two extruders 500-1 , 500-2 the extruder assembly 500 be provided as a common component.

6A Figure 11 illustrates a printing device 100 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 by means of an XY manipulator 630 be moved. The printhead 110 can for example by means of the XY manipulator 630 can be moved linearly in the X-direction and linearly in the Y-direction.

According to various embodiments, the printing device 100 a printing goods feed 650 have for feeding the respective print material to the print head 110 . According to various embodiments, the pressure material feed 650 have a filament unwinding spool or several filament unwinding spools for storing and feeding a filament 401 or several filaments 401 to the printhead 110 .

6B and 6C each illustrate a print material feed 650 a printing device 100 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the pressure material feed 650 a spool of filament 652 or multiple spools of filament 652 exhibit. Any spool of filament 652 can for example be used to create a filament 401 to store for printing and the print head 110 supply efficiently. According to various embodiments, for example, each can be used for printing by means of the print head 110 filament used 401 on an associated filament spool 652 be wound up. The respective filament spool 652 has a coil axis 661 on, with the filament spool 652 when unwinding the filament 401 from the filament spool 652 around the coil axis 661 can rotate around.

According to various embodiments, the respective filament coil 652 be rotatably mounted in such a way that it is about an axis of rotation 651 rotates 653 can be, being the axis of rotation 651 different from the coil axis 661 the filament spool 652 is, such as in 6B is shown.

According to various embodiments, the pressure material feed 650 be rotatably mounted in such a way that the at least one filament spool 652 the printing goods feed 650 around an axis of rotation 651 rotates 653 can be, the axis of rotation being different from the axis of the coil 661 the at least one filament spool 652 is.

According to various embodiments, the pressure material feed 650 an arrangement of several filament spools 652 have, these being rotatably mounted so that the plurality of filament spools 652 around an axis of rotation 651 rotates 653 can be, with the axis of rotation 651 different from the coil axes 661 of the multiple filament spools 652 is, such as in 6C is shown.

It will be understood that there are several possible configurations for rotation of one or more filament spools 652 to be implemented, for example, to prevent one or more nozzles from rotating due to the rotation 112 of the printhead 110 or the print head 110 the filament feed 650 impaired.

7A illustrates a print head 110 in a schematic cross-sectional view and 7B illustrates the printhead 110 in a schematic plan view, according to various embodiments. The printhead 110 can for example be part of a printing device, for example the printing device described herein 100 .

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 a bracket 710 exhibit. Furthermore, the print head 110 a rotary bearing assembly 740 have, for example at least one roller bearing and / or at least one plain bearing.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 several nozzles (not shown) for simultaneous printing of at least one print item. The printhead 110 can for example be an extruder 400b have, as exemplified with respect to the 4B and 4C is described. The printhead 110 can for example be an extruder arrangement 500 have as they exemplify with respect to 5A and 5B is described. The extruder 400b or the extruder arrangement 500 of the printhead 110 can for example by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 740 rotatable in the holder 710 be stored. In 7A and 7B a ball bearing is shown schematically as an example. The axis of rotation 741 to which the extruder 400b or the extruder arrangement 500 can be rotated, is defined in this case, for example, by the ball bearing. It goes without saying that any other bearing can also be used which enables rotation of the extruder 400b or the extruder arrangement 500 in the holder 710 enables. The bracket 710 of the printhead 110 can for example with a manipulator arrangement 130 (e.g. an XY manipulator 630 , as in 6A illustrated) be coupled to move the print head 110 .

By rotating the extruder 400b or the extruder arrangement 500 at least one position of a nozzle can be changed. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 also a drive 720 have to rotate the extruder 400b or the extruder arrangement 500 . The drive can have any mechanically configured mechanism and, for example, a controllable electric motor or the like.

According to various embodiments, the holder 710 an outer section 710a and an interior section 710i have, the inner portion 710i by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 740 rotatable in the outer section 710a the bracket 710 is stored. Several single extruders can be used 400a , one or more twin extruders 400b , and / or one or more extruder arrangements 500 on the rotatably mounted inner section 710i the bracket 710 be mounted.

7C illustrates a print head 110 in a schematic cross-sectional view and 7D illustrates the printhead 110 in a schematic plan view, according to various embodiments. The printhead 110 can for example be part of a printing device, for example the printing device described herein 100 .

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 a bracket 710 exhibit. Furthermore, the print head 110 two rotary bearing assembly 740-1 , 740-2 have, for example, at least two roller bearings, at least two plain bearings, and / or at least one plain bearing and one roller bearing.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 several nozzles (not shown) for simultaneous printing of at least one print item. The printhead 110 can for example be an extruder 400b-1 have, as exemplified with respect to the 4B and 4C is described, or for example an extruder arrangement 500-1 have as they exemplify with respect to 5A and 5B is described. In addition to this, the print head 110 for example at least one extruder 400a have, as exemplified with respect to the 4A is described, at least one extruder 400b-2 how he exemplifies the 4B and 4C is described, or at least one extruder arrangement 500-2 have as they exemplify with respect to 5A and 5B is described.

The extruder 400b-1 or the extruder arrangement 500-1 of the printhead 110 and the additional extruder 400a , 400b-2 or the additional extruder arrangement 500-2 can for example by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 740 rotatable in the holder 710 be stored. In 7C and 7D is an example of a first ball bearing 740-1 shown schematically, by means of which the extruder 400b-1 or the extruder arrangement 500-1 is rotatably mounted. The axis of rotation 741 to which the extruder 400b-1 or the extruder arrangement 500-1 can be rotated, in this case, for example, by the first ball bearing 740-1 Are defined. Furthermore, in 7C and 7D for example a second ball bearing 740-2 shown schematically, by means of which the additional extruder 400a , 400b-2 or the additional extruder arrangement 500-2 is rotatably mounted. The axis of rotation 741 to which the additional extruder 400a , 400b-2 or the additional extruder arrangement 500-2 can be rotated, in this case, for example, by the second ball bearing 740-1 Are defined. It goes without saying that any other bearing can also be used which enables rotation of the extruder 400b-1 or the extruder arrangement 500-1 as well as the additional extruder 400a , 400b-2 or the additional extruder arrangement 500-2 in the holder 710 enables. The bracket 710 of the printhead 110 can for example with a manipulator arrangement 130 (e.g. an XY manipulator 630 , as in 6A illustrated) be coupled to move the print head 110 .

By rotating the extruder 400b-1 or the extruder arrangement 500-1 as well as the additional extruder 400a , 400b-2 or the additional extruder arrangement 500-2 can at least one position of a nozzle of the print head 110 to be changed. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 also a first drive 720-1 have to rotate the extruder 400b-1 or the extruder arrangement 500-1 . The first drive 720-1 can have any designed mechanism and, for example, a controllable electric motor or the like. Furthermore, the print head 110 a second drive 720-2 have to rotate the additional extruder 400a , 400b-2 or the additional extruder arrangement 500-2 . The second drive 720-2 can have any designed mechanism and, for example, a controllable electric motor or the like.

According to various embodiments, the holder 710 an outer section 710 , an intermediate (e.g. annular) section 710z , and an interior section 710i exhibit.

The interior section 710i the bracket 710 can for example by means of a first bearing 740-1 rotatable in the intermediate section 710z the bracket 710 be stored and the intermediate section 710z the bracket 710 can for example by means of a second bearing 740-2 rotatable in the outer section 710a the bracket 710 be stored. Several single extruders can be used 400a , one or more twin extruders 400b , and / or one or more extruder arrangements 500 on the rotatably mounted inner section 710i the bracket 710 be mounted. Furthermore, one or more individual extruders 400a , one or more twin extruders 400b , and / or one or more extruder arrangements 500 on the rotatably mounted intermediate section 710z the bracket 710 be mounted.

It should be noted that various aspects of the printing device 100 or the print head 110 , the manipulator assembly 130 , the rotary bearing assembly 140 , the extruder 400a , 400b or extruder arrangements 500 , the printing goods supply 650 , etc. are partially described individually, whereby the respective aspects can be considered individually but also form corresponding embodiments in any combination with one another.

According to various embodiments, a two-filament print head can have the following: two extruders which are arranged next to one another on a plate that is rotatably mounted (for example about the Z axis) (see for example 7A and 7B) . The respective extruder can for example have a drive element, for example having a motor and drive wheel, which can be in contact with the filament, a cooler, a heater and a pressure nozzle (see for example 4A to 5B) . The pivoted plate can be moved in the XY plane by an XY manipulator (see for example 6A) . The rotatably mounted plate can, for example, have or consist of one or both heating elements. The pressure nozzles can be located below the rotatably mounted plate, for example at a fixed distance from one another. These can have the same or different diameter of the nozzle holes. The filament feed including motor, drive wheel and cooling fins can be located above the pivoted plate.

In an embodiment with a fixed height, the pressure nozzles can all have the same height. This enables, for example, the printing of a layer in several places at the same time. For example, the outer wall can be printed 302 of a workpiece 300 and a fill pattern 304 of the workpiece 300 by means of the print head 110 in different operating modes (see for example 3A to 3F) . When printing the outer wall 302 For example, an outer wall section can be printed first and then an inner wall section. When printing filling walls of the filling structure 304 For example, parallel panels can be printed at the same time. If the angle between the direction of travel and the direction of the filling wall is increased, the wall spacing of the filling walls can also be set, which can be smaller than the pressure nozzle spacing itself.

In the height-variable embodiment, the nozzles following the main nozzle can each be arranged offset upwards by one layer thickness. Thus, for example, the outer wall 302 and the filling structure 304 can be printed at multiple heights at the same time.

In both variants, for example, double the amount of print material can be printed compared to a print head with only one nozzle. However, the quality that can be achieved is the same as with a simple filament print. Thus, the process described herein can be at least twice faster than conventional printing processes on a single workpiece. It should be noted that the filament rolls to be tracked can accordingly also be rotatably mounted about the Z-axis (see for example 6A to 6C ). In this way, for example, the double extruder can be completely free of rotation.

For the multifilament print head with more than two filament feeds, for example, a corresponding number of additional filament feeds, which can be rotatably mounted and controllable about the same axis, can be implemented. As in 7C and 7D is illustrated, in addition to the twin extruder, at least one additional extruder, which in turn can each have a motor, a drive wheel, a cooling system, a heater and a pressure nozzle, can be used. The freedom of rotation of the n-th extruder with respect to the inner double extruder is finite, since the filament to be fed cannot be stored decoupled from the filament for the double extruder. When using of n nozzles, the printing time can be reduced n times, for example.

According to various embodiments, the print head 110 be a two-filament print head with separate filament feed and two separate nozzles at the same or different printing height. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 be a two-filament print head with separate filament feed and a double nozzle with two separate filament channels and two corresponding nozzle openings at the same or different printing height. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 be a two-filament print head with a single filament feed and a double nozzle with two nozzle openings at the same or different printing height. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 be a multifilament print head with triple filament feed and three nozzles with corresponding nozzle openings at the same or different printing height. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 be a multifilament print head with triple filament feed and a separate nozzle and a double nozzle with two separate filament channels and corresponding nozzle openings at the same or different printing height. According to various embodiments, the print head 110 be a multifilament print head with a double filament feed and a separate nozzle and a double nozzle and corresponding nozzle openings at the same or different printing height.

According to various embodiments, a printing device 100 Have the following: a double extruder, which is mounted rotatably about an axis which is parallel to the Z-axis of a reference coordinate system, wherein the printing device 100 is set up for the simultaneous printing of a workpiece at two points on the workpiece by means of the rotatably mounted double extruder. Furthermore, the printing device 100 n additional extruders (where n is a natural number greater than / equal to 1), each of the n additional extruders is rotatably mounted around the same axis as the double extruder and can be controlled to simultaneously feed the workpiece at 2 + n points to press. According to various embodiments, the printing device 100 be set up to print different colors at the same time. Furthermore, the two nozzles of the double extruder can have nozzle holes of different sizes in order to clearly ensure a high quality of a printed outer section of an outer wall of the workpiece and a quick build-up of the remaining outer walls. According to various embodiments, all nozzles can be arranged at the same height for the parallel printing of a layer of the workpiece. According to various embodiments, nozzles can be arranged at different heights for parallel printing of different layers of the workpiece.

8th shows a schematic flow diagram of a printing method 800 , according to various embodiments.

The printing process 800 For example, it can include: in 810 , Moving a printhead along a printhead track, the printhead having a first nozzle for printing a first print material along a first print track and a second nozzle spaced from the first nozzle for printing a second print material along a second print track; and in 820 Changing a distance between the first print track and the second print track by changing a position of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle relative to the print head track. According to various embodiments, the position of the first nozzle and / or the second nozzle relative to the print head track can be changed by changing an angular position of the print head relative to the print track or by changing a position of the second nozzle relative to the first nozzle.

Various examples are described below which relate to what has been described above and shown in the figures.

Example 1 is a printing device 100 , comprising: a print bed 120 ; a print head 110 , with the printhead 110 a first nozzle 112-1 has for applying a first print item 122-1 on the print bed 120 along a first pressure trace 132-1 and wherein the printhead 110 one at a distance from the first nozzle 112-1 arranged second nozzle 112-2 has for applying a second print item 122-2 on the print bed 120 along a second pressure trace 132-2 ; a manipulator assembly 130 , which is set up in such a way that the print head 110 and the print bed 120 can be moved in translation relative to one another, and wherein the print head 110 or the manipulator arrangement 130 a rotary bearing assembly 140 having, the rotary bearing assembly 140 is set up such that the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 140 relative to the print bed 120 can / can be moved on a predefined path.

In Example 2, the printing device 100 according to Example 1 furthermore that the manipulator arrangement 130 is set up such that the print head 110 and the print bed 120 can be moved in translation relative to one another with three degrees of translational freedom.

In Example 3, the printing device 100 according to Example 1 or 2 furthermore that the manipulator arrangement 130 has a linear drive system for moving the print head in translation 110 and the print bed 120 relative to each other.

In Example 4, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 3 furthermore that the rotary bearing arrangement 140 an axis of rotation 141 defines around which the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 can / can be rotated.

In Example 5, the printing device 100 according to Example 4 furthermore that the rotary bearing arrangement 140 a rotary drive system for rotating the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 around the axis of rotation 141 .

In Example 6, the printing device 100 according to example 4 or 5 furthermore that the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 at a distance from the axis of rotation 141 are / is arranged.

In Example 7, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 4 to 6 further comprise that the first nozzle 112-1 on the axis of rotation 141 is arranged and that the second nozzle 112-2 at a distance from the axis of rotation 141 is arranged.

In Example 8, the printing device 100 according to Examples 4 and 7 further comprise: a control device 210 which is set up to control the linear drive system and the rotary drive system in such a way that a distance between the first print track 132-1 and the second print track 132-2 can be set from one another according to a predefined value by means of rotating the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 around the axis of rotation 141 .

In Example 9, the printing device 100 according to Examples 4 and 7 further comprise: a control device 210 , which is set up to control the linear drive system in such a way that the print head 110 and the print bed 120 relative to each other along an overall track 202 can be moved, and to control the rotary drive system in such a way that the spacing of the first print track 132-1 from the total track 202 and / or the distance between the second print track 132-2 from the total track 202 by rotating the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 around the axis of rotation 141 can be changed. According to various embodiments, the surface quality can be increased by reducing the filament diameter, the printing time corresponding to that of a larger filament diameter.

In Example 10, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 9 furthermore that the rotational bearing 140 Part of the printhead 110 and is set up such that a position of the second nozzle 112-2 relative to the first nozzle 112-1 can be changed, preferably that the second nozzle 112-2 around the first nozzle 112-1 can be moved around.

In Example 11, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 10 furthermore have that the predefined path has a curved path, preferably is a circular path.

In Example 12, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 11 furthermore that the print bed 120 and / or the manipulator arrangement 130 define / define a plane and that an axis of rotation 141 the rotary bearing assembly 140 directed perpendicular to the plane.

In Example 13, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 12 furthermore have: a printing material feed 650 for feeding the first print item 122-1 and the second print item 122-2 to the printhead 110 .

In Example 14, the printing device 100 according to example 13 furthermore that the pressure material supply 650 is set up such that the print head 110 the first print item 122-1 in the form of a first filament and the second print material 122-2 in the form of a second filament, and that the print head 110 is set up such that the material of the first filament is melted in sections and the melted material of the first filament is melted by means of the first nozzle 112-1 on the print bed 120 can be applied, and that the material of the second filament is melted in sections and the melted material of the second filament by means of the second nozzle 112-2 on the print bed 120 can be applied.

In Example 15, the printing device 100 according to example 14 furthermore that the pressure material supply 650 has a first filament spool on which the first filament is wound and that the printing material feed 650 a second filament spool on which the second filament is wound; wherein the first filament spool and / or the second filament spool are / is rotatably mounted.

In Example 16, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 15 further exhibit that the printhead 110 furthermore at least one third nozzle 112-3 having the at least one third nozzle 112-3 at a distance from the first nozzle 112-1 and the second nozzle 112-2 is arranged for applying at least a third print material to the print bed 120 along at least a third pressure trace 132-3 at the same time to apply the print material to the print bed 120 along the first pressure trace 132-1 and / or the second print track 132-2 ; wherein the rotary bearing assembly 140 is also set up such that the at least one third nozzle 112-3 by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 140 relative to the print bed 120 can be moved on a further predefined path.

In Example 17, the printing device 100 according to example 16 further comprising that the rotary bearing arrangement 140 is set up such that the at least one third nozzle 112-3 can be rotated about at least one further axis of rotation; or that the rotary bearing assembly 140 is set up such that the at least one third nozzle 112-3 around the axis of rotation 141 can be rotated.

In Example 18, the printing device 100 according to example 16 or 17 furthermore have: a pressure material feed 650 for feeding the first print item 122-1 , the second print item 122-2 and the at least one third print item to the print head 110 .

In Example 19, the printing device 100 according to example 18 furthermore that the pressure material supply 650 is set up such that the print head 110 the first print item 122-1 in the form of a first filament, the second printed matter 122-2 in the form of a second filament 401 and the at least one third print material is supplied in the form of at least one third filament, and that the print head 110 is set up such that the material of the first filament is melted in sections and the melted material of the first filament is melted by means of the first nozzle 112-1 on the print bed 120 can be applied that the material of the second filament is melted in sections and the melted material of the second filament by means of the second nozzle 112-2 on the print bed 120 can be applied, and that the material of the at least one third filament is melted in sections and the melted material of the at least one third filament by means of the at least one third nozzle 112-3 on the print bed 120 can be applied.

In Example 20, the printing device 100 according to example 19 also have that the pressure material supply 650 has a first filament spool on which the first filament is wound, wherein the printing material supply 650 has a second filament spool on which the second filament is wound, and that the printing material supply 650 a third filament spool on which the third filament is wound; whereby the printing goods supply 650 is set up such that the first filament spool, the second filament spool and / or the third filament spool around an axis of rotation 141 can / can be rotated, the axis of rotation 141 is different from the respective bobbin axis of the first filament bobbin, the second filament bobbin or the third filament bobbin.

In Example 21, the printing device 100 according to any one of Examples 1 to 20 further comprise that the print head 110 is set up such that a distance between the first nozzle 112-1 from the print bed 120 different from a distance of the second nozzle 112-2 from the print bed 120 is; or that the printhead 110 is set up such that a distance between the first nozzle 112-1 from the print bed 120 equal to a distance of the second nozzle 112-2 from the print bed 120 is.

In Example 22, the printing device 100 according to one of Examples 1 to 21 further comprise that the first nozzle 112-1 has a first nozzle opening through which the first print material 122-1 is printed, and that the second nozzle 112-2 has a second nozzle opening through which the second print material 122-2 is printed, wherein the first nozzle opening and the second nozzle opening have mutually different opening widths and / or mutually different opening shapes.

In Example 23, the printing device 100 according to any one of Examples 1 to 22 further comprising that the first nozzle 112-1 and the second nozzle 112-2 are set up such that the first print item 122-1 and the second print item 122-2 in the form of a filament 401 can be fed.

Example 24 is a printing device 100 comprising: a print head 110 with multiple nozzles 112 for simultaneously printing at least one item to be printed by means of the multiple nozzles 112 , with the printhead 110 is mounted translationally movable, and wherein the print head 110 is also rotatably mounted; and a drive system for translating the print head 110 and to rotate the print head 110 into a predefined angular position.

Example 25 is a printing device 100 , comprising: a print bed 120 ; a print head 110 , with the printhead 110 a first nozzle 112-1 has for applying a print material to the print bed 120 along a first pressure trace 132-1 and wherein the printhead 110 one at a distance from the first nozzle 112-1 arranged second nozzle 112-2 has for applying a print material to the print bed 120 along a second pressure trace 132-2 ; a manipulator assembly 130 , which is set up in such a way that the print head 110 and the print bed 120 can be moved relative to each other with three degrees of translational freedom, and wherein the print head 110 , the first nozzle 112-1 of the printhead 110 relative to the second nozzle 112-2 of the printhead 110 and / or the print bed 120 are / is rotatably mounted.

Example 26 is a printing device 100 comprising: a reference coordinate system for printing a three-dimensional object; a print head 110 , with the printhead 110 a first nozzle 112-1 for printing a first print item 122-1 along a first pressure trace 132-1 and one at a distance from the first nozzle 112-1 arranged second nozzle 112-2 for printing a second print item 122-2 along a second pressure trace 132-2 having; a manipulator assembly 130 , which is set up in such a way that the print head 110 can be moved translationally with respect to the reference coordinate system, and wherein the print head 110 or the manipulator arrangement 130 a rotary bearing assembly 140 having, the rotary bearing assembly 140 is set up such that the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 by means of the rotary bearing arrangement 140 can / can be moved on a predefined path with respect to the reference coordinate system.

In Example 27, the printing device 100 according to example 26 furthermore that the manipulator arrangement 130 defines the reference coordinate system or wherein the printing device 100 also a print bed 120 which defines the reference coordinate system.

Example 28 is a printhead 110 for use in a printing device 100 , the printhead 110 having: several nozzles 112 for simultaneously printing at least one item to be printed, with at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 112 is rotatably mounted in such a way that its position relative to at least one other of the plurality of nozzles 112 can be changed by rotating the at least one nozzle; and a drive for rotating the at least one nozzle.

Example 29 is a printhead 110 for use in a printing device 100 , the printhead 110 having: several nozzles ( 112 ) for the simultaneous printing of at least one print item, the multiple nozzles ( 112 ) is rotatably mounted in such a way that its position by rotating the several nozzles ( 112 ) can be changed; and a drive for rotating the plurality of nozzles.

Example 30 is a printing method comprising: moving a print head 110 along a printhead track, the printhead 110 a first nozzle 112-1 for printing a first print item 122-1 along a first pressure trace 132-1 and one at a distance from the first nozzle 112-1 arranged second nozzle 112-2 for printing a second print item 122-2 along a second pressure trace 132-2 having; Change a distance of the first print track 132-1 and the second print track 132-2 from each other by changing a position of the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 relative to the printhead track.

In example 31, the printing method according to example 30 may further comprise changing the position of the first nozzle 112-1 and / or the second nozzle 112-2 relative to the print head track by changing the angular position of the print head 110 takes place relative to the print track or by changing a position of the second nozzle 112-2 relative to the first nozzle 112-1 .

Example 32 is a non-volatile storage medium having instructions which, executed by at least one processor, carry out the method according to one of Examples 30 or 31.

It goes without saying that functions, algorithms, etc. which are described herein with reference to a method can also be implemented in the same way in a control device and vice versa.

Claims (19)

A printing apparatus (100) comprising: a printing bed (120); a print head (110), wherein the print head (110) has a first nozzle (112-1) for applying a first print material (122-1) to the print bed (120) along a first print track (132-1) and wherein the print head (110) has a second nozzle (112-2) arranged at a distance from the first nozzle (112-1) for applying a second printing material (122-2) to the printing bed (120) along a second printing track (132-2) ; a manipulator assembly (130) which is set up so that the print head (110) and the print bed (120) can be moved translationally relative to one another, and wherein the print head (110) or the manipulator arrangement (130) has a rotary bearing arrangement (140), the rotary bearing arrangement (140) being set up in this way is that the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) can be moved relative to the print bed (120) by means of the rotary bearing arrangement (140). The printing device (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein the manipulator arrangement (130) is set up in such a way that the print head (110) and the print bed (120) can be moved translationally relative to one another with three degrees of translational freedom. The printing device (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the manipulator arrangement (130) has a linear drive system for translationally moving the print head (110) and the print bed (120) relative to one another. The printing device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 wherein the rotary bearing arrangement (140) defines an axis of rotation (141) about which the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) can be rotated. The printing device (100) according to Claim 4 , wherein the rotary bearing arrangement (140) has a rotary drive system for moving the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) in rotation about the axis of rotation (141). The printing device (100) according to Claim 4 or 5 wherein the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) are / is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation (141); or wherein the first nozzle (112-1) is arranged on the axis of rotation (141) and wherein the second nozzle (112-2) is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation (141). The printing device (100) according to FIGS Claims 3 and 5 , further comprising: a control device (210) which is set up to control the linear drive system and the rotary drive system in such a way that a distance between the first print track (132-1) and the second print track (132-2) from one another according to a predefined value can be set by rotating the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) around the axis of rotation (141). The printing device (100) according to FIGS Claims 3 and 5 , further comprising: a control device (210) which is set up to control the linear drive system in such a way that the print head (110) and the print bed (120) can be moved relative to one another along an overall track (202), and the rotational Drive system to be controlled in such a way that the distance between the first print track (132-1) and the total track (202) and / or the distance between the second print track (132-2) and the total track (202) by rotating the first nozzle (112-1 ) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) about the axis of rotation (141) can be changed. The printing device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , further comprising: a print item supply (650) for supplying the first print item (122-1) and the second print item (122-2) to the print head (110), the print item supply (650) being set up such that the print head (110 ) the first printing material (122-1) in the form of a first filament and the second printing material (122-2) are supplied in the form of a second filament, and the print head (110) is set up in such a way that the material of the first filament is partially melted and the melted material of the first filament can be applied to the print bed (120) and / or to the print material by means of the first nozzle (112-1), and that the material of the second filament is melted in sections and the melted material of the second filament can be applied to the printing bed (120) by means of the second nozzle (112-2). The printing device (100) according to Claim 9 wherein the printing goods supply (650) has a first filament spool on which the first filament is wound and wherein the printing goods supply (650) has a second filament spool on which the second filament is wound; wherein the first filament spool and / or the second filament spool are / is rotatably mounted. The printing device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 wherein the printhead (110) further comprises at least one third nozzle (112-3), the at least one third nozzle (112-3) being spaced apart from the first nozzle (112-1) and the second nozzle (112-2 ) is arranged for applying at least one third print material to the print bed (120) along at least one third print track (132-3) at the same time for applying the print material to the print bed (120) along the first print track (132-1) and / or the second print track (132-2); wherein the rotary bearing arrangement (140) is further set up such that the at least one third nozzle (112-3) can be moved relative to the printing bed (120) by means of the rotary bearing arrangement (140); wherein the rotary bearing arrangement (140) is preferably set up in such a way that the at least one third nozzle (112-3) can be rotated about at least one further axis of rotation; or wherein the rotary bearing arrangement (140) is preferably set up in such a way that the at least one third nozzle (112-3) can be rotated about the axis of rotation (141). The printing device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , wherein the print head (110) is set up such that a distance of the first nozzle (112-1) from the print bed (120) is different from a distance of the second nozzle (112-2) from the print bed (120); or wherein the print head (110) is set up in such a way that a distance between the first nozzle (112-1) and the print bed (120) is equal to a distance between the second nozzle (112-2) and the print bed (120). The printing device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 12th , wherein the first nozzle (112-1) has a first nozzle opening through which the first print material (122-1) is printed, and wherein the second nozzle (112-2) has a second nozzle opening through which the second print material (122 -2), wherein the first nozzle opening and the second nozzle opening have mutually different opening widths and / or mutually different opening shapes. Printing device (100) comprising: a print head (110) with a plurality of nozzles (112) for the simultaneous printing of at least one print item by means of the plurality of nozzles (112), the print head (110) being mounted such that it can move in translation, and wherein the print head (110) is also mounted such that it can rotate; and a drive system for translating the print head (110) and for rotating the print head (110) into a predefined angular position. Printing device (100), comprising: a reference coordinate system for printing a three-dimensional object; a print head (110), wherein the print head (110) has a first nozzle (112-1) for printing a first print material (122-1) along a first print track (132-1) and one at a distance from the first nozzle (112 -1) arranged second nozzle (112-2) for printing a second print material (122-2) along a second print track (132-2); a manipulator arrangement (130) which is set up such that the print head (110) can be moved translationally with respect to the reference coordinate system, and wherein the print head (110) or the manipulator arrangement (130) has a rotation bearing arrangement (140), the rotation bearing arrangement (140) being set up such that the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) by means of the rotary bearing arrangement (140) can be moved on a predefined path with respect to the reference coordinate system. Print head (110) for use in a printing device (100), the print head (110) having: several nozzles (112) for the simultaneous printing of at least one print item, at least one nozzle of the several nozzles (112) being rotatably mounted in such a way that its position can be changed by rotating the at least one nozzle; and a drive for rotating the at least one nozzle. Printing process, comprising: Moving a print head (110) along a print head track, the print head (110) having a first nozzle (112-1) for printing a first print material (122-1) along a first print track (132-1) and one at a distance from the first nozzle (112-1) arranged second nozzle (112-2) for printing a second print material (122-2) along a second print track (132-2); Changing a distance of the first print track (132-1) and the second print track (132-2) from one another by changing a position of the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) relative to the print head track. The printing process according to Claim 17 wherein the changing of the position of the first nozzle (112-1) and / or the second nozzle (112-2) relative to the print head track takes place by changing the angular position of the print head (110) relative to the print track or by changing a position of the second Nozzle (112-2) relative to the first nozzle (112-1). Non-volatile storage medium having instructions which, executed by at least one processor, the method according to Claim 17 or 18th To run.

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