In recent years, the use of multiple materials for 3D printing has opened up new ideas in the field of additive manufacturing. The new hybrid additive manufacturing process combined with extrusion 3D printing technology can help scientists directly integrate liquid materials into the solid material matrix, thereby realizing more types of 3D printed components. Recently, Infotech and the adhesive manufacturer DELO have jointly developed a new desktop material printer based on the IP-500 desktop dispenser. A unique multi-head system can simultaneously process a variety of liquid resins, allowing users to print additive parts with different physical characteristics. .
New Infotech multi-material 3D printer
Infotech's system can be equipped with up to three different distribution valves to achieve three-material 3D printing. Users can choose a variety of existing valve types developed by any partner, including injection valves, time pressure valves and screw distributors, each of which is housed in its own independent vertical shaft. Since each nozzle can be operated in series with its same level, users can combine different resins in a single layer to precisely control the material composition.
Like any resin-based material jetting 3D printer, the Infotech system relies on ultraviolet light to cure the dispensed liquid material. This is done by a UV lamp installed in its own separate print head, which follows the tool path of the last active dispensing head. The thickness of the layer is determined by non-contact height measurement (camera), and the system is reported to have an integrated real-time control function. In this way, the working distance of the dispensing head can be modified and corrected instantly, which will result in fewer printing failures.
Regarding DELO's epoxy resin products, such materials have a variety of physical properties, including transparency, conductivity and flexibility. According to DELO, the company's resins are resistant to high temperatures and media, and are not very similar to high-performance polymers. Since DELO's printed materials have similar chemical properties, they can all be mixed and matched to suit the needs of users, and show excellent adhesion and isotropy when in contact with each other.
As a result, users can accurately change their desired attributes across 3D printed components. This means that parts can be manufactured with rigid and flexible areas, or with opaque and transparent areas, and the wall thickness and feature details can be fully controlled. In addition, the entire dispensing and curing process can be fully digitized and automated, while the dispensing nozzle can be cleaned.
There is no doubt that this new type of multi-material 3D printing system has greater potential in the future to help people produce more forms of 3D printed components.