CLOSED LOOP 3D PRINTING

摘要

To better control part quality of 3D printed parts, the temperature of an extruder filament using a secondary heat source is provided. A heat source, such as an infrared heat source, can be used to heat the filament of a 3D printer to the optimum temperature that will enhance welding of the filament to a substrate that it is being printed on or to. Such an optimum temperature can be based upon, in part, the temperature of the substrate. A controller or other intelligent control can be used to receive temperature readings of the substrate and/or filament and then can adjust the temperature of the heating source to optimize the temperature of the filament to better combine the filament to the substrate.

主权项

1. A closed loop 3D printing system, comprising:
a 3D printer including an extrusion die having a heating element; a filament provided to the extrusion die for extruding therefrom; a secondary heat source independent of the 3D printer for heating the filament being extruded towards a substrate; said secondary heat source optimized to provide for an ideal temperature of filament being extruded to produce a high quality weld being extruded filament and the substrate.