Method of 3D printing using color mixing nozzle with multiple distribution elements
The invention provides a printer head ( 501 ) for a 3D printer, the printer head ( 501 ) comprising n distribution elements ( 510 ), wherein n≥2, a combination chamber ( 520 ), and a printer nozzle ( 502 ), wherein the combination chamber ( 520 ) is configured downstream of the distribution elements ( 510 ) and upstream of the printer nozzle ( 502 ), wherein each distribution element ( 510 ) comprise a flow-through chamber ( 511 ) with an inlet ( 512 ) and a plurality of k outlets ( 513 ) to the combination chamber ( 520 ), wherein k≥4, wherein the outlets ( 513 ) of the distribution elements ( 510 ) are configured such that a plurality of outlets ( 513 ) of a distribution element ( 510 ) have outlets ( 513 ) of another distribution element ( 510 ) as nearest neighbors.
1. A method for 3D printing a 3D item, the method comprising:
depositing m 3D printable materials to provide the 3D item comprising 3D printed material, wherein m≥2,
feeding the m 3D printable materials to at least m distribution elements of a printer head, and depositing the 3D printed material,
wherein the printer head includes n distribution elements, wherein n≥2, a combination chamber, and a printer nozzle, wherein the combination chamber is configured downstream of the distribution elements and upstream of the printer nozzle, wherein each distribution element comprises a flow-through chamber with an inlet for a 3D printable material and a plurality of k outlets to the combination chamber, wherein k≥4, each distribution element being arranged to distribute the 3D printable material by the plurality of k outlets, wherein the outlets of the distribution elements are configured such that a plurality of outlets of a distribution element have outlets of another distribution element as nearest neighbors; and
wherein m 3D printable materials comprise different thermoplastic materials or are 3D printable materials having different colors.
2. A method for 3D printing a 3D item, the method comprising:
depositing m 3D printable materials to provide the 3D item comprising 3D printed material, wherein m≥2,
feeding the m 3D printable materials to at least m distribution elements of a printer head, and depositing the 3D printed material,
wherein the printer head includes n distribution elements, wherein n≥2, a combination chamber, and a printer nozzle, wherein the combination chamber is configured downstream of the distribution elements and upstream of the printer nozzle, wherein each distribution element comprises a flow-through chamber with an inlet for a 3D printable material and a plurality of k outlets to the combination chamber, wherein k≥4, each distribution element being arranged to distribute the 3D printable material by the plurality of k outlets, wherein the outlets of the distribution elements are configured such that a plurality of outlets of a distribution element have outlets of another distribution element as nearest neighbors; and
wherein the 3D printed material comprises plurality of domains originating from the m 3D printable materials, wherein the method comprises controlling the dimensions of the domains to have a largest width which is at maximum 120 μm.