MULTI-MATERIAL 3D PRINTER EXTRUDER CONCEPT

Abstract

Since the RepRap (Replicating rapid prototyper) project, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing technology has come a long way. As the machine evolves so does the range of materials we can print with and the applications in which we can use them. 3D printers can create intricate objects with great precision, but most of them are limited to only one material. If a machine is capable of printing with a multitude of materials with different properties this opens new possibilities. There are some manufacturers who developed 3D printers that can print using more than one material, but each printer has advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, we will take a look at a new multi-material extruder concept. We also look at four different approaches of multi-material 3D printing and compare them with our new concept. Finally, we will look at applications for multi-material 3D printing.