A Rotary Multi-Axial Additive Manufacturing Apparatus

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This patent describes a rotary multi-axial additive manufacturing apparatus (a type of advanced 3D printer) with a print head, receptor, and support system. Unique to this design are two rotation devices that allow the receptor (where material is deposited) to rotate independently along two axes perpendicular to the print axis, which enhances precision and flexibility. The apparatus is engineered to provide consistent layer deposition regardless of the number of layers or their position, improving surface quality and minimizing common issues such as the 'staircase effect.' Additional features include compatibility with various materials, temperature control for the print head, and components optimized for high torque applications.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Advanced 3D printing for complex, multi-axis components in industries such as aerospace and automotive
• Bioprinting of artificial tissues, organs, or vascular scaffolds with curved geometries
• Production of customized medical implants and orthopedic scaffolds
• Manufacturing of high-strength composite components using fiber-reinforced materials
• Rapid prototyping of objects with elaborate surface details and undercuts
• Art or architectural models requiring non-planar, curvilinear forms
• Low-cost mass manufacturing of custom-designed consumer goods

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables creation of highly complex, non-planar, or curved 3D structures with greater geometric freedom
• Reduces surface defects like the staircase effect, resulting in better print quality and accuracy
• Enhances strength and isotropy in printed parts by allowing better control over material deposition orientation
• Allows for efficient, consistent layer application regardless of object size or the number of layers
• Compatible with a wide range of materials, including tough composites and biocompatible substances
• Improved production speed and reduced material wastage, supporting cost-effective mass manufacturing
• Facilitates integration with existing slicing software and CAD workflows, streamlining design-to-production processes

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus. The additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a print head, a support and a receptor. The receptor is positioned on the support, wherein the print head is arranged to print a print material onto the receptor. The print material is flowable from the print head in a print direction along a print axis. The additive manufacturing apparatus comprises a first rotation device and a second rotation device. The first rotation device is arranged to provide a first rotation axis and the second rotation device is arranged to provide a second rotation axis, such that the support and/or the receptor is rotatable along the first rotation axis and along the second rotation axis, wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis span a plane perpendicular to the printing axis. The first rotation device and the second rotation device each comprise a motor, a bearing wheel and a driven wheel, wherein the motor is connected to the bearing wheel and the bearing wheel is connected to the driven wheel and the driven wheel is connected to the support and/or receptor. By a drive of the motor a rotation of the receptor and/or support along the first rotation axis and/or the second rotation axis is executable.