Desktop Metal, Inc.
A SYSTEM WITH A DYNAMIC VARIABLE SIZE NOZZLE ORIFICE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

Abstract:

This invention relates to three-dimensional printing. This invention particularly relates to a system with a dynamic variable size nozzle orifice for three-dimensional printing of objects based on crafting and molding techniques, and a method thereof. The present invention provides a dynamic variable nozzle orifice, where one embodiment uses a nozzle made of a soft flexible material. The soft flexible material, such as rubber, latex or silicone, is such that when the extrusion pressure is high the orifice will enlarge and allow wider extrusion volume for filling large or wide voids. In another scenario, when the extrusion pressure is lower the orifice will be narrower and give precise narrow extrusion to fill smaller voids. Another embodiment uses a method of controlling the orifice size which is by a mechanical means independent of the pressure in the nozzle. Such a method can utilize an iris device for controlling the size of the orifice. By utilizing the function of a dynamic orifice size of the nozzle when depositing a crafting material inside a mold structure as described herein, the printing time can be reduced without a reduction in detailing abilities. Subsequently, the systems and methods of the present invention are useful for fabricating high-quality three-dimensional objects using a crafting paste and molding techniques.