Liquids and pastes aren’t the most common materials for extrusion-based 3D printing, though their use — and demand — has been on the rise. And ViscoTec, with its legacy work in dosing technology to back it up, has been taking heed.
“…[I]n addition to the classical materials in 3D printing, viscous fluids and pastes based on a two-component polymer are increasingly used. These include, for example, silicones, epoxy resins, polyurethanes, acrylates and polyester resins,” ViscoTec says in announcing the new print head.
“Instead of an FDM extruder, the print head is implemented in the 3D printer and controlled with existing software solutions. This makes the purchase of other software unnecessary – and therefore, no extra cost for the customer! In addition, this control ensures exact adherence to the mixing ratio of the two materials over the entire printing process.”
ViscoTec looks back to its endless piston principle, which drives the technology it uses in 3D printing, focusing on process-safe processing of viscous and pasty materials. The company notes that its product design is supplemented by generative production, as precise repeatability is critical in every industry where its dosing technology is used.
The ViscoDUO-FDD 4/4 print head employs a “special geometry” with the rotating displacement principle at its core. Key to its operation is assurance of clean material handling and precise mixing. Material is continuously axially transported, ViscoTec explains, in a precisely defined chamber:
“By reversing the direction of rotation a breakage of the thread is generated – to ensure absolutely clean printing results. A purely volumetric technology that makes high-precision 3D printing possible.”
The print head features programmable retraction, designed to prevent material drippage and ensure precision in material deposition. It was designed for use in industrial and professional applications.
“The 2-component print head is connected to the mixing head via two separate flow-optimized channels,” ViscoTec explains. “Mixing of the two materials first takes place in the mixing tube. After completing the printing operation, the mixing tube can be easily removed and disposed of. The print head can also be filled over a longer period, since the separate extruder units prevent the materials from curing.”
- Adjustable and correct mixing ratio
- Use of application-specific materials
- No curing in the print head thanks to a static mixing tube
- Process safety through pressure monitoring
- Various curing methods – e.g. UV, heat or humidity
As 3D printing developments continue to focus on materials such as silicone, applications surrounding them will benefit from enhanced precision and capabilities for complex geometries and precisely designed creations. Discuss in the ViscoTec forum at 3DPB.com.