The C.E.M Crown Extruder – A 3D Printer Extruder Based on Concepts of a Microscope
Example of the C.E.M Crown Extruder with a 4-nozzle setup
Innovation in 3D printing is an ongoing process. There are always new ideas popping up, and new revelations taking place. However, one aspect of FDM 3D printers that hasn’t really changed all that much in the past couple of years, is that of the extruder mechanics.
A German engineer, by the name of Cem Schnitzler, hopes to change this though. His innovative design of a 3D printer’s extruder could eventually allow for more variety in 3D printed objects. The idea is based off the concept of a microscope, and the way in which the microscope’s objective lenses may be rotated in order to increase sight resolution.
The way that Schnitzler’s C.E.M Crown Extruder works, is similar to that of a microscope. The head of the extruder features different sized nozzles that can rotate to become the ‘active’ nozzle. The diameters of the nozzles all have different sizes to allow for different types of printing. A smaller nozzle can be used for printing more finely detailed areas of an object, while the larger nozzles can help print faster, on areas of an object that require very little detail.
The C.E.M Crown Extruder on a Mendel Prusa 3D printer
“For the fine shape you can turn the head and start printing with a little diameter, and for the rough shape you can turn the head and use a bigger diameter,” explained Schnitzler on his website.
The nozzles could be operated manually or automatically by using a stepper motor. It could include any number of different nozzle sizes (this example shows 4). If implemented properly, this could greatly increase the variety of detail that we will be able to use while printing an object.
Schnitzler informed 3DPrint.com that he will be applying for a patent for this idea. However he is allowing for people to use the design for private use, free of charge. The idea has not yet been implemented into a real 3D printer. He is starting to develop the Crown Extruder system now though. He also has plans to have the device work on all 3D printers, and hopes to be able to sell it in the future.
What do you think? Could this C.E.M Crown Extruder really work? Would you consider buying one? Discuss in the C.E.M Crown Extruder thread on 3DPB.com
You May Also Like
DTU Researchers Hack XBox 360 to Make Nanoscale 3D Printer
We’ve seen several instances where mass-produced gaming systems, such as the Microsoft Kinect Xbox 360 scanner, have been used for purposes other than gaming. Recently, a team of researchers from...
3D Printed Veggies Made Appetizing & Nutritious for Dysphagia Patients
3D printing has been used in the past to help elderly patients with dysphagia—difficulty swallowing or chewing—by creating inks made from puréed food and extruding them into a shape that...
Nexa3D Says New Everlast Membrane Extends Series Production 3D Printing Runs
California-based Nexa3D, well-known for making ultrafast polymer production 3D printers, has announced a new product that it says can extend series production 3D printing runs, and ensure less downtime as...
Autonomous Swarm of 3D Printed Robot Fish Could Swim Where Humans Can’t
We’ve seen 3D printed swarms of robots that are designed to pick up garbage, complete intricate production tasks, and even participate in surveillance, environmental, and search and rescue missions at...
Services & Data
Printer & Scanner Price QuotesUpload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
