AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER FOR AUGMENTED FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) PRINTING

摘要

An automatic tool changing system and method for printing functional three-dimensional (3D) object is disclosed. The system is preferably comprised of an end-effector moveable about the X, Y and Z-axis, the end-effector connecting to various functional heads by means of a dovetail joint. Each functional head is responsible for a different type of functional printing as required by the 3D object, and each functional head is positioned on a docking station for ease of access by the end-effector. The method to print a functional 3D object is comprised of printing a first portion of the object, using the various functional heads to print functional components of the object, and then finishing printing the 3D object.