WO2021170740A1

WO2021170740A1 - Extrusion system for the extrusion-based manufacture of at least one three-dimensional object

Info

Publication number: WO2021170740A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/054726
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Hamberger; Michael Müller; Andreas Boger
Original assignee: Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik Gmbh
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2021-02-25
Publication date: 2021-09-02
Also published as: DE102020105362A1

Abstract

An extrusion system (1) for the extrusion-based manufacture of at least one three-dimensional object, comprising: - at least one first extrusion unit (3) designed to plasticise an extrusion material; - at least one second extrusion unit (4), which can be or is connected to the first extrusion unit (3) and which is designed to discharge an extrusion material plasticised by the at least one first extrusion unit (3) onto a substrate (2); - at least one material introduction system (5), which can be or is allocated to the at least one second extrusion unit (4) and which is designed to introduce at least one additional material into an extrusion material to be discharged by the at least one second extrusion unit (4) onto a substrate (2).

Description

Extrusion device for extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional

Object

The invention relates to an extrusion device for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object.

Such an extrusion device for the extrusion-based production of three-dimensional objects is basically known from the prior art and typically comprises at least one extrusion unit which is set up for melting or plasticizing an extrusion material.

Sometimes it may be necessary in the context of extrusion-based production of a three-dimensional object by means of a corresponding extrusion device to add an additional material to an extrusion material to be processed, for example to give a three-dimensional object to be produced certain structural properties, i.e. H. in particular mechanical properties, which is achieved by adding additional materials that influence the structural properties of the three-dimensional object to be produced, d. H. z. B. reinforcement materials, can be achieved, and / or to a three-dimensional object to be produced certain optical properties, d. H. in particular to impart certain color properties, which is achieved by adding additional materials which influence the optical properties of the three-dimensional object to be produced, d. H. z. B. dye materials, can be achieved.

The admixture of corresponding additional materials in an extrusion material that can be processed or processed by means of an extrusion device has up to now regularly required comparatively complex design solutions, so that there is a need for an extrusion device with a simple, yet reliable option of adding corresponding additional materials to an extrusion material that can be processed or processed by means of the extrusion device. to be processed extrusion material exists.

The invention is based on the object of specifying an extrusion device with a simple, yet reliable possibility of adding appropriate additional materials to an extrusion material that can be or is to be processed by means of the extrusion device.

The object is achieved by an extrusion device for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the extrusion device. A first aspect of the invention described herein relates to an extrusion device for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object. The extrusion device is therefore set up for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object. In particular, the extrusion device is set up for at least section-wise, possibly complete, layer-wise or layer-wise extrusion-based production of a corresponding three-dimensional object; the extrusion-based production of a corresponding three-dimensional object can therefore take place at least in sections, possibly completely, in layers or in layers by means of the extrusion device.

The term “object” can in principle be understood to mean any three-dimensional object or any section of a three-dimensional object. A three-dimensional object can e.g. B. be a technical component or a technical component group. A section of a three-dimensional object can accordingly be a section of a technical component or a section of a technical component group.

The extrusion device is correspondingly for the extrusion-based processing of at least one extrusion material, i. H. set up for the extrusion of at least one extrusion material onto a substrate. An extrusion material is typically to be understood as an extrudable or extrudable plastic material. An extrusion material that can be processed by means of the extrusion device is therefore typically an extrudable or extrudable plastic material. The term “plastic material” can also include mixtures of at least two chemically different plastic materials and / or mixtures of at least one plastic material with at least one additional material.

The extrusion device comprises at least one first extrusion unit and at least one second extrusion unit which can be or is connected to the first extrusion unit. Although the extrusion device can therefore comprise a plurality of first extrusion units and / or a plurality of second extrusion units, a first extrusion unit or a second extrusion unit is largely referred to below; However, the following explanations and explanations apply analogously to embodiments of the extrusion device with a plurality of first extrusion units and / or with a plurality of second extrusion units.

The first extrusion unit is set up for melting or plasticizing at least one extrusion material. The first extrusion unit typically comprises at least one extruder chamber (first extruder chamber) in which at least one first extruder screw is arranged or formed. In principle, in the first Extruder chamber also several extruder screws can be arranged or formed. In particular, an embodiment of the first extrusion unit with a twin screw is conceivable; a particular advantage here would be the positive properties of the respective, e.g. B. parallel or conical, twin screw arrangements. The first extruder chamber can be delimited by a housing or a housing section of the first extrusion unit. The first extruder screw can have a drive device, in particular a motor-driven one, which is set up to generate a drive force or a corresponding drive torque that displaces the first extruder screw in a movement, ie in particular a rotary movement about an extruder axis defined by the first extruder screw. The first extrusion unit, ie in particular the first extrusion chamber belonging to the first extrusion unit, typically comprises at least one, optionally nozzle-like or -shaped, discharge opening (first outlet opening), via which extrusion material from the first extrusion unit into the second extrusion unit, ie in particular into an extruder chamber the second extrusion unit, can be discharged. The first extrusion unit can also be referred to or viewed as the “main extruder”.

The second extrusion unit typically comprises at least one extruder chamber (second extruder chamber) in which at least one second extruder screw is arranged or formed. In principle, several extruder screws can also be arranged or formed in the second extruder chamber. In particular, an embodiment of the second extrusion unit with a twin screw is conceivable; a particular advantage here would be the positive properties of the respective, z. B. parallel or conical, twin screw arrangements. The second extruder chamber can be delimited by a housing or a housing section of the second extrusion unit. The second extruder screw can have a drive device, in particular a motor-driven one, which is set up to generate a drive force or a corresponding drive torque that displaces the second extruder screw in a movement, ie in particular a rotary movement about an extruder axis defined by the second extruder screw. The second extrusion unit, ie in particular the second extrusion chamber belonging to the second extrusion unit, comprises at least one, optionally nozzle-like or -shaped, discharge opening (second discharge opening), via which extrusion material can be discharged from the second extrusion unit onto a substrate. The second extrusion unit is set up accordingly for discharging an extrusion material melted by means of the first extrusion unit onto a substrate, ie in particular onto a building board, onto an object, or onto a layer of the or an extrusion material. The second extrusion unit is in particular set up to produce a melted extrusion material continuously, ie for example in a continuous material web or in a continuous material strand, or discontinuously, ie for example in a discontinuous material web or in a discontinuous material strand or in several discrete material portions to carry out an underground. In principle, it is conceivable that the type of delivery of the Extrusion material through the second extrusion unit, e.g. B. within a layer and / or between several layers, varies. Thus, discharge parameters, such as. B. discharge rate, depending on various parameters such. B. the web width, web speed, etc. can be varied. The second extrusion unit can also be referred to or viewed as a “secondary extruder”.

The connection between the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit enables, in particular, an extrusion material that is at least partially, in particular completely, melted by means of the first extrusion unit to flow from the first extrusion unit, i. H. in particular the first belonging to the first extrusion unit

Extruder chamber, into the second extrusion unit, d. H. especially in the second

Second extrusion chamber belonging to the extrusion unit. The connection between the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit can therefore be a fluidic connection, which enables an extrusion material that is at least partially, in particular completely, melted by means of the first extrusion unit to flow from the first extrusion unit, i. H. in particular the first belonging to the first extrusion unit

Extrusion unit associated second extruder chamber, allows.

The extrusion device furthermore comprises one or more material introduction device (s) which can be assigned or assigned to the second extrusion unit. Although the extrusion device can thus comprise several material introduction devices, the following is largely referred to as a material introduction device; However, the following explanations and explanations apply analogously to embodiments of the extrusion device with several material introduction devices.

The material introduction device is set up for introducing at least one additional material into an extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate by means of the second extrusion unit. By means of the material introduction device, at least one additional material can therefore be introduced into an extrusion material or the extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate by means of the second extrusion unit. The material introduction device can therefore be connected or connected to the second extrusion unit in such a way that at least one additional material is introduced into the second extrusion unit, i.e. H. especially in the second extruder chamber.

The connection between the material introduction device and the second extrusion unit is therefore typically a fluidic connection which enables at least one additional material to flow into the second extrusion unit, ie in particular into a second extruder chamber belonging to the second extrusion unit. The connection between the material introduction device and the second extrusion unit is made possible basically the introduction of gaseous, liquid or solid additional material into the second extrusion unit. The specific functional or structural implementation of the connection between the material feeding device and the second extrusion unit is therefore typically selected with a view to a specific state of aggregation or a specific nature of the additional material to be introduced.

The material introduction device can be used as a conveying device, which is used to convey at least one additional material, in particular at least one reservoir-like or reservoir-shaped collecting device that can be assigned or assigned to the material introduction device, into the second extrusion unit, i. H. in particular in the second extruder chamber or in an extrusion material located in it, be formed or comprise at least one such. It is also conceivable that the material introduction device is assigned a corresponding conveying device. In all cases, a corresponding conveyor z. B. be designed as a feed pump device or at least include one such. The specific functional or structural design of a corresponding conveying device typically results from the aggregate state or the nature and thus from the conveying properties of the additional material to be introduced into the second extrusion unit.

The material introduction device can alternatively or additionally be used as a metering device which is used to meter a certain amount of an additional material into the second extrusion unit, i. H. in particular in the second extruder chamber or in an extrusion material located in it, be formed or comprise at least one such. It is also conceivable that the material introduction device is assigned a corresponding metering device. In all cases, a corresponding metering device, for. B. be designed as, optionally pressurizable or pressurized, metering valve device or comprise at least one such. The specific functional or structural configuration of a corresponding metering device typically results from the state of aggregation or the nature and thus from the metering properties of the additional material to be introduced into the second extrusion unit.

As indicated, at least one reservoir-like or reservoir-shaped collecting device, which is set up to collect additional material that can be introduced or is to be introduced into the second extrusion unit by means of the material introduction device, can be assigned or assigned to the material introduction device. If the collecting device is arranged or designed spatially separate from the material feeding device, there is a fluidic connection between the material feeding device and the collecting device, via which additional material can flow from the collecting device to the material feeding device. An additional material can generally be understood - regardless of its physical state or its nature - to be any material or any material mixture which can influence the chemical and / or physical properties of a three-dimensional object to be produced by means of the extrusion device. In the case of an additional material, it can be, for. B. to a the structural properties of a three-dimensional object to be manufactured influencing material, that is, for example, a fiber material or reinforcement material, such as. B. a reinforcing fiber material, and / or a material influencing the optical properties of a three-dimensional object to be produced, that is to say, for example, a dye material, such as. B. a color pigment material act. Alternatively or in addition, other additional materials, such as. B. a foaming material bringing about a foaming process of the extrusion material, that is, for example, a blowing agent material, is conceivable. Mixtures of chemically and / or physically different additional materials are conceivable.

In particular in connection with an additional material in the form of a fiber material, but in no way limited to this, an embodiment of at least one material feeding device cooperating with a second extruder screw designed as a hollow screw is conceivable. A corresponding material feeding device can therefore be set up, at least one additional material, such as. B. a fiber material, e.g. B. from a reservoir-like or -shaped collecting device, to be introduced into the cavity of a hollow screw, via which the at least one additional material can be introduced on the cavity exit side into an extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate by means of the second extrusion unit. Specifically, such z. B. a fiber material, d. H. in particular a continuous fiber material, can be introduced into a melt flow via a corresponding hollow screw. The same applies to additional materials that are not fiber material.

The material introduction device thus opens up a simple, yet reliable possibility of adding appropriate additional materials to an extrusion material that can be or is to be processed by means of the extrusion device.

The at least one first extrusion unit and / or the at least one second extrusion unit and / or the at least one material introduction device can be structural components of an extrusion assembly. The at least one first extrusion unit and / or the at least one second extrusion unit and / or the at least one material introduction device can therefore be combined in a structurally compact manner in a corresponding extrusion assembly. Of course, more than two extrusion units or more than one material feeding device could also be structurally combined in a corresponding extrusion assembly. A corresponding extrusion assembly can in all embodiments be designed as a print head or in the manner of such a head. As mentioned, the first extrusion unit comprises at least one first extruder screw defining a first extruder axis and the second extrusion unit comprises at least one second extruder screw defining a second extruder axis. The second extruder axis can be arranged and / or aligned parallel or at an angle relative to the first extruder axis. This results in differently configurable design options for the extrusion device, which are defined in particular by the arrangement or orientation of the respective extruder axes and, consequently, by the arrangement or orientation of the respective extruder screws, the respective extruder chambers and the housing or housing sections that respectively delimit them.

In an exemplary embodiment, which typically results in a comparatively compact design of the extrusion device, the second extruder axis can be angled, i. H. in particular at an angle between 0 and 90 °, in particular at an angle between 10 and 70 °, preferably at an angle between 20 and 60 °, relative to the first extruder axis and / or aligned.

The first extruder axis can define a discharge axis in which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate. The second extruder screw can therefore be arranged or oriented at an angle relative to the first extruder screw in such a way that a discharge axis, in which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate, is aligned with the first extruder axis. This also means that an outlet opening, via which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate, can be aligned with the first extruder axis.

Regardless of the arrangement or alignment of the respective extruder axes, the first extrusion unit and / or the second extrusion unit can be mounted so as to be movable relative to a substrate and / or to an object, depending on or independently of one another, with at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The first extrusion unit and / or the second extrusion unit can therefore be assigned a drive device, in particular a motorized one, by means of which the first extrusion unit and / or the second extrusion unit is in a translatory and / or rotational movement relative to a substrate and / or to a Can generate an object displacing drive force or a corresponding drive torque. A corresponding drive device can be part of a mounting device which is set up for the movable mounting of the first extrusion unit and / or the second extrusion unit in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement relative to a substrate and / or to an object. A corresponding storage device can, for. B. be designed as a single or multi-axis robot device or include such. With regard to a spatially separate arrangement of the first and the second extrusion unit or the respective housing of the first and second extrusion unit, there are different conceivable embodiments for the structural connection of the first and the second extrusion unit:

Basically, the second extrusion unit or at least one second extrusion unit can be connected or connected to the first extrusion unit in an orientation and / or fixed position, or the second extrusion unit or at least one second extrusion unit can be connected or connected to the first extrusion unit in a variable orientation and / or position can be.

In the first variant, there is typically a rigid connection between the housing or at least one housing section of the first extrusion unit and the housing or at least one housing section of the second extrusion unit, which in a fixed and / or positional connection of the second extrusion unit with the first extrusion unit, and vice versa , results. In this variant, it is not possible to change the orientation and / or position of the second extrusion unit relative to the first extrusion unit; the second extrusion unit is in a defined orientation and / or position relative to the first extrusion unit. In this variant, the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit can be arranged or formed in a common housing structure of the extrusion device or a common housing structure of a corresponding extrusion assembly. The housing or housing sections of the first and second extrusion units can therefore form components of a higher-level housing structure of the extrusion device or a common housing structure of a corresponding extrusion assembly.

In the second variant, there is typically no rigid connection between the housing or at least one housing section of the first extrusion unit and the housing or at least one housing section of the second extrusion unit, which would result in an alignment and / or position-variable connection between the second extrusion unit and the first extrusion unit, and vice versa , results. In this variant, it is possible to change the orientation and / or position of the second extrusion unit relative to the first extrusion unit; the second extrusion unit can be brought into several defined orientations and / or positions relative to the first extrusion unit. The second extrusion unit or at least one second extrusion unit is here typically mounted so as to be movable relative to the first extrusion unit with at least one degree of freedom of movement.

The connection between the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit can - in principle, regardless of whether the second extrusion unit is connected to the first extrusion unit in a fixed orientation and / or position or in a variable orientation and / or position - be direct or indirect. For variants with an indirect connection, it applies that the first extrusion unit can be or can be connected to the second extrusion unit via at least one connecting element. The at least one connecting element is typically set up to form a flow connection which enables an extrusion material melted by means of the first extrusion unit to flow from the or an extruder chamber of the first extrusion unit into the or an extruder chamber of the second extrusion unit.

The connecting element or at least one connecting element can be designed to be rigid, it being designed in particular as a rigid conduit element, preferably as a tubular element. This embodiment can be expedient in particular for the mentioned connection between the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit which is fixed in position and / or in a fixed position. Alternatively, the connecting element or at least one connecting element can be designed to be flexible, it being designed in particular as a flexible line element, preferably as a hose element. This embodiment can be useful in particular for the mentioned alignment and / or position-variable connection between the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit.

In principle, the at least one connecting element can be designed to be extendable in all embodiments, for example telescopically or in the form of a telescope. An extendable connecting element makes it possible to adjust or change the distance between the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit in at least one spatial direction. This can e.g. B. be useful for the production of objects with varying object cross-sections.

In all embodiments, a blocking device, which is set up to block the flow connection formed by the connecting element, at least in sections, can be assigned or assigned to a corresponding connecting element. The flow connection between the first extrusion unit and the or a second extrusion unit can therefore be blocked and / or unblocked as required and thus selectively. In this way, an additional material can be introduced into the second extrusion unit as required.

The blocking device can comprise at least one blocking element which is not possible between a blocking division in which a flow of an extrusion material melted by means of the at least one first extrusion unit from an extruder chamber of the first extrusion unit into an extruder chamber of the at least one second extrusion unit or at least one second extrusion unit is not possible, and at least one Non-blocking position, in which a flow of an extrusion material melted by means of the at least one first extrusion unit from an extruder chamber of the first extrusion unit into an extruder chamber of the at least one second extrusion unit or at least one second extrusion unit is movably supported. The locking element can in the locking division z. B. in sections, in particular completely, be moved into a flow cross-section of a connecting element. The locking element can be assigned a drive device, in particular a motorized one, which is set up to generate a drive force or a corresponding drive torque that sets the locking element into the locking pitch and / or into the non-locking position. The control of the operation of the drive device and, as a result, the control of movements of the locking element, typically takes place via a control device assigned to it that is implemented in hardware and / or software.

It has been mentioned that the extrusion device can comprise several material introduction devices. Correspondingly, the second extrusion unit can have several

Material introduction devices, which are each set up for introducing at least one additional material into a melted extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate by means of the second extrusion unit, can be assigned or assigned. A first material introduction device for introducing at least a first

Additional material can be set up in a molten extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate by means of the second extrusion unit and at least one further material introduction device for introducing at least one second additional material, which differs in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter from the first additional material, into a substrate by means of the second extrusion unit be set up to be discharged molten extrusion material. The operation of the material feeding devices can be controlled via a control device implemented in hardware and / or software. As a result, individualized material mixtures, consisting of an extrusion material and at least one additional material, can be produced in the second extrusion unit.

The following statements apply to embodiments of the extrusion device with at least two and therefore with several second extrusion units:

The at least two second extrusion units can be arranged and / or aligned evenly or unevenly distributed relative to the first extrusion unit. In particular, space-optimized arrangements or orientations of the second extrusion units relative to the first extrusion unit and relative to one another are possible.

In particular, a first second extrusion unit can be arranged and / or aligned relative to the first extrusion unit in such a way that the first second Extrusion unit can produce a first object and / or a first object section, and at least one further second extrusion unit can be arranged and / or aligned relative to the first extrusion unit in such a way that another object and / or another object section can be produced via the further second extrusion unit .

In a specific exemplary embodiment, the at least two second extrusion units, in particular with respect to an extruder axis defined by an extruder screw of the first extrusion unit, can be arranged and / or aligned concentrically relative to the first extrusion unit.

Regardless of their arrangement or alignment, the at least two second extrusion units can be mounted so as to be movable relative to one another with at least one degree of freedom of movement. A corresponding movable storage of respective second extrusion units can, for. B. be useful to move at least one second extrusion unit as needed or temporarily (further) relative to at least one further second extrusion unit, d. H. z. B. to be further spaced from a substrate in order not to impair the discharge result realized by means of the at least one further second extrusion unit.

Likewise, regardless of their arrangement or alignment, the at least two second extrusion units can have at least one of the same or different discharge properties of the melted extrusion material which can be discharged via them onto a substrate. Consequently, with at least two second extrusion units, individualized material mixtures, consisting of an extrusion material and at least one additional material, can be discharged onto a substrate.

It is Z. B. conceivable that the at least two second extrusion units in at least one geometrical-constructive parameter, in particular a dimension parameter defining the dimensions of a respective discharge opening and / or a shape parameter defining the shape of the respective discharge opening, a respective discharge opening via which the respective one Melted extrusion material which can be discharged from the substrate can be discharged onto a substrate, are the same or different. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the at least two second extrusion units are the same or different in at least one operating parameter influencing the discharge speed, in particular a speed parameter defining the drive speed of a respective drive device and / or a torque parameter defining the drive power of a respective drive device, of a respective drive device.

In all embodiments, the extrusion device can comprise at least one regulating and / or control device implemented in hardware and / or software, which is used to regulate and / or control the operation of the first extrusion unit and the second Extrusion unit and / or the material introduction device is set up. The regulating and / or control device can in particular be set up to regulate and / or control the operation of the first extrusion unit as a function of or independently of the operation of the second extrusion unit. The regulation and / or control device can, in particular in the sense of a central regulation and / or control device, also be set up to regulate or to regulate the operation of individual, several or all further functional units of the extrusion device, ie for example the operation of the respective drive devices steer.

Another aspect of the invention described herein relates to a method for extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object. The method is characterized in that an extrusion device according to the first aspect of the invention described herein is used to carry out the method. The method comprises in particular the steps of melting an extrusion material, optionally introducing an additional material into the melted extrusion material and discharging a material mixture comprising the melted extrusion material and optionally the additional material onto a substrate for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object. All statements in connection with the extrusion device apply analogously to the method.

The invention is explained again on the basis of exemplary embodiments in the drawings. It shows:

FIGS. 1-5 each show a basic illustration of an extrusion device according to an exemplary embodiment.

1 shows a basic illustration of an extrusion device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment in a sectional view.

The extrusion device 1 is set up for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object (not shown). In particular, the extrusion device 1 is set up for the at least section-wise, possibly complete, layer-wise or layer-wise extrusion-based production of a corresponding three-dimensional object; the extrusion-based production of a corresponding three-dimensional object can therefore take place by means of the extrusion device 1 at least in sections, possibly completely, in layers or layers.

The extrusion device 1 is set up accordingly for the extrusion-based processing of at least one extrusion material (not designated in more detail), ie for the extrusion of at least one extrusion material onto a substrate 2. Is under an extrusion material typically to be understood as an extrudable or extrudable plastic material. An extrusion material that can be processed by means of the extrusion device 1 is therefore typically an extrudable or extrudable plastic material. The term “plastic material” can also include mixtures of at least two chemically different plastic materials and / or mixtures of at least one plastic material with at least one additional material.

The extrusion device 1 comprises a first extrusion unit 3 and at least one second extrusion unit 4 that can be or is connected to the first extrusion unit 3.

The first extrusion unit 3 is set up for melting or plasticizing at least one extrusion material. The first extrusion unit 3 comprises an extruder chamber 3.1 (first extruder chamber) in which at least one first extruder screw 3.2 is arranged or formed. In principle, several extruder screws 3.2 can also be arranged or formed in the first extruder chamber 3.1. In particular, although not shown in the figures, an embodiment of the first extrusion unit 3 with a twin screw is conceivable. The first extruder chamber 3.1 is delimited by a housing 3.3 or a housing section of the first extrusion unit 3. The first extruder screw 3.2 is an, in particular motorized, drive device 3.4 which, in order to generate a movement of the first extruder screw 3.2. H. in particular a rotary movement about an extruder axis A1 defined by the first extruder screw 3.2, displacing drive force or a corresponding drive torque is assigned. The first extrusion unit 3, i. H. in particular the first extruder chamber 3.1 typically comprises at least one, optionally nozzle-like or -shaped, discharge opening 3.5 (first discharge opening), via which extrusion material flows from the first extrusion unit 3 into the second extrusion unit 4, i. H. in particular in an extruder chamber 4.1 of the second extrusion unit 4 can be discharged. The first extrusion unit 3 can also be referred to or viewed as the “main extruder”.

The second extrusion unit 4 comprises an extruder chamber 4.1 (second extruder chamber), in which a second extruder screw 4.2 is arranged or formed. In principle, several extruder screws 4.2 can also be arranged or formed in the second extruder chamber 4.1. In particular, although not shown in the figures, an embodiment of the second extrusion unit 4 with a twin screw is conceivable. The second extruder chamber 4.1 is delimited by a housing 4.3 or a housing section of the second extrusion unit 4. The second extruder screw 4.2 is a, in particular motorized, drive device 4.4, which is set up to generate a drive force or a corresponding drive torque which sets the second extruder screw 4.2 in motion, ie in particular a rotary motion about an extruder axis A2 defined by the second extruder screw 4.2, assigned. The second extrusion unit 4, ie in particular the second extruder chamber 4.1 comprises at least one, optionally nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped, discharge opening 4.5 (second discharge opening), via which extrusion material can be discharged from the second extrusion unit 4 onto a substrate 2. The second extrusion unit 4 is set up accordingly for discharging an extrusion material melted by means of the first extrusion unit 3 onto a substrate 2, ie in particular onto a building board, onto an object, or onto a layer of the or an extrusion material. The second extrusion unit 4 is set up, in particular, to process a melted extrusion material continuously, that is, for example, in a continuous material web or in a continuous material strand, or discontinuously, that is, for example, in a discontinuous material web or in a discontinuous material strand or in several discrete material portions, to be carried out on a substrate 2. In principle, it is conceivable that the type of discharge of the extrusion material via the second extrusion unit 4, e.g. B. within a layer and / or between several layers, varies. Thus, discharge parameters, such as. B. discharge rate, depending on various parameters such. B. the web width, web speed, etc. can be varied. The second extrusion unit 4 can also be referred to or viewed as a “secondary extruder”.

It can be seen that the connection between the first extrusion unit 3 and the second extrusion unit 4 enables an extrusion material that is at least partially, in particular completely, melted by the first extrusion unit 3 to flow from the first extrusion unit 3, i. H. in particular the first extruder chamber 3.1, into the second extrusion unit 4, d. H. especially in the second extruder chamber 4.1. The connection between the first extrusion unit 3 and the second extrusion unit 4 is therefore a fluidic connection which enables an extrusion material, at least partially, in particular completely, melted by means of the first extrusion unit 3 to flow from the first extrusion unit 3, i. H. in particular the first extruder chamber 3.1, into the second extrusion unit 4, d. H. in particular in the second extruder chamber 4.1.

The extrusion device 1 further comprises one or - as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 because it is optional - several material introduction device (s) 5 that can be assigned or assigned to the second extrusion unit 4.

The material introduction device 5 is set up for introducing at least one additional material (not shown) into an extrusion material or the extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate 2 by means of the second extrusion unit 4. By means of the material introduction device 5, at least one additional material can therefore be introduced into an extrusion material or the extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate 2 by means of the second extrusion unit 4. The material introduction device 5 is therefore connectable or connected to the second extrusion unit 4 in such a way that at least one additional material is in the second extrusion unit 4, ie in particular can be introduced into the second extruder chamber 4.1.

The connection between the material introduction device 5 and the second extrusion unit 4 is therefore a fluidic connection which enables at least one additional material to flow into the second extrusion unit 4, i.e. H. in particular in the second extruder chamber 4.1. The connection between the material feeding device 5 and the second extrusion unit 4 basically enables gaseous, liquid or solid additional material to be fed into the second extrusion unit 4. The specific functional or structural implementation of the connection between the material feeding device 5 and the second extrusion unit 4 is therefore typically in Chosen with regard to a certain aggregate state or a certain quality of the additional material to be introduced.

The material feeding device 5 can be used as a conveying device 7, which is used to convey at least one additional material, in particular at least one reservoir-like or reservoir-shaped collecting device 6 that can be assigned or assigned to the material feeding device 5, into the second extrusion unit 4, i.e. H. is set up in the second extruder chamber 4.1 or in an extrusion material located therein, or at least include one such. It is also conceivable that the material introduction device 5 is assigned a corresponding conveying device 7. In all cases, a corresponding conveyor 7 z. B. be designed as a feed pump device or at least include one such. The specific functional or structural design of a corresponding conveying device 7 typically results from the aggregate state or nature and thus from the conveying properties of the additional material to be introduced into the second extrusion unit 4.

The material introduction device 5 can alternatively or additionally be used as a metering device 8, which is used to meter a certain amount of an additional material into the second extrusion unit 4, ie. H. in particular in the second extruder chamber 4.1 or in an extrusion material located in it, be designed, or comprise at least one such. It is also conceivable that the material introduction device 5 is assigned a corresponding metering device 8. In all cases, a corresponding metering device 8 z. B. be designed as, optionally pressurizable or pressurized, metering valve device or comprise at least one such. The specific functional or structural configuration of a corresponding metering device 8 typically results from the state of aggregation or the nature and thus from the metering properties of the additional material to be introduced into the second extrusion unit 4.

The material introduction device 5 can, as shown purely by way of example in FIG. 1, a reservoir-like or -shaped collecting device 6, which is used for collecting by means of Material introduction device 5 is set up, assignable or assigned to additional material which can be introduced or to be introduced into the second extrusion unit 4. If the collecting device 6 is arranged or designed spatially separate from the material feeding device 5, there is a fluidic connection between the material feeding device 5 and the collecting device 6, via which additional material can flow from the collecting device to the material feeding device 5.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, as mentioned, it is shown by way of example that the extrusion device 1 can comprise a plurality of material introduction devices 5. Correspondingly, several material introduction devices 5, which are each set up for introducing at least one additional material into a molten extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate 2 by means of the second extrusion unit 4, can be assigned or assigned to the second extrusion unit 4. A first material introduction device 5 can be set up for introducing at least one first additional material into a molten extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate 2 by means of the second extrusion unit 4 and at least one further material introduction device 5 for introducing at least one of the at least one chemical and / or physical parameter The second additional material distinguishing first additional material can be set up in a melted extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate 2 by means of the second extrusion unit 4. The operation of the material introduction devices 5 can be controlled via a control device (not shown) implemented in terms of hardware and / or software. As a result, individualized material mixtures, consisting of an extrusion material and at least one additional material, can be produced in the second extrusion unit 4, if required.

An additional material can generally be understood - regardless of its physical state or its composition - to be any material or any material mixture which can influence the chemical and / or physical properties of a three-dimensional object to be produced by means of the extrusion device 1. In the case of an additional material, it can be, for. B. a material influencing the structural properties of a three-dimensional object to be produced, d. H. z. B. to a reinforcing material, such as. B. a reinforcing fiber material, and / or a material influencing the optical properties of a three-dimensional object to be produced, d. H. z. B. to a dye material such. B. a color pigment material act. Alternatively or in addition, other additional materials, such as. B. a foaming material causing the extrusion material to foam, d. H. z. B. a propellant material, conceivable. Mixtures of chemically and / or physically different additional materials are conceivable.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the second extruder axis A2 is arranged and / or aligned parallel relative to the first extruder axis A1. The first extruder axis A1 and the second extruder axes A2 are therefore arranged or aligned in parallel. Correspondingly, sections of the housing 3.3 of the first extrusion unit 3 and sections of the housing 4.3 of the second extrusion unit 4 are also arranged or aligned in parallel.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the second extruder axis A2 defines the discharge axis in which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate 2.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the second extruder axis A2 is angled, i. H. z. B. at an angle between 20 and 60 °, arranged and / or aligned relative to the first extruder axis A1. The first extruder axis A1 and the second extruder axis A2 are therefore arranged or aligned at an angle.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the first extruder axis A1 defines the discharge axis in which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate 2. The second extruder screw 4.2 is therefore arranged or oriented at an angle relative to the first extruder screw 3.2 that the discharge axis, in which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate 2, is aligned with the first extruder axis A1. This also results in the outlet opening 4.5, via which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate 2, in this exemplary embodiment aligned with the first extruder axis A1.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, at least one material introduction device 5 is also assigned to the second extrusion unit 4.

In connection with the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, but in no way limited thereto, an embodiment of at least one material feeding device 5 cooperating with a second extruder screw 4.2 designed as a hollow screw is conceivable. A corresponding material feeding device 5 can therefore be set up to include an additional material, such as, for. B. a fiber material, e.g. B. from a reservoir-like or -shaped collecting device 6, to be introduced into the cavity of a hollow screw, via which the additional material can be introduced on the cavity exit side into an extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate 2 by means of the second extrusion unit 4. Specifically, such z. B. a fiber material, d. H. in particular a continuous fiber material, can be introduced into a melt flow via a corresponding hollow screw. The same applies to additional materials that are not fiber material.

Based on the embodiments according to FIGS. 1, 2, purely exemplary, differently configured design options of the extrusion device 1 can be seen, which can be seen in particular through the arrangement or alignment of the respective extruder axes A1, A2 and, consequently, through the arrangement or alignment of the respective Define extruder screws 3.2, 4.2, the respective extruder chambers 3.1, 4.1 and the housings 3.3, 4.3 or housing sections that respectively delimit them.

The first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 and / or the material introduction device 5 can be structural components of an extrusion assembly (not shown). The first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 and / or the material introduction device 5 can therefore be combined in a structurally compact manner in a corresponding extrusion assembly. A corresponding extrusion assembly can be designed as a print head or in the manner of such a head.

It applies to all exemplary embodiments that the first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 can be mounted so as to be movable relative to a substrate 2 and / or to an object, depending on or independently of one another in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 can therefore be assigned an in particular motor-driven drive device (not shown), via which the first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 are relatively translational and / or rotational to a ground 2 and / or to an object offsetting drive force or a corresponding drive torque can be generated. A corresponding drive device can be part of a mounting device (not shown) which is set up for the movable mounting of the first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 with at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement relative to a substrate 2 and / or to an object, be. A corresponding storage device can, for. B. be designed as a single or multi-axis robot device or include such.

With regard to a spatially separate arrangement of the first and second extrusion units 3, 4 and the respective housings 3.3, 4.3 of the first and second extrusion units 3, 4, there are different conceivable embodiments for the structural connection of the first and second extrusion units 3, 4, which are explained in more detail in particular in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 4:

Basically, the second extrusion unit 4 or at least one second extrusion unit 4, as shown by way of example in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG a second extrusion unit 4, as shown by way of example in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, can be connected or connected to the first extrusion unit 3 in an orientation and / or position-variable manner. In the variant shown in Fig. 3, there is a rigid connection between the housing 3.3 or a housing section of the first extrusion unit 3 and the housing 4.3 or a housing section of the second extrusion unit 4, which is connected to the second extrusion unit 4 in a fixed-alignment and / or positional connection of the first extrusion unit 3, and vice versa, results. In this variant, it is not possible to change the orientation and / or position of the second extrusion unit 3 relative to the first extrusion unit 4; the second extrusion unit 4 is in a defined orientation and / or position relative to the first extrusion unit 3.

In the variant shown in FIG. 3, a connecting element 9 which is arranged or constructed so as to be connected between the first and the second extrusion unit 3, 4 is of rigid construction. The connecting element 9 can, for. B. be designed as a rigid line element, preferably as a tubular element.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the first extrusion unit 3 and the second extrusion unit 4 are arranged or formed in a common housing structure of the extrusion device 1 or a common housing structure of a corresponding extrusion assembly. The housings 3.3, 4.3 or housing sections of the first and second extrusion units 3, 4 can therefore, as shown in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1, 2, form components of a higher-level housing structure of the extrusion device 1 or a common housing structure of a corresponding extrusion assembly.

In the variant shown in FIG. 4, there is no rigid connection between the housing 3.3 or a housing section of the first extrusion unit 3 and the housing 4.3 or a housing section of the second extrusion unit 4, which in an alignment and / or position-variable connection of the second extrusion unit 4 with of the first extrusion unit 3, and vice versa, results. In this variant, a change in the orientation and / or position of the second extrusion unit 4 relative to the first extrusion unit 3 is possible; the second extrusion unit 4 can be brought into a plurality of defined alignments and / or positions relative to the first extrusion unit 3. The second extrusion unit 4 or at least one second extrusion unit 4 is mounted here so as to be movable relative to the first extrusion unit 3 with at least one degree of freedom of movement.

In the variant shown in FIG. 4, a connecting element 9, which is arranged or configured so as to be connected between the first and the second extrusion unit 3, 4, is designed to be flexible. The connecting element 9 can, for. B. be designed as a flexible line element, preferably as a hose element.

Based on the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1-4, it can therefore be seen that the Connection between the first extrusion unit 3 and the second extrusion unit 4 - in principle regardless of whether the second extrusion unit 4 is connected to the first extrusion unit 3 in a fixed orientation and / or position or variable in orientation and / or position - can be direct or indirect. For variants with an indirect connection, it applies that the first extrusion unit 3 can be or can be connected to the second extrusion unit 4 via a connection element 9. The connecting element 9 is designed to form a flow connection that enables an extrusion material melted by means of the first extrusion unit 3 to flow from the extruder chamber 3.1 of the first extrusion unit 3 into the extruder chamber 4.1 of the second extrusion unit 4.

In principle, a corresponding connecting element 9 - as shown purely by way of example in FIG. 3 by the double arrows P1 - can be designed to be extendable in all exemplary embodiments, for example telescopically or in the form of a telescope. An extendable connecting element 9 makes it possible to adjust or change the distance between the first extrusion unit 3 and a second extrusion unit 4 in at least one spatial direction. This can e.g. B. be useful for the production of objects with varying object cross-sections.

In all embodiments, a blocking device 11, indicated purely schematically in FIG. 3, which is set up to block the flow connection formed by the connecting element 9 at least in sections, can be assigned or assigned to a corresponding connecting element 9. The flow connection between the first extrusion unit 3 and the or a second extrusion unit 4 can therefore be blocked and / or unblocked as required and thus selectively. In this way, if necessary, an additional material can be introduced into the extrusion unit or a second extrusion unit 4.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a respective locking device 11 has, for example, a locking element 11.1 movably mounted in the movement path indicated by the double arrow P2, in particular reversibly. The same applies to the other exemplary embodiments, i. H. in particular the embodiment shown in FIG.

The blocking device can comprise at least one blocking element (not shown), which is not possible between a blocking division in which a flow of an extrusion material melted by means of the first extrusion unit 3 from the extruder chamber 3.1 of the first extrusion unit 3 into the extruder chamber 4.1 of the or a second extrusion unit 4 is not possible , and at least one non-blocking position in which a flow of an extrusion material melted by means of the first extrusion unit 3 from the extruder chamber 3.1 of the first extrusion unit 3 into the extruder chamber 4.1 of the or a second extrusion unit 4 is movably supported. The locking element can be in the Barrier division z. B. be moved in sections, in particular completely, into a flow cross section of a connecting element 9. A drive device (not shown), in particular a motorized one, can be assigned to the locking element, which is set up to generate a drive force or a corresponding drive torque that sets the locking element into the locking pitch and / or into the non-locking position. The control of the operation of the drive device and, as a result, the control of movements of the locking element, typically takes place via a control device (not shown) assigned to it and implemented in hardware and / or software.

3 - 5 each show exemplary embodiments of the extrusion device 1 with at least two and therefore with several second extrusion units 4. The following statements apply to this:

The at least two second extrusion units 4 can be arranged and / or aligned evenly or unevenly distributed relative to the first extrusion unit 4. In particular, space-optimized arrangements or orientations of the second extrusion units 4 relative to the first extrusion unit 3 and relative to one another are possible.

Based on the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 3, 4 it can be seen that a first, second extrusion unit 4, i. H. z. B. the left second extrusion unit 4, can be arranged and / or aligned relative to the first extrusion unit 3 in such a way that a first object and / or a first object section can be produced via the first second extrusion unit 4, and at least one further second extrusion unit 4 , d. H. z. B. the right second extrusion unit 4, can be arranged and / or aligned relative to the first extrusion unit 3 in such a way that another object and / or a further object section can be produced via the further second extrusion unit 4.

Using the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, which, in contrast to the other figures, shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an extrusion device 1 in a plan view, the at least two second extrusion units 4 - in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, four second extrusion units 4 are purely exemplary - be arranged and / or aligned concentrically relative to the first extrusion unit 3, in particular with respect to an extruder axis A1 defined by the extruder screw 3.2 of the first extrusion unit 3. The concentric arrangement of the second extrusion units 4 is only one example of a possible arrangement of the second extrusion units 4.

Regardless of their arrangement or alignment, the at least two second extrusion units 4 can be mounted so as to be movable relative to one another with at least one degree of freedom of movement. A corresponding movable mounting of respective second extrusion units 4 can, for. B. be useful to a second extrusion unit 4 temporarily (further) relative to a to move the first second extrusion unit 4, that is to say, for example, to be further spaced from a substrate 2 in order not to impair the discharge result achieved by means of the first second extrusion unit 4.

Likewise, regardless of their arrangement or alignment, the at least two second extrusion units 4 can have at least one of the same or different discharge properties of the melted extrusion material that can be discharged onto a substrate 2 via them. Consequently, with at least two second extrusion units 4, individualized material batches, consisting of an extrusion material and at least one additional material, can be discharged onto a substrate 2.

It is Z. B. conceivable that the at least two second extrusion units 4 in at least one geometrical-constructive parameter, in particular a dimension parameter defining the dimensions of a respective discharge opening and / or a shape parameter defining the shape of the respective discharge opening 4.5, a respective discharge opening 4.5 via which the Melted extrusion material which can be discharged onto a substrate 2 can be discharged onto a substrate 2, are the same or different. Alternatively or in addition, it is conceivable that the at least two second extrusion units 4 are in at least one operating parameter influencing the discharge speed, in particular a speed parameter defining the drive speed of a respective drive device 4.4 and / or a torque parameter defining the drive power of a respective drive device 4.4, of a respective drive device 4.4 same or different.

The extrusion device 1, although only shown in FIG. en) 4 and / or the material introduction device (s) 5 is set up. The regulation and / or

Control device 10 can in particular be set up to regulate and / or control the operation of the first extrusion unit 4 as a function of or independently of the operation of the or a second extrusion unit 4. The regulating and / or control device 10 can, in particular in the sense of a central regulating and / or control device, also be set up to operate individual, several or all further functional units of the extrusion device 1, i. H. z. B. regulate or control the operation of the respective drive devices 3.4, 4.4.

All of the above statements apply analogously to a variant of the extrusion device 1 with a plurality of first extrusion units 3. All of the above statements apply analogously, although not shown, to exemplary embodiments of the first extrusion unit 3 and / or the second extrusion unit 4 with a plurality of extruder screws 3.2, 4.2 and one or more outlet openings 3.5, 4.5.

With the exemplary embodiments of an extrusion device 1 described in connection with the figures, a method for extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object can be implemented. The method is characterized in that an extrusion device 1 according to at least one exemplary embodiment is used to carry out the method. The method comprises in particular the steps of melting an extrusion material, optionally introducing an additional material into the melted extrusion material and discharging a material mixture comprising the melted extrusion material and optionally the additional material onto a substrate 2 for the extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object. Individual, several or all aspects and / or features described in connection with a specific exemplary embodiment can be transferred to individual, several or all aspects and / or features described in connection with at least one further exemplary embodiment. The exemplary embodiments according to the figures can therefore be combined with one another.

Claims

PATEN TAN SPRAU CHE

1. Extrusion device (1) for extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object, comprising:

- At least one first extrusion unit (3) which is set up to melt an extrusion material,

- At least one second extrusion unit (4) which can be or is connected to the first extrusion unit (3) and which is set up to discharge an extrusion material melted by means of the at least one first extrusion unit (3) onto a substrate (2),

- At least one of the at least one second extrusion unit (4) assignable or assigned material introduction device (5), which is set up to introduce at least one additional material into an extrusion material to be discharged onto a substrate (2) by means of the at least one second extrusion unit (4).

2. Extrusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first extrusion unit (3) comprises a first extruder screw (3.2) defining a first extruder axis (A1), and the at least one second extrusion unit (4) comprises a second extruder axis (A2) defining second extruder screw (4.2), wherein the second extruder axis (A2) is arranged and / or aligned parallel or at an angle relative to the first extruder axis (A1).

3. Extrusion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second extruder axis (A2) is arranged and / or aligned at an angle relative to the first extruder axis (A1), the first extruder axis (A1) of the at least one first extrusion unit (3) having a discharge axis , in which melted extrusion material can be discharged onto a substrate (2).

4. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second extrusion unit (4) or at least one second extrusion unit (4) can be or is connected to the at least one first extrusion unit (3) in a fixed orientation and / or position, or the at least one second extrusion unit (4) or at least one second extrusion unit (4) can be or is connected to the at least one first extrusion unit (3) in an orientation and / or position-variable manner.

5. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second extrusion unit (4) or at least one second extrusion unit (4) is mounted movably relative to the at least one first extrusion unit (3).

6. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first extrusion unit (3) can be or is connected to the at least one second extrusion unit (4) via at least one connecting element (9), the at least one connecting element (4) is set up, a flow of an extrusion material melted by means of the at least one first extrusion unit (3) from an extruder chamber (3.1) of the at least one first extrusion unit (3) into an extruder chamber (4.1) of the at least one second extrusion unit (4) or into an extruder chamber (4.1) to form at least one second extrusion unit (4) enabling flow connection.

7. Extrusion device according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (9) is rigid, in particular as a rigid conduit element, preferably as a tubular element, or the at least one connecting element (9) is flexible, in particular is designed as a flexible line element, preferably as a hose element.

8. Extrusion device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a locking device which can be or is assigned to the at least one connecting element (9), which locking device is set up to at least partially block the flow connection formed by the at least one connecting element (9).

9. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second extrusion unit (4) has a plurality of material introduction devices (5), each of which is used to introduce at least one additional material into a substrate (2) to be discharged by means of the at least one second extrusion unit (4) melted extrusion material are set up, assignable or assigned.

10. Extrusion device according to claim 9, characterized in that a first material introduction device (5) for introducing at least one first additional material into a substrate by means of the at least one second extrusion unit (4)

(2) molten extrusion material to be discharged is set up, and at least one further material introduction device (5) for introducing at least one second additional material, which differs in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter from the first additional material, into a by means of the at least one second extrusion unit (4) molten extrusion material to be discharged is set up on a substrate (2).

11. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first extrusion unit (3) and the at least one second extrusion unit (4) are arranged or formed in a common housing structure of the extrusion device (1).

12. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of second extrusion units (4).

13. Extrusion device according to claim 12, characterized in that the plurality of second extrusion units (4) are arranged and / or aligned in a uniformly or non-uniformly distributed manner relative to the at least one first extrusion unit.

14. Extrusion device according to claim 13, characterized in that the plurality of second extrusion units (4), in particular with respect to an extruder axis (A1) defined by an extruder screw (3.2) of the at least one first extrusion unit (3), concentrically relative to the at least one first extrusion unit

(3) are arranged and / or aligned.

15. Extrusion device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a first second extrusion unit (4) is arranged and / or aligned relative to the at least one first extrusion unit (3) in such a way that the first second extrusion unit (4) a first object and / or a first object section can be produced, and at least one further second extrusion unit (4) is arranged and / or aligned relative to the at least one first extrusion unit (3) in such a way that it extends over the further second extrusion unit (4) can produce a further object and / or a further object section.

16. Extrusion device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that at least two second extrusion units (4) are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another in at least one degree of freedom of movement.

17. Extrusion device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that at least two second extrusion units (4) differ in at least one of the discharge properties of the melted extrusion material which can be discharged via these onto a substrate (2).

18. Extrusion device according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least two second extrusion units (4) in at least one geometrically constructive parameter, in particular a dimension parameter defining the dimensions of a respective discharge opening and / or a shape parameter defining the shape of the respective discharge opening, a respective Discharge opening (4.5), through which the melted extrusion material that can be discharged onto a substrate (2) can be discharged onto a substrate (2), and / or in at least one operating parameter that influences the discharge speed, in particular one of the drive speed of a respective drive device (4.4) speed parameter defining and / or a torque parameter defining the drive power of a respective drive device (4.4) of a respective drive device (4.4).

19. Extrusion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one regulating and / or control device (10) which is set up to regulate and / or control the operation of the at least one first extrusion unit (3) and the at least one second extrusion unit (4) is.

20. A method for extrusion-based production of at least one three-dimensional object, characterized in that an extrusion device (1) according to one of the preceding claims is used to carry out the method.