CPC B29C 64/112 (2017.08) [B29C 64/209 (2017.08); B29C 64/227 (2017.08); B29C 64/245 (2017.08); B29C 64/314 (2017.08); B29C 64/336 (2017.08); B29K 2023/06 (2013.01); B29K 2055/02 (2013.01); B29K 2067/003 (2013.01); B29K 2075/00 (2013.01); B29K 2077/00 (2013.01); B29L 2031/505 (2013.01); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/10 (2020.01); B33Y 70/00 (2014.12)] | 17 Claims |
1. A method for printing a three-dimensional thermoplastic part, using a print head having a microfluidic printing nozzle, the method comprising:
heating to a temperature greater than 100 degrees Celsius, by use of at least one heating device, a mixing chamber of the microfluidic printing nozzle;
pumping, into the mixing chamber, at least a first fluid polymeric material and a second fluid polymeric material through at least a first inlet and a second inlet respectively, by use of a first pump and a second pump respectively, wherein each of the first pump and the second pump comprises a rotary positive displacement pump;
actively mixing at least the first fluid polymeric material and the second fluid polymeric material using an impeller in the mixing chamber; and
extruding the mixture of at least the first fluid polymeric material and the second fluid polymeric material onto a substrate, thereby to print the three-dimensional thermoplastic part.
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