Device for preparing coated filaments for extrusion-based 3d printing

Abstract

A coating device for the production of coated filaments for an extrusion-based 3D printing process is provided. The device contains a coating unit and a fixing unit downstream of the coating unit.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A coating device for the production of coated filaments, comprising:
 a coating unit supplied with solid filament and a coating composition; and   a fixing unit downstream of the coating unit;   wherein   the coating unit comprises:   a coating application arrangement;   an outlet for excess coating composition; and   the location of the coating device is not within a 3D printer.   
     
     
         16 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The coating device of  claim 15 , wherein the coating application arrangement comprises a coating applicator selected from the group consisting of a nozzle, a sponge material which surrounds the filament, an annular gap, and a microextruder. 
     
     
         19 . The coating device of  claim 15 , which comprises an extruder and the extruder conducts a melt onto the filament. 
     
     
         20 . The coating device of  claim 15 , wherein the coating composition is supplied to the coating unit from a feed container equipped with a metering device. 
     
     
         21 . The coating device of  claim 15 , wherein the coating unit further comprises a restriction which adjusts the thickness of the coating. 
     
     
         22 . The coating device of  claim 15 , further comprising a collection container at the outlet for excess coating composition to collect residual coating composition from the coated filament. 
     
     
         23 . The coating device of  claim 15 , wherein the fixing unit comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a thermal drying unit, a jet of air, a jet of a gas, an air drying section of at least 1 cm in length, plasma treatment, UV irradiation, microwave radiation and magnetic induction. 
     
     
         24 . The coating device of  claim 15  further comprising a winding device which winds the fixed coated filament from the fixing device onto rolls for transport and storage. 
     
     
         25 . The coating device of  claim 15  wherein the coating device is in direct communication to a 3D printer such that the fixed coated filament obtained in the fixing unit is fed to the 3D printer.