Direct writing nozzle system for additive manufacturing

Abstract

A nozzle apparatus used for extruding a material includes an internal spindle that imparts motion into the extruding material, the internal spindle having a base; a multiple degree-of-freedom pivot at the base of the internal spindle, and a drive mechanism that controls the motion of the internal spindle. In one embodiment the material is a semi-solid metal or alloy. In another embodiment the material is a shear thinning mixture or material. In yet embodiment the material is a thixotropic mixture or material. The nozzle apparatus can be used for making a three-dimensional object with the steps of providing a material; providing a nozzle that extrudes the material, the nozzle having an internal spindle that imparts motion into the material; positioning the nozzle above a support structure; and moving the nozzle in a three-dimensional pattern while extruding the material through the nozzle onto the support structure or onto the material previously deposited.