Description

This study aims to advance the field of additive manufacturing by producing multimaterial objects with intricate topological features and polylithic material distribution through an integrated approach. The research develops a Single-Nozzle Multi-Filament (SNMF) system with active mixing that blends multiple filaments to deposit a programmable mixture, allowing for gradient transitions between different materials within a single print. A numerical model is established to represent material transitional behavior and is validated with experiments to ensure precise control of material interfaces, enabling high material fidelity. Furthermore, the study proposes three strategies for designing and modeling multimaterial objects tailored for different applications, including image sampling, 2D discrete patches, and 3D surface division. The capabilities of the SNMF system are demonstrated through six case studies, showcasing its potential to fabricate complex designs with multiple functionalities.