Changes

[[Category:Proposed_ProjectsClosed_Projects]]

Build an extruder a plastic recycling machine to recycle and create new make 3D printable filament cheaply for Fixme's the [[Ultimaker]] and other people's printers. First (optional) step of the process is to melt plastic parts (such as bottle caps, failed prints, packages) into plastic pellets. This can be done by putting parts inside a heating recipient having a hole at the bottom. An irregular thread of material will come out and be sliced into small pellets. Next step is to transform pellets or plastic parts (if they are small enough) into 3D-printable filament. This is performed by the extruder. An extruder is constructed from essentially two parts: a feeding mechanism, and a heater - chopped plastic is parts or pellets are fed from a container into the feeding mechanism, which then pushes the plastic slowly through the heater to create the filament.

== Parts needed ==

! StateProgress! 3d model/images

| TubeMain frame| Part where Main part holding all the material will flow troughparts together. Which material should we use ? (Aluminium/ (Stainless) steel) ?Also we will have to be able to dig holes to put the temp sensors inside.| Done| Needed (20mm internal diameter)TODO

| AugerCoupler| Screw pushing Holds the materialmotor rotor and the screw together| '''Needs update''' with new motor rotor diameter (8mm)| Just bought [http://www.ebay.com/itm/20mm-Long-Combination-Wood-Auger-Drill-Bit-Carpenter/310775630556 one of those] on EbayTODO

| Motorholder| Makes stuff moveHolds the motor (duh.)| Needed'''Needs update''' with 3 holes mounting instead of 4. Thickness needs to be checked for usage with new motor| TODO

| Heating elementScrew holder| Nichrome wire ? Ceramic heaters ? Quite cheap on ebay.This will be controlled by a thermostat (when Aligns the tx is above a defined point we shut it down). Find a way to attach this (high-temp resistant tape ?) and isolate from the outside.| Bought 10ft of G28 nichrome wire. |-| Thermometers| Get the internal temperature in different places of screw with the tube (rear, middle and nose for example).| Needed|-| Extrusion nozzle| Transforms the heated plastic into a regular filament suitable for the printer.| Needed|-| Cooling system| "From liquid May need more grease to solid in a trice !". Air/water/oil ?reduce friction| NeededTODO

* [http://hackaday.com/2014/02/06/plastic-recycling-at-home-promises-a-revolution-in-local-plastic-production/ Plastic recycling machines built at low cost] == Schedule Progression ==Why do * 2013/11/22 - Starting experiments :).* 2013/11/27 - Measure the temperature we even can have this sectionwith the current setup. Are there other ways to use the nichrome wire (on the extrusion head/on the tube/both) ?Also start experiments for the part that will transform HDPE into pellets (shattering vs melting i.e.). What's the best way to have both parts (recycling and filament making) in the same machine ? Also: plans, plans, plans - use a paper shredder to break used and new plastic into small bits.* 2014/01/17 - Added a metal top on the end with a 3mm brass extrusion nozzle soldered to it. Next step is adding motorization and automation (i.e. temperature regulation)* 2014/01/30 - A more polished version of the metal parts will be made by [[User:noskill]]'s school polymecanics. The heated part and the nozzle will be removable.* 2014/03/10 - Received the stepper motor and the arduino motor shield. Now the mechanics will make a first prototype of the machine in a few days. Also tested the temperature sensor under "real" conditions (~200°c) and worked perfectly.* 2014/04/01 - The prototype is done ! And it's not even an April fools joke !* 2014/06/11 - The motor used is not powerful enough in the current setup. Next step is to try adding a screw trough the rotor to get more torque and eventually to buy a new motor (DC, stepper ?). == See also ==* [[Ultimaker]]