1 Topic by tonycstech

  • tonycstech
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Topic: PLA Dual heater ?

Question to a PROFESSIONAL extruder that has done it all.
Would adding another heater with its own temperature setting closer toward the hopper help with PLA extrusion rate ?
It will effect the amount of per-melted (colder then next heater) before it gets toward the end thus (in theory) help to push PLA out by giving more pushy material pushing from behind.
Rather then having pellets to push what ever is at the nozzle, i suspect that more mushy material in the barrel=more push.
Insulating entire barrel  ? Did that already but  not sure if there was any effect on that.

Also generally speaking, how long does it take to see the effect on extruded material when changing temperature ? I ask because changing the nozzle temp not changing the temp inside nor effecting the pre-melt amount.


Thanks !

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2 Reply by Sungod3000

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Re: PLA Dual heater ?

I was considering isolation the barrel as well and thus get more mushy material clsoer to the hopper.
But then I thought that mushy material is harder to push through. Its similar to the printer hotends where when you have a long meltzone you need more pushing force extruder.

I think a 2nd heater/more insulation would just decrease extrusion speed, but I havent tested it.

3 Reply by elmoret

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Re: PLA Dual heater ?

@tony:

All professional extruders have multiple temperature zones (not necessarily heaters, sometimes cooling water is used). They also get most of their heat from mechanical shear, not electrical heating. DIY extruders are very different, with 95% of their heat coming from electrical heaters.

@sungod:

A warmer barrel definitely improves output. It increases the coeff of friction between the barrel and polymer, which increases output as described by the equation in the Polymer Extrusion sticky. If I wrap the barrel in insulation up to the hopper output will increase, but so does motor load (expectedly). I'm still studying this phenomena, so I'm not ready to make the update to all kits.

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4 Reply by tonycstech

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Re: PLA Dual heater ?

Exactly what i thought and exactly why i needed another heater.
I have yet seen any improvement by insulating the entire barrel, perhaps i didnt insulate it enough ?
I bought roll of insulation and aluminum tape to wrap around it.
Maybe i should go few more layers.....

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