[ Closed ] Filament Extruder - Convert pellets to filament (Page 30 of 58)

Ian, I used pre coloured because my machines were plunger ones, not screw ones. I also bought coloured regrind from a toy factory really cheap but I was using HDPE not ABS. ABS isn't  widely used.

I think these extruders are a bit small to use masterbatch, it doesn't get mixed in very well. I suppose you could fairly easily convert the extruder into a pelletiser and run the plastic through twice. I think one can get it in in very fine pellets, rather than the usual 3mm ones, which would help. The alternative is powder but that is very messy.

As for buying masterbatch, I can only suggest approaching a masterbatch manufacturer to group-buy a selection of colours in one go. I am in GB,  too far away to take part. One could also suggest to the manufacturer to put their masterbatch on ebay.

so when is the next set of kis going to be ready?

i'm pretty sure i'm on the waiting list

Sure, that'd be great.

How was the half pound of clear? Any contaminants?

By the way, I have to say I don't recommend running this in an empty house any more than I'd recommend running a kitchen oven with no one around. If the filament kinks up, a lot of it could sit on the heater and start smoking. I discovered this running the Filastruder overnight, and waking up to wisps of smoke coming off the end of the barrel, and a baseball sized glob of plastic. Though you don't have to be in the same room, I'd recommend at least having someone home in case things go awry. I'll add a warning to the manual.

I will try to shoot the video later this week.

Contaminates are becoming less and less of an issue the more plastic I run through the machine.  The clear I produced looked pretty good (I would have done some prints with it today but forgot the spool at home). I think it takes about a 1/2 to 1lb of ABS to flush out most of the contaminates when it is first started.

I am not super concerned about a fire with the machine but it would be good to have that noted in the manual.  You should probably also put in some minimum and maximum recommended temps to prevent damage to the machine.

Find some pellets and I'm happy to try.

OS is supposed to start carrying them starting late this month or early next month.   You could email Rob to confirm.

Teaser:

Tim, check your mail.

On the topic of PLA. We have been approved through the supplier and I am just waiting to hear back for availability. I have also started contacting a different supplier for more ABS colorant options.

@elmoret

I've been testing my version of an extruder that Nick posted pics of. I need to do some video editing and should have a video post tomorrow. Not printing with the filament yet, still flushing contaminates, and filament is too inconsistant.

My gear motor is not strong enough to run consistantly and I need to replace it with something with better torque. My current motor is from an old cordless Skil screwdriver, no idea of the ratio, it was in my junk bin. When my motor drags, I am loosing diameter in my filament and getting a heavier amp draw which slows down my cooling fan. My extrusion is ranging from 1.45 to 1.75mm from a 1.6mm nozzle. I get decent extrusion when the motor runs smoothly. Running 10-12 inches/min.

I wanted to know if you could tell me what gear motor you are using, ratio/torque, and how many amps are you driving it with? I need to source one that is 12 volt, I just need an idea of what specs to look for. I'm driving a 1/2" auger so I might be able to get away with something a little smaller.

1-3 RPM with at least 40 in-lbs of torque range?

Thanks!