17. Applications and Implications
WHAT DOES IT DO?
My final project consists of an extrusion system for recycling filaments and 3D prints for the Universidad Iberoamericana de Puebla. The machine will recycle materials like shredded PLA and convert them into filament. The idea of this project is to create a complete system from shredding to final delivery on a filament spool. For now, I will focus only on the extrusion system, as it is quite a complex project.
WHO'S DONE WHAT BEFOREHAND?
Currently, there are various options on the market, some much more expensive than others, but the one I took inspiration from for my project and am basing it on is the extrusion system sold by the company ArtMe3D . Additionally, you can find multiple designs and systems assembled by people on the internet.
What will you design?
I will design a T-shaped structure using aluminum profiles to place the extrusion system I fabricated from aluminum pieces. The idea is to place the shredded material at the top of the aluminum piece, and then have the extruded material come out from the bottom.
What materials and components will be used and its costs?
| Material Name | Quantity | Cost in USD | Purchase Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50W Ceramic Resistors | 2 | $7.00 | MercadoLibre |
| Aluminum Profile 40x40 | 1 | $200.00 | Amazon |
| 24V 40x40x10 Fans | 1 | $15.00 | MercadoLibre |
| 24V 5A Power Supply | 1 | $7.00 | MercadoLibre |
| Atmega 328p | 1 | $4.80 | Unit electronic |
| Drivers for NEMA 17 Motors | 3 | $4.80 | MercadoLibre |
| NEMA 17 | 3 | $11.00 | MercadoLibre |
| 100K Thermistor | 1 | $10.00 | MercadoLibre |
| 9/16 Worm Wood Drill Bit | 1 | $9.19 | Amazon |
| half inch copper pipe | 1 | $4.86 | Home Depot |
| aluminum blocks | 1 | $27.03 | Amazon |
| Aluminium bar | 1 | $20.92 | Amazon |
| Rainbow cable roll | 1 | $16.22 | Amazon |
| OLED display | 1 | $4.65 | MercadoLibre |
| Electronic components for the board | - | $- - - | Digikey |
| Total | $242.47 | ||
What parts and systems will be made?
Three very important parts of the project will be fabricated:
- The Extrusion System: This is the most important part, featuring pieces manufactured on the lathe. Without this, the project cannot function.
- The Structure: This will house all the components and parts of the project.
- The Electronics: These will be created in modules to simplify the design of the board and facilitate testing.The electronics will have three separate board modules:
- The Main Board: This will house the ATmega328P, which will control everything, with multiple outputs to its pins.
- The Motor Control Module: This will contain three drivers to control the NEMA17 motors.
- The Temperature Control Module: This will have the capability to connect two ceramic resistors and two thermistors for PID temperature control.
What processes will be used?
- PCB fabrication
- 3D printing
- Programming
- Laser cut
- machined on lathe
- 3D modeling
What questions need to be answered?
- Will the motor with the reducer have enough strength and speed to extrude the material?
- Will the drill bit I use have the correct geometry to push the material?
- Will the electronics for temperature control function correctly and maintain an optimal temperature?
- Will the material used be sufficiently shredded to enter the system?
- Will the material have an optimal temperature to enter the system?
- Will my project work correctly and as expected?
HOW WAS IT EVALUATED?
It will be evaluated by testing that the extrusion system functions correctly and extrudes filament consistently, as well as ensuring that the electronics do not overheat or cause a short circuit.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS?
The implications of this project will allow us to recycle the filament from prints that did not work or are no longer needed, enabling continued work and printing of new parts for different projects. This will help the university save on the consumption of these materials and allocate the savings to increase the variety of materials available at the university. Thank you.