Fabrication, Testing and Statistical Analysis of a Project-Based Single-Screw Filament Extruder

Abstract

The Additive Manufacturing industry and its continuous rise are both promising and problematic at the same time because of the waste produced. In this study, the researchers fabricated a modified filament extruder based on the "Precious Plastic" project by Dave Hakkens. This study serves two purposes, to lessen the costs involved with procuring 3-D printing filament to use and to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste such as failed 3-D prints. The testing involves the variation of nozzles, extrusion temperatures, and motor speed with key results: 190℃ and 10rpm setup yielded the filament closest to the targeted value by having a mean diameter of 1.7490mm; motor speed and its interaction with temperature are significant to the determination of filament diameter; and in terms of tolerance, the filaments produced from testing is within the ± 0.05 range with 95% confidence level. For future testing, the inclusion of physical properties such as strength and flexibility can provide a concrete basis for selecting optimal settings and determining the quality of filament produced.