Diseño y fabricación de un equipo de extrusión de filamento en polímero para impresión por MDF

Abstract

The 3D printing process and specifically Fused Deposition Modeling ("FDM”), is a technology that allows implementing customization strategies in the product to best satisfy customer needs, from the controlled extrusion of a molten filament, forms a product layer by layer. This technology has become widespread thanks to the release of its patent and the collaborative work embodied on the Internet, with which it has been possible to build low-cost equipment, making this technology accessible to common users.

Considering the aforementioned, the development of varied materials to be used in this type of printers is a need and a potential opportunity. For this reason, the present project proposed the design and manufacture of a laboratory extruder, with which recycled or virgin polymeric materials can be processed, alone or reinforced; obtaining filament spools to be used in 3D printers by FDM.

As a result of this project, an extrusion equipment for polymers with a screw diameter of 25 mm was built, with an L/D ratio of 18:1, with a production capacity of 5 kg/h in Low Density Polyethylene ("LDPE ”), with an electrical consumption of 1.4 kW/h and with two dies that allow forming a filament of 1.75 mm and/or 3 mm in diameter, According to the need. With this extruder it is expected to contribute to the research and development of materials, for applications obtained through 3D printing by FDM, applying bio-friendly concepts.