Group 6 – Eco Filament Innovators (EFI)

Team Members

Steven Kobis, Ciara Miller, Cole Aiken, Julia Gallo, Isabella Camacho, Christopher Lopez, and Christopher Johnson

Abstract

The objective of the EcoFilament Innovators is to design a cost effective 3-D printer filament recycling system modeled to address sustainability and economic challenges. The proposed ReVive Filament system comprises six distinct subsystems: a grinder, extruder, winder, pelletizer, housing, and diameter sensor zone each meticulously engineered to fulfill project and client requirements. Notably, the grinder facilitates the reduction of ABS, PETG, or PLA waste material from failed prints, prototypes, etc. into small particulates subsequently processed by the extruder to form filament. The major components of the extruder include a horizontal feed compression screw, three heaters, insulation, and a vertical feed nozzle. The extruder has three heating presets for extruding each material. The winder, equipped with real-time diameter measurement capabilities, automates the winding process onto a spool, enhancing operational efficiency. The pelletizer improves the final filament quality. Pelletizing the first extruded filament then feeding uniform pellets into the extruder enables the final recycled filament to achieve a more uniform diameter and consistency. The extruder, winder, and grinder subsystems embody innovative design principles aimed at ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. Noteworthy features include the compact layout and integration of electronics within the extruder, the diameter sensor zone with a spring-loaded tension roller to control the filament diameter, alongside the utilization of a self-reversing screw mechanism within the winder for precise filament guidance.

Pitch Video

3D Interactive Product Model

The following is an interactive 3D model of the product design. You can view and rotate the product assembly in different orientations and views, including an exploded view to see the various parts that make up the assembly.