Transforming Waste Plastic into Spools of 3D Printing Filament
In the world of 3D printing, innovation never stops. One such innovation comes from Igor Tylman, who has created the PETmachine - an extruder designed to transform PET plastic bottles into high-quality 3D printer filament.
The PETmachine follows a standard process common in similar extruder designs. It slices PET bottles into a continuous strip, melts the plastic within a heated extruder, and winds the resulting filament onto a spool. However, what sets the PETmachine apart is its focus on accessibility, safety, and educational applications.
Compared to other filament extruders, the variety of filament welders is more limited. The PETmachine addresses this issue with an induction coil heating method, which warms a steel tube inside which filament ends are joined under pressure. This method is somewhat unique, offering a streamlined solution for creating longer continuous filament strands from shorter extrusions typical of bottle recycling.
The PETmachine's filament welder is complemented by an adjustable spooling machine. This machine controls speed, tension, and evenly distributes filament, ensuring a smooth workflow and avoiding tangles. This integration is an advance over other setups where filament welding and spooling may be more manual or less refined.
The filament produced by the PETmachine is 1.75 mm diameter, usually within a tolerance of 0.05 mm. This quality is on par with commercially available filament, making it suitable for professional use.
Printing with the PETmachine's filament requires an all-metal hotend capable of 270 °C and a dual-drive extruder. While other filament types like PETG variants are commercially available with different properties, the PETmachine focuses on recycling actual PET bottles into usable filament.
The PETmachine's assembly is designed to be easy for classroom use, with detailed guides, diagrams, and no crimped or soldered connections. Proper calibration of the extruder's temperature and the spool's speed is necessary for producing quality filament.
In conclusion, the PETmachine is a significant step forward in the realm of 3D printing. Its innovative design, focus on accessibility, and commitment to recycling make it a standout option for both educational and professional settings.
[1] Tylman, I. (2021). PETmachine: A Filament Extruder for Recycling PET Bottles. Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/PETmachine-A-Filament-Extruder-for-Recycling-PET-Bott/
[2] Tylman, I. (2021). PETmachine: A Filament Extruder for Recycling PET Bottles - Assembly Instructions. Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/PETmachine-A-Filament-Extruder-for-Recycling-PET-Bottles-Assembly-Instructions/
[3] Tylman, I. (2021). PETmachine: A Filament Extruder for Recycling PET Bottles - Safety Instructions. Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/PETmachine-A-Filament-Extruder-for-Recycling-PET-Bottles-Safety-Instructions/
[4] Tylman, I. (2021). PETmachine: A Filament Extruder for Recycling PET Bottles - Troubleshooting. Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com/PETmachine-A-Filament-Extruder-for-Recycling-PET-Bottles-Troubleshooting/
[RomanMal] Provided a tip regarding this kind of extruder.
The PETmachine is an innovative gadget that harnesses technology to transform PET plastic bottles into high-quality 3D printer filament, making it a unique addition to the world of 3D printing. Its assembly, designed for ease of use in educational settings, allows for the creation of professional-grade filament, placing it alongside commercially available gadgets in terms of quality.
