3D Printer Filament Recycler

Project Overview

Designed and fabricated a prototype filament recycler - accepts shredded 3D prints (PLA, PETG, ABS) and extrudes recycled filament for printing use. Achieved consistent temperature control of +/- 0.5°C under required budget of $400.

What?

Developed an original and low-cost filament recycler single-handedly.
Converts shredded 3D prints (of varying material types) into usable recycled filament.
Incorporated PID temperature control via Arduino.

How?

Used Fusion 360 to create and design 3 prototypes.
Fabricated prototype with easily accessible hardware store parts.
Utilized moving average filter for smooth temp. readings.
Read and analyzed PID error graphs to tune control system parameters.

Results

Achieved consistent temp. control of +/- 0.5°C.
Successfully integrated all 5V, 12V, and 120VAC electronic components.
Achieved a low-cost* of $365 (*compared to readily available $800+ alternatives).

SJSU: ME 106 (Fundamentals of Mechatronics Engineering) - Term Project

This 3D Printer Filament Recycler was my term project submission for my ME 106 course at SJSU. As time was limited, the semester goal for this prototype was creating an initial prototype, achieve consistent temperature control (via PID control system) and a motor running at a constant RPM. Please see "future work" below for future features to be added.