Claystruder 2, Auger Paste Extruder

thingiverse

Claystruder 2 is an affordable prototype for paste extrusion built around a standard industrial auger extruder. However, this design is mainly a testing platform rather than an elegant solution. For more information about this extruder, visit http://unfoldfab.blogspot.be/2012/08/road-to-better-paste-extrusion-episode.html. Before you begin constructing the extruder, make sure to read the blog post on the auger extruder (and its comments) at http://unfoldfab.blogspot.be/2012/08/road-to-better-paste-extrusion-episode.html. The materials you will need for this project include: - Disposable material path (the auger) - HeadV1 5D.stl file - Auger-Stepper connector.stl file - Nema 17 stepper - M8 narrow washer (OD: 16mm) - Tape - Luer lock syringe - Syringe Adapter Head (e.g., http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:21074) - Two M3 30mm bolts and nuts - Four M3 bolts - Luer lock tapered nozzles To purchase disposable feed screws, consider buying from dosieren.de (http://www.dosieren.de/en/shop/products/cat/consumables/pr/disposable-feed-screw.html). You can find red and black augers there, as well as steel ones. To create the DMP housing, print out HeadV1 5D.stl file, which contains two halves of the housing. In one half, insert a washer to prevent the auger from being pushed out by the material pressure and the auger's tendency to 'unscrew.' Additionally, cut a small washer made of reinforced PTFE sheet for reduced friction and wear on the auger. Insert the DMP into one housing half and test its fit in the head. Add tape around the T (top and side inlet) to secure it inside the housing and prevent wobbling during printing due to alignment imperfections. Close the two halves with M3 30mm bolts and nuts. Print out Auger-Stepper connector.stl, which couples the stepper and auger. You may need to adjust this coupler for your specific stepper shaft or file a flat on the stepper. Fit it onto the stepper shaft and screw the head onto the stepper with four M3 bolts. If necessary, use spacers or alu tubing to ensure proper alignment. Your extruder is now handheld-ready! For Rapman usage, you may need to laser cut a carriage plate to accommodate the extruder and syringe. Secure the head parts to the steppers by screwing through the carriage plate, then through the head and into the stepper from the bottom up. To use the extruder with a syringe, obtain an adapter head (e.g., http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:21074) that fits your desired syringe size. Pressurize the syringe to start feeding the extruder without oozing out of the nozzle and prime the extruder before use.