Simple Filament Pelletizer

thingiverse

Users can effectively employ a 7/16" drill bit, a small piece of aluminum bar stock available at Lowes, a drill press, and a C Clamp to chop up filament using a Chinese soup container. Additionally, users require four M3 X 25 mm bolts with nuts/washers. Most pellets come out as small pieces, while some are longer but still fragile and easily broken by hand. Bringing the metal piece closer to the drill bit may eliminate larger fragments, but this could introduce drill bit wobble and create metal bits; experimenting with different settings is recommended. A drop of mineral oil can prevent heat buildup from the shaft of the drill bit rubbing against plastic. Moving the devices up on the drill bit ensures that the cutting section stops below where ABS rubs the drill bit, preventing pellets from riding up into this cavity and generating heat that could melt them. One benefit of this design is its ease of removal, allowing users to inspect the piece of metal for any metal shavings created. Update #1: Users can improve filament feed by chamfering the hole in the aluminum bar with a larger drill bit; without this, filament with bends or curves may catch on the edge. Update #2: Drilling out to 1/2" reduces space between the drill bit and the aluminum piece. If there is too much room, ABS won't chip but will instead chew at it and leave it intact. Using push-to-connect fittings works better when the aluminum block is tapped and the upper plastic piece is drilled out to fit the fitting. Users can also motorize their setup; see video: https://youtu.be/G9oXTAJCpPA