Universal Paste Extruder for 3D printers

youmagine

Originally created and shared on April 6th, 2012 - This is a universal paste extruder designed for use with RepRap and other 3D printers. It enables experimentation with various pastes on your printer without the need for air compressor equipment or valves. Instead, it utilizes the existing Extruder motor output from your printer's electronics. The device is engineered to fit seamlessly onto my universal Quick-Fit X Carriage and will also accommodate Prusa and Greg-style X carriages. On April 7th, 2012, I made adjustments and added a gear set on two plates for Cupcake and smaller build-bed machines. On April 11th, I uploaded the Sketchup Source files (I apologize for the delay). I challenge you to design a functional version that works with 50ml syringes! Or create a fully parametric model in SCAD! A huge thank you goes out to Greg Frost and his derivatives for the incredible work done on the Parametric Involute Bevel and Spur Gears script. This contribution significantly reduced the time it took me to develop the gear set. You can find an assembly video for the Universal Paste Extruder here, which provides detailed instructions for building one - It's perfect for printing with Ceramic Clays, Silicone, Sugar pastes, solder paste for PCB assembly, Chocolate, Frostings, Masa Harina, and a wide range of other food items or pastes that can be extruded through a syringe. A Blog post on the Extruder is available here - richrap.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/universal-paste-extruder-ceramic-food.html Watch videos showcasing the printer in action with Sugar paste, Chocolate, Porcelain Clay, Masa Harina (Corn chips), and Intro video.