8
Extruding
Even when starting with the recommended settings, adjustments to
screw speed and temperature will be necessary due to variables in the
environment such as ambient temperature and humidity.
1. Set the PID temperature controllers to the expected operating
temperatures. Refer to “First Use & Tuning – Initial Settings” (p. 5).
2. Install the screw. Refer to “First Use & Tuning – Installing the Screw”
(p. 7). NOTE: The screw may be installed at any barrel temperature
however it is recommended that the nozzle is installed at operating
temperature in case of the residual polymer in the threads which
could prevent the nozzle from screwing in fully and sealing.
3. Install the hopper on the feed port and add the polymer pellets to the
hopper. Make sure the slide valve on the base of the hopper is open.
4. Start the extruder and set the speed to about ¼ or 25 volts.
5. Once the polymer begins to extrude from the nozzle, feed the strand
to the spooling unit and begin making fine adjustments.
6. Begin by adjusting the screw speed up to your desired output rate.
This speed may have to be adjusted up or down depending on the
output consistency and how quickly the filament is cooled.
7. Measure the filament at points along its length after it is cool to
determine the consistency of output. If the output is not consistent,
you will see significant variances in the diameter of the filament. If
this is the case, adjustments to screw speed and temperature will
need to be made.
8. When extruder output consistency is within the desired range, adjust
the spooling unit’s speed to control the diameter of the filament.
-Turn up the spooling unit speed to decrease the diameter
-Turn down the spooling unit speed to increase the diameter.
Refer to the Troubleshooting section for general extrusion issues.
Refer to our online resources at Filabot.com for demonstrations of
polymer extrusion and more details on what you should look for with
regards to output.
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