Project number
25043
Organization
AZ 3D Print
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
Industrial HP-MJF 3D printers are revolutionizing manufacturing, but they produce excess PA12 glass-nylon powder as a byproduct of the printing process. The current method for recycling this powder is to manually transfer it between barrels using a scoop. This requires extra labor and produces undesirable airborne particulates. To improve efficiency and workplace safety, the team created a material conveyance system that automates the recycling process by transporting, mixing and extruding PA12 powder into reusable 3D printing filament.
The team’s system consists of three primary subsystems: a cyclone-based transport system, a rotary mixing subsystem and a hopper-fed extrusion assembly. The transport system moves powder from a bulk storage barrel to the mixing chamber. Here, controlled rotation incorporates additives for color and stability. Next, the mixed powder is fed into a filament extruder via a hopper assembly. Users can control powder transfer and mixing parameters via a touchscreen interface. The system also automatically logs operational data for tracking and optimization. This system promotes material reuse, reduces manual handling, and provides a safer and more consistent method for producing recycled filament.
The team’s system consists of three primary subsystems: a cyclone-based transport system, a rotary mixing subsystem and a hopper-fed extrusion assembly. The transport system moves powder from a bulk storage barrel to the mixing chamber. Here, controlled rotation incorporates additives for color and stability. Next, the mixed powder is fed into a filament extruder via a hopper assembly. Users can control powder transfer and mixing parameters via a touchscreen interface. The system also automatically logs operational data for tracking and optimization. This system promotes material reuse, reduces manual handling, and provides a safer and more consistent method for producing recycled filament.