About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 AWS Professional Program
|
| Symposium
|
2025 AWS Professional Program
|
| Presentation Title |
Design of Filament Melt Pump Extruder for Large Format Additive Manufacturing |
| Author(s) |
Emily Piatt, Sam Anand |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Emily Piatt |
| Abstract Scope |
In the Additive Manufacturing industry, there are two main methods for plastic extrusion: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) for small-scale applications and Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) for large-scale applications. While FFF is by far more widely used in Additive Manufacturing, its throughput limitations have restricted its ability to be used in Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM). FFF extruders currently rely on feeding a filament spool that is typically 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm in diameter through a heated block and nozzle to deposit material. Due to the rate at which the material would need to be heated, this method limits the throughput to less than 0.5 kg/hr. This paper proposes an FFF extruder design that utilizes a melt pump to more consistently and quickly control a larger volume of melted filament. Melt pumps have already shown promise in LFAM when in use with a single screw extruder. These devices help to meter the flow of material and better control the extruded bead. The proposed extruder design is validated through flow testing analysis. By showing that a consistent bead of material can be produced with the use of a melt pump for FFF printing, this extruder design can expand the use of FFF to larger industrial applications. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |