Co-rotating twin screw extruders (Co-TSE) are the equipment of choice for polymer compounding operations (e.g. polymerization, homogenization, additivation, blending, modification or reinforcement). This innovative 3D equipment incorporates the capabilities of the Co-TSE to the extrusion additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology. It allows processing small amounts of powder materials, with extrusion output independent from the screw rotation speed, increased flexibility, and with improved process control (effective screw length, residence time, and mixing intensity).

Project objectives: develop a material extrusion 3D printer that can process powders or micro-pellets; allow multi-material mixing and 3D printing in a single equipment; offer improved process flexibility for research applications

Methods: designed on Solid Edge, constructed from stock parts, FDM/FFF 3D printed parts, electronics adapted from RepRap

Results: modular extrusion unit, which allows tailoring the screw configuration according to the process requirements; independent output from screw speed and screw geometry; patent pending