Desenvolvimento de uma Extrusora de Filamento PET para Impressão 3D

Abstract

The consumption of plastic raises significant global concern, being the subject of dis cussions about its conscious use and reuse. One way to reduce the amount of discarded plastic and its environmental impact is through recycling. The thermoplastic polymer PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), commonly modified with Glycol, can be used as raw material for filaments for FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers. With the aim of reducing waste production, this work developed an extrusion system with temperature control for PET bottle recycling and filament creation for 3D printers. Its mechanical structure was modeled and printed by a 3D printer, divided into three main parts: the threader, winder, and filament spool. Its electrical schematic was designed to heat the extruder nozzle to a temperature of 220°C for the extrusion of recycled PET and to feed a stepper motor to move the winder to pull the extruded filament, based on the programming of an Arduino Nano that controls the PID process. The project was successfully completed, achieving the goal of producing up to 18 grams of filament from 2-liter PET bottles.; however, the filament quality did not fully meet the standards for 3D printing in FDM printers due to the variability of PET bottles. Lower production speeds were considered more suitable but still resulted in flattened filaments due to the bending of the filament during production, which may affect the quality of 3D prints. The total cost of the project was approximately $513.15, inclu ding the material costs of the modeled parts and filaments, as well as the printing of the structures.