- Keys to success:
* Continuous printing (no refilling allowed)
* Fluid flow control
* Fluid temperature control
* Capable of delivering 500g/hour of extruded wax
- Testing a spur gears pump
This is our second attempt at extruding.
POC here: Naked spur gear pump test.
TODO:
* Add heating element
* Add thermistor
* Add stepper and 2:1 reduction (need to check this)
* Wire to RAMPS
* Add extruder tip.
- need to check tip size. Current conduct size is 3mm. Will overflow printing. Start checking with 0.5mm tips and enlarge to fit :)
* We would need some kind of cooling for the print, wax flows a lot since when liquid has a low density and it will make a mess if not cooled fast.
Another idea that would be far more complex, but maybe give better results: have the extruder produce a wax stream that is warm enough for extrusion, but too cool to properly adhere. Then add a laser that adds that very controlled added energy to create the adhesion which is a very tiny spot and would be quickly cooled by the flow of cooler wax. You only add enough minute laser energy to achieve adhesion to your flow of cooler wax.