ABS filament extrusion is manufacturing process in which raw plastic pellets are melted and formed into a continuous profile, ether 1.75mm or 3.0mm.

Injection_mouldingIn the extrusion of plastics, raw thermoplastic compound material in the form of pellets (ether ABS or PLA) which are gravity fed from a top mounted hopper into the barrel of the extruder. Additives such as colorants and UV inhibitors ( pellet form) are often used and can be mixed into the resin prior to arriving at the hopper. instead of extruding the fluid raw material through a die.

The material enters through the feed throat (an opening near the rear of the barrel) and comes into contact with the screw. The rotating screw forces the plastic beads forward into the barrel which is heated to the desired melt temperature of the molten plastic. It is then extruded through a die, in the case of the Noztek has two, 1.75mm & 3.0mm. As the filament is still hot as it is extruded through the die we recommend using a computer fan to cool it down, this will help keep the filament kink free.