We can ship anywhere in the world and mail you a tracking number in advance. Depending on your location, you can usually expect a delivery 3-4 day lead time. The Full System is made to order so please allow one week. All our machines are tested in-house before shipment ample Description ample Description

Frequently Asked Questions - Bulk Pellets

Where Can I Purchase Bulk Pellets?

Bulk pellets are available through several channels, depending on your location and requirements:

Direct from Manufacturers: Many pellet producers offer direct sales for bulk quantities, typically providing the most competitive pricing for large orders. This option is ideal for commercial operations, heating contractors, or businesses requiring regular, high-volume deliveries.

Authorized Distributors: Regional distributors maintain extensive networks and can provide consistent supply chains with flexible delivery schedules. They often serve as intermediaries between manufacturers and end-users, offering additional services such as storage solutions and customized delivery timing.

Wholesale Suppliers: Specialized biomass fuel wholesalers focus exclusively on bulk pellet distribution and typically maintain large inventory levels to ensure year-round availability, even during peak heating seasons.

Agricultural Cooperatives: In many regions, agricultural cooperatives have expanded into biomass fuel distribution, leveraging their existing logistics networks to serve rural and commercial customers.

What Quantities Qualify as "Bulk"?

Bulk pellet purchases typically begin at:

• 1 ton (2,000 lbs) for small commercial or residential applications
• 5-10 tons for standard bulk pricing tiers
• 25+ tons for premium wholesale rates
• 100+ tons for industrial contracts with customized pricing

What Should I Consider When Selecting a Bulk Supplier?

Quality Certifications: Look for suppliers offering pellets with recognized certifications such as ENplus A1/A2, Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) standards, or local equivalent certifications that guarantee consistent quality and performance.

Delivery Capabilities: Ensure your supplier can accommodate your site's delivery requirements, including truck access, pneumatic delivery systems, and storage capacity constraints.

Supply Reliability: Choose suppliers with established production capacity and backup sourcing options to prevent supply interruptions during peak demand periods.

Geographic Coverage: Regional suppliers often provide better service, reduced transportation costs, and more flexible delivery schedules compared to distant suppliers.

Payment Terms: Review payment options, bulk discounts, seasonal pricing, and contract terms to optimize your purchasing strategy.

Where Can I Purchase Bulk Pellets?

Bulk pellets are available through several channels, depending on your location and requirements:

Direct from Manufacturers: Many pellet producers offer direct sales for bulk quantities, typically providing the most competitive pricing for large orders. This option is ideal for commercial operations, heating contractors, or businesses requiring regular, high-volume deliveries.

Authorized Distributors: Regional distributors maintain extensive networks and can provide consistent supply chains with flexible delivery schedules. They often serve as intermediaries between manufacturers and end-users, offering additional services such as storage solutions and customized delivery timing.

Wholesale Suppliers: Specialized biomass fuel wholesalers focus exclusively on bulk pellet distribution and typically maintain large inventory levels to ensure year-round availability, even during peak heating seasons.

Agricultural Cooperatives: In many regions, agricultural cooperatives have expanded into biomass fuel distribution, leveraging their existing logistics networks to serve rural and commercial customers.

What Quantities Qualify as "Bulk"?

Bulk pellet purchases typically begin at:

• 1 ton (2,000 lbs) for small commercial or residential applications
• 5-10 tons for standard bulk pricing tiers
• 25+ tons for premium wholesale rates
• 100+ tons for industrial contracts with customized pricing

Power Consumption

What Are the Production Rates for Different Extruder Models?

An essential part of filament manufacturing is preparing it onto spools for storage or loading directly into your 3D printer. We now manufacture and sell the advanced Filament Winder 2, designed specifically to complement our extrusion systems.

Professional Spooling Benefits:

• Consistent Winding Tension: Prevents filament tangling and ensures smooth feeding during printing

• Proper Layer Distribution: Even winding patterns maximize spool capacity and prevent filament binding

• Storage Optimization: Professional spooling extends filament shelf life and maintains dimensional accuracy

• Print-Ready Format: Direct compatibility with standard 3D printer spool holders and feed mechanisms

Filament Winder 2 Features:

• Advanced Control System: Precise tension and speed control for various filament diameters

• Professional Results: Consistent, tangle-free spooling suitable for both personal and commercial use

• Integrated Workflow: Seamless integration with our extruder lineup for complete production solutions

• Quality Assurance: Proper winding prevents diameter variations and surface defects that can affect print quality

Complete Manufacturing Solution: Combining our extruders with the Filament Winder 2 provides a comprehensive filament production workflow from raw materials to print-ready spools, ensuring professional results throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Absolutely. Setting up our machines couldn't be easier - simply unpack and plug into mains power. Our user-friendly design ensures you can begin production quickly with minimal setup time.

Simple 3-Step Operation Process:

1. Heat the barrel to the correct melting temperature for your material

2. Start the motor using the intuitive control interface

3. Begin extruding - it's that straightforward

No Complex Installation: Unlike industrial systems requiring extensive setup, calibration, or technical expertise, Noztek machines are designed for immediate productivity. No special electrical connections, compressed air systems, or lengthy commissioning procedures are needed.

Intuitive Controls: Our control systems feature clear temperature displays, simple motor speed adjustment, and straightforward operational indicators that make the extrusion process accessible to users at all experience levels.

Comprehensive Documentation: For detailed instructions on operating different product models, please find our comprehensive user manuals [here]. These guides provide step-by-step procedures, material-specific settings, troubleshooting tips, and maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance.

User-Focused Design: Whether you're a researcher conducting materials testing, an educator demonstrating polymer processing, or a manufacturer producing custom filaments, our machines deliver professional results without requiring specialized technical training.

Yes, all Noztek products are comprehensively covered with industry-leading warranty protection designed to give you complete peace of mind.

12-Month Return-to-Base Warranty: All Noztek equipment includes a full 12-month manufacturer's warranty covering all components and functionality. If any component becomes faulty during this period, simply return that specific component to us and we will replace it free of charge - no questions asked.

Component-Level Coverage: Our warranty extends to individual components, meaning you don't need to return entire systems for minor part failures. This approach minimizes downtime and keeps your production running smoothly.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: We're so confident in our equipment quality that we offer a no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, return it within 30 days for a full refund.

What This Means for You:

• Risk-free investment in your filament production capabilities

• Minimal production downtime with component-level replacement service

• Complete confidence in equipment reliability and performance

• Exceptional customer support backing every purchase

Warranty Coverage: Includes manufacturing defects, component failures, and performance issues under normal operating conditions. This comprehensive protection demonstrates our commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction.

Noztek extruders offer exceptional material versatility, accommodating everything from standard polymers to advanced composites and high-performance thermoplastics.

Standard Polymers: Our equipment handles all common 3D printing materials including PLA, ABS, HDPE, PET, and PP with consistent, reliable results across the complete temperature range required for each material type.

Advanced Material Capabilities:

• Composite Materials: Successfully process filled polymers, carbon fiber composites, metal-filled filaments, and ceramic-loaded materials

• High-Temperature Thermoplastics: Our high-temperature variants handle engineering plastics like PEEK, PEI, PSU, and other demanding materials requiring elevated processing temperatures

• Abrasive Compounds: The robust stainless steel design withstands some of the most abrasive compounds available, including glass-filled, carbon-filled, and mineral-filled polymers

Feed Format Flexibility: Our specially developed screw design works effectively with both powder and pellet feedstock, providing unmatched flexibility for various material supply formats and enabling processing of materials that may only be available in specific forms.

Engineering Advantages:

• Stainless steel construction ensures durability and contamination resistance

• Optimized screw geometry provides excellent mixing and material conveyance

• Temperature range flexibility accommodates materials from standard PLA (190°C) to high-performance PEEK (400°C+)

• Abrasion resistance maintains dimensional accuracy even with filled materials

Research and Development Applications: This material versatility makes Noztek equipment ideal for materials research, composite development, and specialized applications requiring custom material formulations.

Yes, it is definitely possible to extrude recycled plastic using Noztek equipment, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices and circular economy initiatives.

Recommended Processing Method: Our advice for optimal results is to grind recycled material down to granule size and mix it 30% recycled to 70% virgin pellets. This blend ratio provides the best balance of sustainability benefits while maintaining consistent extrusion quality and filament properties.

Material Preparation Requirements:

• Particle Size: We recommend a flake size of 5mm or smaller for consistent feeding and melting characteristics

• Shredding Equipment: Suitable plastic shredders are readily available online and can process most common thermoplastics to the required granule size

• Material Sorting: Ensure recycled plastic is properly sorted by type (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.) to prevent contamination and maintain material properties

Critical Processing Step - Drying: Drying the material is crucial to ensure consistent tolerance and prevent quality issues. Moisture content in recycled plastics can cause:

• Dimensional inconsistencies in extruded filament

• Surface defects and bubble formation

• Poor layer adhesion in 3D printing applications

• Variable mechanical properties

Environmental Benefits:

• Waste reduction by giving new life to discarded plastic materials

• Cost savings through material recovery and reuse

• Sustainable production supporting environmental responsibility

• Circular manufacturing reducing dependence on virgin materials

Quality Considerations: While recycled content provides environmental benefits, proper preparation and blending ratios are essential for maintaining professional filament quality suitable for demanding applications.

Yes, Noztek extruders offer flexible nozzle sizing options to accommodate various filament diameter requirements beyond the standard 1.75mm and 3mm formats.

Custom Diameter Solutions: If you need to extrude filament in different sizes other than our standard offerings, we can supply you with blank nozzles that you can drill yourself to achieve your precise diameter requirements. This approach provides complete customization flexibility for specialized applications.

Micro-Diameter Modification: For applications requiring smaller diameters, some customers modify existing nozzles by tapping a thread into the face and adding a 3D printer nozzle. This innovative modification technique allows for extremely fine filament production down to 0.2mm diameter - ideal for precision applications, micro-scale printing, or specialized research requirements.

DIY Modification Guide: We provide comprehensive guidance for nozzle modifications. Here's our detailed blog post on how to manufacture this modification: https://noztek.com/?s=nozzle+mod

Application Benefits:

• Precision Manufacturing: Ultra-fine filaments for detailed prototyping and micro-scale applications

• Research Flexibility: Custom diameters for materials testing and specialized research projects

• Cost-Effective Customization: Modify existing equipment rather than purchasing specialized machinery

• Process Innovation: Enables unique applications not possible with standard diameter filaments

Technical Considerations: Smaller diameter nozzles may require adjusted processing parameters including slower extrusion speeds, modified temperature profiles, and enhanced material drying to maintain consistent quality at reduced scales.

Professional Support: Our technical team can provide guidance on optimal modification techniques and processing parameters for your specific diameter requirements.

The answer is absolutely yes. Many of our customers have been successfully extruding a wide combination and range of different composite materials with exceptional results. The possible amount of permutations is practically limitless.

Successfully Tested Composite Combinations:

• Graphene-Enhanced Polymers: Improved electrical conductivity and thermal properties

• Carbon Fibre Reinforcement: Enhanced strength-to-weight ratios in PLA, ABS, and PETG matrices

• Glass Fibre Composites: Increased stiffness and dimensional stability for engineering applications

• Metal Powder Filaments: Copper, steel, aluminum, and specialty metal loadings for unique properties

• Ceramic-Filled Materials: Advanced thermal and electrical insulation characteristics

Advanced Material Applications: Our equipment successfully processes complex multi-component systems including conductive filaments, magnetic composites, thermally conductive materials, and specialty research formulations that push the boundaries of additive manufacturing capabilities.

Processing Advantages:

• Robust Mixing Capability: Our screw design ensures uniform distribution of reinforcement materials throughout the polymer matrix

• Abrasion Resistance: Stainless steel construction withstands the wear from glass fibres, carbon particles, and other abrasive additives

• Temperature Flexibility: Wide processing temperature range accommodates various polymer-filler combinations

• Consistent Dispersion: Achieves homogeneous material distribution critical for composite performance

Innovation Potential: The practically unlimited combinations enable breakthrough materials for aerospace applications, medical devices, electronics, automotive components, and specialized research projects requiring unique property combinations not available in commercial filaments.

Technical Excellence: Our customers continue to surprise us with innovative material combinations, demonstrating the exceptional versatility and reliability of Noztek extrusion systems for advanced composite development.

Achieving precise filament tolerances requires a combination of proper material preparation, optimal processing parameters, and advanced control systems. Noztek offers multiple approaches to ensure exceptional dimensional accuracy.

Essential Material Preparation: Drying your resin before use is crucial if you wish to achieve tight filament tolerances. Moisture content directly affects material flow characteristics and dimensional consistency. We sell resin dehydrators for professional results, ensuring your materials are optimally prepared for precision extrusion.

Noztek Pro Temperature Control: With the Noztek Pro extruder range, you can control filament diameter by adjusting temperature settings. The general rule is that the higher the temperature, the thinner the filament. This relationship allows for real-time diameter adjustment during production.

Advanced Noztek Touch Features: Noztek Touch extruders offer enhanced control capabilities:

• Speed Control: Variable extrusion rates for optimal material flow

• Dual PID Facility: Independently control the temperature of both preheater and main heater bands

• Precision Processing: Both features significantly impact filament tolerance achievement

Ultimate Precision Solution - Noztek Tolerance Puller: The best way to achieve exceptional tolerance results is to use the new Noztek Tolerance Puller. This advanced system:

• Preset Diameter Control: Can be preset to your exact required diameter

• Intelligent Correction: Uses a clever error correction algorithm to pull extruded filament down to precise specifications

• Oversize Bore Design: Specialized rollers accommodate initial diameter variations

• Automatic Adjustment: Continuously monitors and corrects diameter in real-time

Professional Results: Combining proper material drying, optimized temperature control, and the Tolerance Puller system delivers industrial-grade dimensional accuracy suitable for the most demanding applications.

Tolerance Achievement Strategy: For ultimate precision, we recommend the complete workflow: material dehydration → optimized extrusion parameters → Tolerance Puller correction for consistently exceptional results.

Die swell relates to the expansion of extruded material once it is expelled from the nozzle and comes into contact with the atmosphere. This physical phenomenon occurs when polymer molecules, compressed during extrusion, naturally expand upon release from the confined nozzle bore.

Material Behavior: While not all polymers exhibit die swell, the core plastics used in 3D printing are subject to this expansion effect. Understanding and compensating for die swell is essential for achieving accurate filament dimensions.

Noztek's Compensation Strategy: We intentionally under-drill our nozzles by 15% to compensate for this expansion, ensuring your final filament diameter matches specifications rather than exceeding them due to natural polymer behavior.

Standard Nozzle Specifications:

• We usually supply 1 × 1.75mm and 1 × 3mm nozzle with each system

• Alternative configuration: We can supply two 3mm nozzles if preferred

• Precision under-drilling: Both nozzles are engineered to account for die swell:

  • 3mm nozzle: Drilled to 2.5mm (compensating for expansion to 3mm)

  • 1.75mm nozzle: Drilled to 1.6mm (compensating for expansion to 1.75mm)

Custom Adjustments for Composite Materials: If you find that your composite material tolerance is too thin, the material may exhibit different expansion characteristics than standard polymers. In this case, you may want to consider drilling a larger bore to achieve your target diameter.

DIY Customization Options: We also supply blank dies that you can drill yourself, providing complete flexibility for materials with unique die swell characteristics or specialized diameter requirements.

Technical Understanding: Die swell compensation is crucial for professional filament production, and our pre-calculated under-drilling eliminates guesswork while ensuring consistent, accurate results across different polymer types.

For exotic high-performance thermoplastics such as ULTEM, PEEK, and other viscous engineering polymers, specialized equipment and procedures are essential for successful processing.

Recommended Equipment: We recommend using either the Noztek Touch HT or the Xcalibur extruder for viscous material applications. These systems provide:

• Enhanced temperature capabilities for high-melting-point polymers

• Superior torque capacity to handle viscous material flow

• Precise temperature control essential for processing window management

• Robust construction to withstand demanding processing conditions

Critical Post-Processing Procedure: It is essential that you purge the barrel after each extrusion run using the relevant purging compound specific to the material you are extruding. This prevents:

• Cross-contamination between different high-performance materials

• Thermal degradation of residual polymers

• Processing difficulties in subsequent runs

• Equipment damage from carbonized material buildup

Professional Purging Solutions: There are many specialized purging compounds available on the market. Here are two of the main companies that supply industry-standard products:

• Commercial purging compound suppliers offer material-specific formulations

• Engineering-grade purge materials designed for high-temperature applications

Processing Considerations:

• Extended heat-up times may be required for viscous materials

• Slower processing speeds often necessary for optimal material flow

• Temperature profile optimization critical for preventing degradation

• Proper ventilation essential when processing high-temperature polymers

Expert Guidance: Our technical team can provide specific processing parameters and purging recommendations for your particular viscous material applications, ensuring optimal results with challenging thermoplastics.

Yes, it is possible to extrude with injection moulding materials, providing flexibility when specific polymer grades are readily available or cost-effective for your application.

Performance Comparison: However, extrusion grade polymer will give you better results. These plastics have been designed specifically for extrusion processing and optimized flow rates, offering several advantages over injection moulding grades:

Extrusion Grade Advantages:

• Optimized Melt Flow Index (MFI): Specifically formulated for continuous extrusion processing

• Enhanced Flow Characteristics: Improved material flow through dies and nozzles

• Consistent Processing: More predictable behavior during temperature and speed variations

• Superior Filament Quality: Better surface finish and dimensional consistency

Injection Moulding Grade Considerations: While usable, injection moulding materials may exhibit:

• Different flow properties requiring adjusted processing parameters

• Variable extrusion behavior compared to purpose-designed grades

• Potential quality variations in final filament characteristics

• Modified temperature requirements for optimal processing

Material Selection Guidance:

• First choice: Always specify extrusion grade when available

• Alternative option: Injection moulding grade when extrusion grade unavailable

• Cost consideration: Evaluate material cost versus quality requirements

• Application matching: Consider end-use requirements when selecting grades

Processing Recommendations: When using injection moulding materials, expect to spend additional time optimizing temperature profiles and extrusion speeds to achieve comparable results to purpose-designed extrusion grades.

Yes, we offer pre-purchase material testing services to help you make informed equipment decisions and validate processing feasibility for your specific applications.

Comprehensive Testing Service: This service is available, however, there is significant setup time involved to properly evaluate your materials and provide meaningful results. The average cost would be a day's work including videos and sampling, which we would usually charge £450.

What's Included:

• Professional material evaluation using appropriate Noztek equipment

• Processing parameter optimization for your specific material

• Video documentation of the extrusion process and results

• Physical samples of extruded filament for your evaluation

• Technical report with recommended settings and observations

• Equipment suitability assessment for your application requirements

Service Availability: Pricing and scheduling depend on how busy we are with current projects. We recommend contacting us well in advance to discuss:

• Material specifications and quantities required

• Specific testing objectives and success criteria

• Timeline requirements for your decision-making process

• Equipment models you're considering for purchase

Value Proposition: This investment can save significant costs by:

• Validating processing feasibility before equipment purchase

• Identifying optimal processing parameters reducing startup time

• Confirming equipment suitability for your specific materials

• Providing baseline data for your production planning

Professional Consultation: Our testing service provides the confidence you need to make informed equipment investments, especially valuable for challenging materials or critical applications.

The channel depth at the feed zone is 5mm and the metering zone is 2.5mm screw so the Compression Ratio: 2.1 Which is Optimal for maintaining material integrity while ensuring thorough mixing. The length-to-diameter Ratio: 1.36 (30cm length / 22mm diameter) is good for comprehensive mixing without excessive residence time. The Flight Angle Optimization: 23° provides the ideal balance between material transport and mixing intensity.

Recyclable Consumer Plastics by Resin Code

1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) - RIC #1

• Common Uses: Water/soda bottles, food jars (peanut butter, salad dressing), detergent bottles, polyester clothing fibers.

• Recyclability: Widely recycled and highly valuable. Easily processed into new bottles, fiber (clothing, carpets), strapping, and 3D printer filament.

• Key for Recycling: Rinse containers, remove caps (often #5 PP), and flatten bottles to save space.

2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) - RIC #2

• Common Uses: Milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent/shampoo bottles, yogurt tubs, cereal box liners, plastic lumber.

• Recyclability: Widely recycled (second most common after PET). Very versatile. Recycled into new bottles, pipes, plastic lumber, crates, and filament.

• Key for Recycling: Rinse thoroughly. Opaque bottles (like milk jugs) and natural/translucent bottles (like detergent) are often recycled separately.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - RIC #3

• Common Uses: Clear food packaging (clamshells), blister packs, pipes, vinyl siding, some medical tubing.

• Recyclability: Technically recyclable but challenging. Low acceptance rates in curbside programs. Contamination with other plastics is a major issue. Specialized facilities exist but are less common.

• Key for Recycling: Check local programs carefully. Often excluded due to chlorine content and processing difficulties. Less ideal for small-scale extrusion without specific expertise.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) - RIC #4

• Common Uses: Plastic grocery bags, bread bags, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, squeezable bottles (honey, mustard), some flexible lids.

• Recyclability: Recyclable, but primarily via store drop-off programs (not curbside in most areas). Recycled into new bags, composite lumber, and film.

• Key for Recycling: Must be clean, dry, and free of food residue. Bag together and take to designated grocery/retail collection bins. Requires specialized film handling for extrusion.

5. PP (Polypropylene) - RIC #5

• Common Uses: Yogurt cups, sour cream containers, bottle caps, medicine bottles, straws, microwaveable meal trays, some food storage containers (Tupperware).

• Recyclability: Increasingly recycled (growing acceptance). Recycled into automotive parts, battery cases, signal lights, brooms, brushes, and filament.

• Key for Recycling: Rinse well. Caps from bottles (#1 or #2) should be left on the bottle if possible. Check local program guidelines.

Noztek's advanced recycling extruders are engineered to handle a diverse range of plastic materials, offering exceptional versatility for your recycling operations. Our systems efficiently process PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), and many other recyclable plastics. This flexibility allows you to transform various waste streams into valuable filament for 3D printing applications.

What are the advantages of starting a plastic recycling business with a Noztek extruder?

Launching a plastic recycling business using Noztek extruders presents numerous compelling benefits:

Need to clarify that while many plastics are technically recyclable, local facilities vary. Advising them to check local guidelines prevents confusion. Including tips on cleaning and sorting plastics helps them prepare materials properly.

Finally, structuring the info clearly with resin codes, examples, and recyclability factors makes it digestible. Ending with a note on Noztek’s capabilities ties it back to their potential interest in recycling solutions.

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of consumer plastic types that can be recycled, organized by their resin identification codes (RICs), along with key considerations for recycling success:

Recyclable Consumer Plastics by Resin Code

1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) - RIC #1

• Common Uses: Water/soda bottles, food jars (peanut butter, salad dressing), detergent bottles, polyester clothing fibers.

• Recyclability: Widely recycled and highly valuable. Easily processed into new bottles, fiber (clothing, carpets), strapping, and 3D printer filament.

• Key for Recycling: Rinse containers, remove caps (often #5 PP), and flatten bottles to save space.

2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) - RIC #2

• Common Uses: Milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent/shampoo bottles, yogurt tubs, cereal box liners, plastic lumber.

• Recyclability: Widely recycled (second most common after PET). Very versatile. Recycled into new bottles, pipes, plastic lumber, crates, and filament.

• Key for Recycling: Rinse thoroughly. Opaque bottles (like milk jugs) and natural/translucent bottles (like detergent) are often recycled separately.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - RIC #3

• Common Uses: Clear food packaging (clamshells), blister packs, pipes, vinyl siding, some medical tubing.

• Recyclability: Technically recyclable but challenging. Low acceptance rates in curbside programs. Contamination with other plastics is a major issue. Specialized facilities exist but are less common.

• Key for Recycling: Check local programs carefully. Often excluded due to chlorine content and processing difficulties. Less ideal for small-scale extrusion without specific expertise.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) - RIC #4

• Common Uses: Plastic grocery bags, bread bags, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, squeezable bottles (honey, mustard), some flexible lids.

• Recyclability: Recyclable, but primarily via store drop-off programs (not curbside in most areas). Recycled into new bags, composite lumber, and film.

• Key for Recycling: Must be clean, dry, and free of food residue. Bag together and take to designated grocery/retail collection bins. Requires specialized film handling for extrusion.

5. PP (Polypropylene) - RIC #5

• Common Uses: Yogurt cups, sour cream containers, bottle caps, medicine bottles, straws, microwaveable meal trays, some food storage containers (Tupperware).

• Recyclability: Increasingly recycled (growing acceptance). Recycled into automotive parts, battery cases, signal lights, brooms, brushes, and filament.

• Key for Recycling: Rinse well. Caps from bottles (#1 or #2) should be left on the bottle if possible. Check local program guidelines.

6. PS (Polystyrene) - RIC #6

• Common Uses: Disposable foam cups/plates ("Styrofoam"), foam packaging (peanuts, blocks), clear plastic clamshells (berries, takeout), CD cases.

• Recyclability: Technically recyclable, but very difficult. Low density (foam) makes transport inefficient. Contamination is common. Limited market demand. Few curbside programs accept it. Generally not suitable for small-scale extrusion.

• Key for Recycling: Some specialized drop-off centers exist for clean foam. Avoid if possible.

7. OTHER (Mixed or Specialty Plastics) - RIC #7

• Common Uses: Bioplastics (PLA, PHA), polycarbonate (PC - water bottles, eyeglass lenses), acrylic, nylon, multi-layer packaging (juice pouches, chip bags), compostable plastics.

• Recyclability: Highly variable and often NOT recyclable curbside.

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): Compostable only in industrial facilities, not backyard bins. Can be mechanically recycled but requires separate streams. Compatible with Noztek extruders.

  • PC (Polycarbonate): Recyclable but less common. BPA concerns exist.

  • Multi-layer Films (e.g., chip bags): Generally NOT recyclable due to inseparable material layers.

  • Nylon/Acrylic: Recyclable but require specialized facilities.

• Key for Recycling: Check locally! Most #7 items end up in landfill. PLA must be kept separate from PET/HDPE. Avoid multi-layer packaging.

Step-by-Step Filament Production Process

1. Collection & Sorting

• Source Smart: Collect clean, post-consumer plastics like PET bottles, HDPE containers, or PLA products. Prioritize uncontaminated, single-resin plastics (check resin codes #1, #2, #5, or PLA).

• Sort Rigorously: Separate plastics by type and color. Even small amounts of contamination (e.g., PVC mixed with PET) can ruin filament quality. Use Noztek’s material compatibility guides to identify optimal feedstocks.

2. Cleaning & Shredding

• Deep Clean: Remove labels, adhesives, and residues using industrial washers or soaking solutions. Food/oil contamination causes bubbles and weak spots in filament.

• Size Reduction: Shred plastics into uniform flakes (3-5mm) using a granulator. Consistent flake size ensures even melting and smooth extrusion. Pro Tip: Pre-dry flakes briefly before shredding to reduce moisture.

3. Drying (Critical Step)

• Eliminate Moisture: Use a dedicated hopper dryer or oven (70-80°C for PET/HDPE, 50-60°C for PLA) for 4-6 hours. Moisture causes steam bubbles, poor layer adhesion, and nozzle clogs.

• Noztek Advantage: Our extruders feature vented barrels to release residual moisture, but pre-drying remains essential for professional-grade results.

4. Extrusion with Noztek Systems

• Precision Melting: Load dried flakes into the Noztek extruder hopper. Our systems maintain precise temperature zones (e.g., 180-220°C for PLA, 220-260°C for PET) to degrade contaminants without overheating.

• Controlled Output: The molten plastic is forced through a calibrated die (1.75mm or 2.85mm). Noztek’s advanced screw design ensures consistent melt flow, minimizing diameter variations (±0.05mm tolerance).

• Key Parameters: Monitor temperature, screw speed, and puller tension via intuitive controls. Our systems auto-adjust to maintain filament integrity.

5. Cooling & Spooling

• Instant Solidification: Pass extruded filament through a water bath (5-15°C) or forced-air tunnel for rapid, even cooling. Prevents crystallization in PET and warping in PLA.

• Automated Winding: Noztek’s integrated spoolers tension filament perfectly, winding it onto standard spools at 1kg/hour (Full System) or 1kg/2 hours (Noztek Touch + spooler). Sensors detect breaks or jams automatically.

Why Noztek Optimizes This Process

• All-in-One Workflow: Our extruders combine melting, metering, and diameter control in one compact system, reducing handling and contamination risks.

• Material Science Expertise: We provide temperature/pressure profiles for each plastic type (PET, HDPE, PLA, PP), ensuring optimal molecular structure and printability.

• Quality Assurance: Built-in laser micrometers and cooling systems guarantee filament meets industry standards for diameter consistency and ovality.

• Scalability: Start with a Noztek Touch for prototyping, then upgrade to the Xcalibur-based Full System for higher throughput without retraining.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Test Batches: Run small test spools first. Check for bubbles (moisture), discoloration (overheating), or diameter drift (puller tension).

2. Blend Additives: Mix in colorants or impact modifiers (e.g., impact modifiers for brittle rPET) during extrusion.

3. Store Properly: Keep finished filament in airtight containers with desiccant to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

By following this process with Noztek equipment, you’ll transform plastic waste into reliable, print-ready filament—turning environmental responsibility into tangible products and profits.