The new MakerBot extruder takes an incoming abs plastic strand (3mm in diameter). This is pinched between the gear driven by a dc motor and a perspex idler wheel.

The heating element is formed from a high temperature resistant plastic chamber with a threaded brass cylinder tapering to a nozzle. There is nichrome wire wrapped around, followed by a thermistor and then an insulator. This will heat the abs and guide it so a small amount is extruded from the heated brass nozzle.

The finsished plastruder will be attached to the z stage (raises as the model is built). The actual model will be built up on the work area on top of the x/y stage at the bottom.

Test 3D objects coming soon!

Cheers, Dave.