Newspaper Briquette Maker

Project developed by J.W.Kubista

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Abstract

Newspaper Briquette Makers are used by a wide range of people. They are used by people in developed countries mainly to create fuel bricks for fireplaces. However, for people in developing countries, they can be used to create fuel, but also actual bricks used create structures if they are made well enough. Most of the existing designs involve getting down on your knees and applying a great amount of force using only you arms (Commercial Briquette Makers & Costs[1]). This technique thus limits than range and amount of people able to use those makers. Other makers can attach to a wall and be pulled down like a pop can crusher. However, this option my not feasible for people in developing countries who don't have access to a strong, sturdy wall. Therefore, this design was created to be used anywhere with a semi-flat surface and by a significantly larger range of people. In addition, the vast majority of previous designs are comprised of metal, which can be hard to find and expensive in some places, and not molded very easily into the desired shapes. This project uses plastic and a open-source 3D printer and software. This makes the designs of the briquette maker to be modified in order to be better, as well as printed by a minimal number of people and distributed as need be.

  1. Picture of completed print using
    File:Name-of-your-image.png

Bill of Materials

  1. Provide a full BOM -- Materials needed for fabrication of device and alternative materials if they are not available, prices/sources of non-printable parts
REQ'D DESCRIPTION AMOUNT COST
(1) REPRAP 3D PRINTER 1 $250
(1) 1.75mm PLA Filament 1000g $0.025/GRAM
(1) Super Glue 5 oz. $3.00
(2) Glue Sticks 2 sticks $2.00

Files

Tools needed for fabrication of the OSAT

  1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
  2. FreeCAD OS Program or similar program with CAD capabilities
  3. X-Acto Knife for smoothing out the rough parts of the prints
  4. Strong Adhesive (i.e. Super Glue)
  5. Heat Gun

Skills and Knowledge Necessary to Make the OSAT

No special skills were required to make this project. Only requirements are to be able to print using a 3D Printer, apply glue, press the pieces together, and use a heat gun (basically a hair dryer) if desired.

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

  1. Provide directions for print/assembly - be detailed enough in your “how to” to ensure that someone could construct the device from your description. Consider the elegance of IKEA like instructions.
  2. Include print time estimate
  3. Include assembly time estimate
  4. Including drawings or pictures of the device at stage of assembly at minimum. (http://www.appropedia.org/Special:Upload)
  5. Consider video if appropriate

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Include common mistakes/problems to avoid in building your OSAT and how to overcome them
  1. With large prints, the probability of a mishap occurring with the print is extremely high. Therefore, the large parts were broken up into smaller prints of varying sizes in order to avoid this, as well as to allow this prototype to be made using the printer available. However, many mishaps still occurred, some unexplainable, such as the print randomly starting the next layer offset from the rest of the part.
  1. With the long straight lines required, be sure to yes plenty of glue (sticks) to keep the filament from sliding around, but also to keep it flat so the print doesn't start to bow and wreak havoc on the extrusion.

Cost savings

  1. Commercial Equivalent: $25.00
  2. Approximate Cost: (($25.00/1000 grams)[2] x 1000 grams) + $5.00 for glue = $30.00
  3. Approximate Savings: $25.00 - $30.00 = -$5.00
  4. Approximate % Savings: 100 - (30/25) = -20%

References

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