| Authors | Dawei Liu Aditi Basdeo Catalina Suescun Gonzalez Alessia Romani Hakim Boudaoud Cécile Nouvel Fabio A. Cruz Sanchez and User:J.M.Pearce |
|---|---|
| Location | London, ON, Canada |
| Status | Designed Modelled Prototyped Verified |
| Verified by | FAST EPRI |
| Uses | MFI |
| Links | https://osf.io/68hbj/ |
| Assembly instructions | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/23/5966 |
|---|---|
| Design files | https://osf.io/68hbj/ |
| Hardware license | CERN-OHL-S |
| Certifications | Start OSHWA certification |
The increasing adoption of distributed recycling via additive manufacturing (DRAM) has facilitated the revalorization of materials derived from waste streams for additive manufacturing. Recycled materials frequently contain impurities and mixed polymers, which can degrade their properties over multiple cycles. This degradation, particularly in rheological properties, limits their applicability in 3D printing. Consequently, there is a critical need for a tool that enables the rapid assessment of the flowability of these recycled materials. This study presents the design, development, and manufacturing of an open-source melt flow index (MFI) apparatus. The open-source MFI was validated with tests on virgin polylactic acid pellets, shredded recycled poly(ethylene) terephthalate glycol flakes, and high-density polyethylene/poly(ethylene) terephthalate blends to demonstrate the range of polymer types and recyclability. The proposed MFI tool offers a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for evaluating the flow properties of materials from waste streams, thereby enhancing their viability for additive manufacturing applications.
- Main design files: https://osf.io/68hbj/
- Target group: Engineering and materials science
- Open-source license Designs GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0 and hardware under CERN OHL v2
- OSHWA certification https://certification.oshwa.org/ca000059.html
- Cost of hardware CAD$318
