{"Device hardware license":["CERN-OHL-S"],"Page SDG":["SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure"],"Page URL":["https://www.appropedia.org/Low-Cost_Open-Source_Melt_Flow_Index_System_for_Distributed_Recycling_and_Additive_Manufacturing"],"Page affiliations":["FAST","Western"],"Page authors":["User:J.M.Pearce"],"Page description":["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."],"Page image":["File:Materials-17-05966-ag.png"],"Page keywords":["open source hardware","3d printing","distributed manufacturing","laboratory equipment","open hardware","open source","Materials processing","Polymer","Plastic Composite","material extrusion; material properties; melt flow index; polymers; recycling; rheology; thermal properties"],"Page language":["en"],"Page title":["Low-Cost Open-Source Melt Flow Index System for Distributed Recycling and Additive Manufacturing"],"Page views":[144],"Page year":["Monday, 01-Jan-24 00:00:00 UTC"],"Project authors":["Alessia Romani","Dawei Liu","Aditi Basdeo","Catalina Suescun Gonzalez","Hakim Boudaoud","Cécile Nouvel","Fabio A. Cruz Sanchez","And User:J.M.Pearce"],"Project coordinates":["42.983675, -81.249605555556"],"Project location":["London, ON, Canada"],"Project status":["Designed","Modelled","Prototyped","Verified"],"Project thumb":["https://www.appropedia.org/w/images/thumb/e/e8/Materials-17-05966-ag.png/330px-Materials-17-05966-ag.png"],"Project uses":["MFI"],"Modification date":["Thursday, 18-Sep-25 15:56:09 UTC"]}