A simple gear-operated feed has been constructed from Meccano (gaffer
tape and clamps etc.) to push 7mm plastic feedstock - glue sticks joined
together - into a glue gun. The results are messy but encouraging; too
much manual regulation of the feed is needed to prevent excessive
output. This tends to rapidly swamp the turntable, but I've managed to
build cones 4mm high with a base 18mm in diameter. Line width is a
whopping 1mm for now, but 35 degree slopes appear possible.
Manual intervention demonstrates that interrupting the feed does produce
gaps in the built-up plastic, but too many fine filaments are being
draped around the workpiece. I suspect these are mostly due to excessive
quantities of plastic being squirted out. I'm hoping the problem will be
reduced with HDPE feedstock.
The feed rate will need to be reduced further, but unfortunately I've
run out of gears and the motor stalls if run at a slower speed. Time to
beg, borrow and liberate some more parts.
I'm learning a lot from this little exercise!
Vik :v)
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Vik Olliver <[log in to unmask]>
Diamond Age Solutions Ltd.
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