It is a professional-level system that is designed for developing new polymers and the production of filaments for use in FFF printers. It is used to mix nanomaterials and PLA pellets to form PLA nanocomposite-based filament. It has a three-stage extrusion screw made of hardened and polished stainless steel with a length-to-diameter ratio of 24:1. It features extrusion speed control and a 4 zone temperature control system. The temperature zones are independently controlled allowing for a polymer specific heat profile. The feedstock is prepared by dry mixing PLA granules with the addition of nanomaterials, with the final mixing taking place in the extruder. To cool the extruded filament, it passes through the Filabot air path unit, using forced convection as it extrudes. The spool unit collects the filament and can be adjusted so that the filament diameter is precise within a range of 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm.
The FOTRIC 348A is one of the primary tools I use for thermal imaging and heat-related measurements in my research. This camera combines high-resolution infrared imaging with precise temperature sensing, allowing me to visualize heat flow, identify hotspots, and capture detailed thermal patterns in a wide range of materials and systems.
The UltiMaker S3 is a versatile, professional-grade 3D printer that I use to support prototyping, materials research, and experimental design in my work. Known for its reliability and precision, the S3 offers dual-extrusion capabilities, a fully enclosed build chamber, and compatibility with a wide range of engineering materials, including PLA, ABS, nylon, and composite filaments. These features make it ideal for producing functional parts, custom test fixtures, and experimental samples with consistent dimensional accuracy.