Economic Filament Maker For 3D Printing
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Date
2026
Authors
Mohammad Badawi
Ammar Mohammad
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Abstract
3D printing has become an essential tool in engineering, education, and
product development, yet its progress is often hindered by the high cost of
commercial filament. This project presents the design and implementation of
a low-cost, do-it-yourself filament maker machine capable of producing
high-quality 3D printer filament from recycled plastic materials. The system
integrates an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller with an ESP8266 Wi-Fi
module to automate the extrusion, cooling, and spooling processes, ensuring
stable operation and consistent filament diameter.
The development of the project involved several stages: the mechanical
design of the extrusion and feeding system, integration of heating and
cooling units, and implementation of motor drivers for puller and spool
control. On the software side, custom Arduino firmware was developed to
regulate temperature using a PID controller, manage motor speeds, and
enable monitoring through a web interface hosted on the ESP8266. Testing
and calibration focused on achieving accurate temperature control and
producing filament with a stable diameter of 1.75 mm ±0.1 mm.
Unlike traditional methods of filament production, this system emphasizes
sustainability, affordability, and accessibility, making it a practical
solution for local makers, research labs, and small workshops. By reducing
dependency on imported filament and promoting plastic recycling, the
project supports both economic and environmental goals while opening new
opportunities for innovation in additive manufacturing.