ME-542 Manufacturing with Non-metallic Materials

Extrusion Simulation Using LabView

Extruder Characteristics

Controls within this section of the interface are used to adjust the characteristics of the extruder. Most of these values will be known for a particular extruder, with the exception of Screw Speed, which can usually be controlled by the operator.

Flight Width	Adjusts the Flight Width of the extruder. The Flight Width is the thickness of each "thread" on the screw. The value of this control may range from 0 to 10 centimeters, with the default being 5.
Channel Depth	Adjusts the Channel Depth of the extruder. The Channel Depth is the height of the threads on the screw. The value of this control may range from 0 to 1 centimeter, with the default being 0.8.
Helix Angle	Adjusts the Helix Angle of the extruder. The Helix Angle is the angle the screw threads make with the vertical. The value of this control may range from 0 to 90 degrees, with the default being 35.
Barrel Diameter	Adjusts the Barrel Diameter. The Barrel Diameter is the inner diameter of the extruder barrel. The value of this control may range from 0 to 50 centimeters, with the default being 40.
Flight Clearance	Adjusts the Flight Clearance. The Flight Clearance is the distance between the outermost edge of the screw threads, and the inner barrel wall. The value of this control may range from 0 to 0.01 centimeter, with the default being 0.001.
Screw Length	Adjusts the Screw Length. The Screw Length is the length of the screw measured along the centerline of the barrel. The value of this control may range from 0 to 500 centimeters, with the default being 100.
Screw Speed	Adjusts the Screw Speed. The Screw Speed is the speed at which the screw rotates inside the barrel. The value of this control may range from 0 to 200 revolutions per minute, with the default being 200.