Mechanical Paste Extruder

Background

Because I have been doing a lot of research and experimentation in algorithmic and parametric design for deposition modelling, I needed a 3d-printable media that could be re-used without waste. Enter the world of "ceramic paste" a.k.a. diluted clay!

This project was my answer to extruding a variety of "paste-like" materials (i.e. clay or silicone rubber) without the need of an air compressor to move the media.

This (relatively) low-cost design is a mechanical paste extruder with a reservoir that holds around 1600 ML of media. It can be mounted directly to the end-effector of a 3D printer / CNC machine (see images above) or can be extended via a hose/tube to be used with a variety of lighter-weight 3D printers or robotic arms.

This project was largely inspired by open source projects like Fab@Home (the first 3D printer I ever touched), commercial ceramic 3d printers like 3dpotter.com or Delta WASP, and by artists/makers like Jonathon Keep, Taekyeom Lee and Keit