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A DIY pellet extruder kit by Kristian Friesen, aka GreenBoy3D, is set to release this weekend on July 28. The device captured the 3D printing community’s interest when Friesen revealed the device in a March YouTube video.

The kit, billed as a low-cost and lightweight option, will be compatible with “almost any 3D printer” and consist of user 3D-printed parts as well as metal and stock components. It will arrive with video and text instructions to help users assemble and set up the device.

Pellet feeders have the potential to vastly reduce the cost of 3D printing material (by as much as 90%, Friesen claims) as pellets are typically far less expensive than filament. They also open the door for additional materials, like sugar and chocolate (or anything else that is granulated and printable), and ostensibly allow users to recycle plastic waste – so long as it can be melted and cut into at least 5 mm pieces. Friesen also says users can color their own pellets by using pigments, sprays or paints.

Once put to use, the pellet extruder should be capable of achieving flow rates of “125-200 grams per hour with a 1 mm nozzle”. It will weigh around 700 g and can reach max temperatures of 330 °C (420° C if upgraded).

A 23-year-old 3D printing enthusiast, Friesen has funded the project with part-time work.

Friesen told All3DP the post-launch price of his DIY pellet extruder kit will be $389 but, until August 11, early buyers will get $100 off as well as other benefits like “premium video support”. There are quite a few extra details about the pellet extruder on the GreenBoy3D website, so be sure to check that out if you’re interested in the product.

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License: The text of "GreenBoy3D DIY Pellet Extruder Set to Release July 28" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.