In the era of large-scale FDM 3D printing, typical filament extrusion systems have many limitations. Many of these limitations can be avoided by using an extrusion system that extrudes directly from plastic resin instead of filaments. There are several benefits of using plastic pellets for 3D printing, including faster printing time and lower cost. Piocreat designed and manufactured a pellet extruder G12 suitable for large 3D printers.



By eliminating parts of the manufacturing process, the price of printed parts can be more affordable.

Instead of melting the plastic particles and extruding them into filaments, the particles are melted and extruded directly onto the 3D printer bed. With this in mind, the cost of 1 kg of filament ranges from US$20 to US$30, but the same amount of granular plastic costs US$2 to US$5 and can be widely used.



Another advantage is speed. When 3D printing large objects, speed may be a limiting factor. When strength and production speed are critical, particle 3D printing is the best solution. Pellet extrusion can be three times faster than high-capacity filament extrusion. We used a 3 mm nozzle to achieve a flow rate of 5 pounds per hour and a 1 mm nozzle to achieve a feed rate of 7,000 mm per minute. With further modifications, we hope to increase the flow rate to six or seven pounds per hour. Compared to filament extrusion, you are fortunate to be able to achieve a flow rate of 7 pounds in a whole day.

Most pellet extrusion systems are open-air, which limits them to materials that do not warp or are highly filled with carbon fiber. The G12 pellet extruder will be able to print high-temperature plastics, such as unfilled ABS and polycarbonate resins, PVC, ABS, PC, PA, HDPE, TPU materials.


This economical pellet extrusion 3D printing is pioneering in the 3D printing industry. This 3D printing method is ideal for those who wish to combine additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing.