NIT Rourkela researchers secure patent for low-cost 3D printing filament extruder
Rourkela, Aug 11 (TNT): Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have secured a patent for developing a low-cost and portable extruder system capable of producing composite filaments for 3D printing using recycled plastic waste.
The patented system can manufacture different types of filaments by combining plastic particles with reinforcement materials to improve their strength and durability, the institute said in a release on Tuesday.
The system, developed at a cost of around Rs 45,000, comprises an extruder, controlled cooling system and PID temperature controllers to ensure precise control during the manufacturing process.
The researchers said the technology could help reduce dependence on virgin plastics and promote the use of recycled plastic in additive manufacturing.
The composite filaments developed using the system have shown satisfactory mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy in laboratory-scale tests.
The technology has potential applications in biomedical and engineering fields, including the production of scaffolds, anatomical models, brackets, drone parts, toys and decorative items.
Prof Sandhyarani Biswas, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Rourkela, said the system offered technical and commercial benefits for the 3D printing industry while providing environmental benefits through the use of recycled plastic.
Prof Sujit Sen, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, said the extruder could help convert different types of plastic waste into useful 3D printer filament, thereby creating a sustainable closed-loop system.
The research team comprising Prof Sandhyarani Biswas, Prof Sujit Sen, Jagdish Uday Khatu, Himanshu Singh and Kiran Suna secured the patent for the extrusion system under Application No. 202431068691 dated July 30, 2026.
TNT TS
