noztek PRO Hobbyist 3D Printer User Manual

: June 1, 2024
: noztek

noztek PRO Hobbyist 3D Printer User Manual

Introduction

The Noztek PRO/PRO HT, a versatile single screw desktop extruder, has been meticulously designed for the precise production of high-quality filament extrusion. Equipped with two heater bands, manual temperature control, and a robust 50rpm 162 kg-cm motor, it effortlessly delivers superior filament from an extensive array of materials and polymers.

The standard Noztek PRO is configured with heater bands capable of reaching up to 300°C, while the Noztek PRO HT boasts an impressive 600°C capacity.

The Noztek PRO/PRO HT incorporates a multi-stage stainless steel single screw, designed to enhance the extrusion process. The multi-stage configuration allows for optimized material processing and melting. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for extruding various materials, including those with unique properties or specific processing requirements.

This extruder’s adaptability extends its value across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, 3D printing, and the chemical sector, offering a cost-effective and efficient means to shape and process materials into top- tier filaments.

For optimal results, we recommend utilizing extrusion-grade pellets.

Noztek PRO/ PRO HT extruder manual page index

WARRANTY 1
SAFETY CAUTIONS 2
SAFETY GUIDELINES 3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION SHEET 4, 5, 6
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS 7
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 8, 9
MAINTENANCE/ TROUBLE-SHOOTING 10
CONTACT 11

Warranty

We guarantee outstanding quality for our products and services.
Customers who purchase Noztek-manufactured equipment for professional use are guaranteed that they will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for 1 year from date of shipment. If your machine is found to be faulty, we will repair or replace the machine. The warranty and functional guarantee does not cover damages caused by wear and tear or improper use.

TO INSURE THAT YOUR WARRANTY IS HELD IN EFFECT, PROPER OPERATION PROCEDURES MUST BE OBSERVED.

NOTE: READ THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATING THIS MACHINE.

For a full breakdown please read our Limitations of Warranty Cover below.

Limitations of Warranty Cover:

You must own the machine
The original invoice is decisive as this is your warranty claim (please keep a copy of this)
Repair or replacement of machine will be determined by Noztek
Warranty only covers manufacturing or material defects

Warranty does not cover:

Incorrect use of machine /damage due to misuse
Damage from force or fall
Foreign objects inside of machine
Water damage or dirt
User failing to follow proper usage instructions
Normal wear and tear in machine’s lifespan
Unauthorized repairs by consumer

While we stand by the quality of our products, it’s important to note that our liability is limited. This warranty represents your sole remedy, and there are no other expressed or implied warranties.
In the rare instance of a covered defect, we offer remedies such as repair or replacement after assessing the reported fault.
Noztek have the right to reject any warranty claim if we feel the request falls outside of our limitations

Filing a Claim:
Need assistance? Our customer support team is ready to help. Refer to the contact information provided in this manual to start the claims process.

Caution: Injury Risk

This equipment contains moving parts. To prevent injury, keep hands, fingers, and other body parts clear during operation. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewellery that may become entangled in moving components. Tie back long hair and secure loose items before using the equipment. Always follow safety instructions provided in the user manual.

Caution: Hot Surface
This equipment can reach high temperatures during operation. Avoid direct contact with exposed surfaces to prevent the risk of burns. Allow the equipment to cool before handling or performing maintenance. Exercise caution and keep out of reach of children. Follow all safety guidelines provided in the user manual.

Caution: High Voltage Zone

This equipment contains high-voltage components. To avoid the risk of electrical shock:

Do not use liquids near the machine: Keep all liquids, including water, away from the equipment. Liquids can conduct electricity and increase the risk of electrical shock.

Do not modify internal wiring: Modifying internal wiring or electronic components poses a serious hazard. Only authorized personnel should perform any maintenance or modifications.

Caution: Material guidelines

Ensure familiarity with the material being extruded, including melting temperatures and ventilation requirements of the space. Failure to do so may lead to damage to the machine and pose health risks to the user.

Safety guidelines

Before operating, ensure you have a thorough understanding of the equipment.
Carefully review the provided instruction manual for complete guidance.
Understand the proper, safe usage and limitations of the equipment.
Never use this equipment for any purpose other than its intended use.
Do not modify the equipment in any way.
Do not make adjustments or perform maintenance while the system is in operation or energized.
Non-Flammable Cleaning: Refrain from cleaning the equipment with flammable solvents.
Extruder Vent Precautions:
Avoid probing into the barrel pallet feed section while the machine is running.
Never use a metal probe in the barrel pallet feed section; a wooden probe is recommended.
Personal Protective Gear:
Wear a face shield and heat insulated gloves while operating or being near the extruder during operation. These protective items are also necessary when adjusting the die or cleaning the screw. The extruder temperatures are extremely high, and not using protective gear may lead to serious injury.
Hopper Installation:
The feed hopper must be installed on the extruder feed section at all times when in operation.
Material Removal Safety:
Never put your hands into the feed section or vent to remove material.
Motor Activation:
Only switch on the motor when the recommended temperature has been reached.

Product Specification Sheet

Product Information:

Product Name/Model: Noztek PRO/PRO HT filament extruder.
Brand/Manufacturer: Noztek
Serial Number: See invoice
Date of Manufacture: 2023

General Description:

The Noztek PRO/PRO HT, a versatile single screw desktop extruder, has been meticulously designed for the precise production of high-quality filament extrusion. Equipped with two heater bands, manual temperature control, and a robust 50rpm 20nm motor, it effortlessly delivers superior filament from an extensive array of materials and polymers.

The standard Noztek PRO is configured with heater bands capable of reaching up
to 250°C, while the Noztek PRO HT boasts an impressive 600°C capacity.
This extruder’s adaptability extends its value across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, 3D printing, and the chemical sector, offering a cost-effective and efficient means to shape and process materials into top- tier filaments.
For optimal results, we recommend utilizing extrusion-grade pellets.

Technical Specifications:

Voltage Requirements: 220VC or 110VC.
Power Rating: 10A.
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Dimensions (including weight and size): 80cm x 15cm x 54cm. 10 KG.
Material Composition: Steel. Barrel and Screw: Stainless steel
Color/Finish: Red powder coat
Motor: 50RPM, 162 kg-cm of torque

Key Features:

Manual Control over Temperature with High Precision PID Controller:
The Noztek PRO/PRO HT is equipped with a sophisticated high precision PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller, providing users with manual control over the extrusion temperature. This allows for precise adjustments to accommodate various materials and achieve optimal extrusion conditions. The PID controller ensures stability by continuously monitoring and adjusting the temperature to maintain a consistent and accurate level throughout the extrusion process.

High Torque 50 RPM Motor:
The extruder features a robust high-torque motor operating at 50 revolutions per minute (RPM). This high torque capability ensures efficient and consistent filament extrusion even when processing challenging materials or operating under demanding conditions. The motor’s power, coupled with its controlled RPM, contributes to the reliability and performance of the Noztek PRO/PRO HT , making it suitable for a wide range of filament production requirements.

Multi-Stage Stainless Steel Single Screw:

The Noztek PRO/PRO HT incorporates a multi-stage stainless steel single screw, designed to enhance the extrusion process. The multi-stage configuration allows for optimized material processing and melting. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for extruding various materials, including those with unique properties or specific processing requirements.

Safety Information:

Warnings: See safety sheet
Recommended Safety Gear: See safety sheet
Emergency Shutdown Procedures:

In the event of an emergency, firmly press the red mains switch located at the front of the machine. This action will swiftly deactivate the power supply, bringing all ongoing processes to an immediate halt.

Operating Instructions:

Step-by-step instructions for safe and proper use of the product: See safety sheet and guide
Start-up and Shutdown Procedures: See guide
Control Panel Layout: See guide
Maintenance and Cleaning Guidelines: See maintenance sheet.

Technical Diagrams:

Available upon request.

Performance Data:

Heater bands:
Equipped with two distinct, PID controlled heater bands, capable of reaching temperatures up to 600°C.
Hopper capacity:
750 gram maximum, 50 gram minimum.
Extrusion Output Rate:
The Noztek PRO/PRO HT demonstrates an impressive extrusion capacity, capable of producing approximately 1-2 meters of filament per minute. This translates to an estimated output of 60-120 meters or 300 grams of filament per hour.

Accessories and Included Items:

Mains cable
Hopper
Spare nozzle
45 Degree angle mounting brackets

Warranty Information:

See warranty sheet.

Compliance and Certifications:

CE

Technical Support and Contact Information:

info@noztek.com
https://noztek.com/contact/
44 (0) 203 384 6208
Noztek Head office
Unit C3 Dolphin Enterprise Centre
Evershed Way
Shoreham
West Sussex
BN43 6QB
ENGLAND

Set-up Instructions

Unpacking and Placement:
Caution: Do not plug the machine into the mains or turn it on during set-up. Carefully unpack the machine and accessories. Place the machine on an even, stable surface, ensuring there are no flammable materials nearby as the heater bands can reach temperatures of up to 600°C.

Hopper Attachment:

Begin by attaching the hopper. Locate two bolts in the barrel’s designated holes.
Unscrew these bolts, position the hopper over the holes, and securely screw the bolts back in place.

Optional 45-Degree Angle Set-up:

The extruder can be used flat on an even surface or at a 45-degree angle using the provided mounting brackets. Secure the brackets with the six bolts provided: two for each end and two connecting the brackets. Note: When in the angled position, ensure the machine is properly secured to prevent accidental tipping.

Power Connection:

Once the initial steps are completed, you can plug in the mains cable into the machine. Before doing so, double-check that the mains voltage (e.g., 220VAC or 110VAC) matches the voltage specified on the machine (refer to the sticker on the machine).

Note: Always follow these set-up instructions meticulously to ensure the safe and effective operation of the machine. If you encounter any issues or have questions, refer to the comprehensive user manual for further guidance.

Operation Instructions

Important Note:

Caution: DO NOT SWITCH ON THE MOTOR until the desired temperature has been reached and maintained for at least 15 minutes. Failure to do so may result in damaged equipment.

Ensure the FAN, HEATERBAND / PID and MOTOR SCREW switches are in an upright position before turning the machine on. As shown in the image below.

Ensure that you acquaint yourself with the proper handling guidelines for the material you are using, particularly its melting point. Neglecting to do so may compromise the functionality and potentially damage the equipment.
Please bear in mind that the quality of the extruded filament is influenced by factors beyond just the operation of the machine. Considerations such as room humidity, temperature, material humidity, and ensuring the correct temperature settings all play crucial roles.

STEP 1. Familiarization:
Familiarize yourself with the following switches; FAN SWITCH, HEATERBAND SWITCH / PID, MOTOR SCREW SWITCH, EMERGENCY POWER SWITCH, MAINS POWER SWITCH.

STEP 2. Start-up Procedure:
To turn on the machine, use the illuminated MAINS POWER SWITCH located at the back. Push the red illuminated EMERGENCY POWER SWITCH at the front of the machine to activate the machine. In an emergency, pushing the button will shut down the Noztek PRO/PRO HT completely.

STEP 3. Preparation for Extrusion:
Before activating the motor, switch on the heater bands using the HEATERBAND SWITCH / PID. Allow it to reach the desired temperature, then wait for 15 minutes to ensure thorough heating of the barrel, screw, nozzle, and material.
When the heater is turned on, the PID display will show temperature values in Celsius. The top value is the set temperature, and the bottom one is the current temperature. To adjust the temperature setting, press the set button and use the up/down buttons. Press the set button again to confirm the changes.

STEP 4. Initiating Extrusion:
Add your pellets and then turn on the motor using the MOTOR SCREW SWITCH to start the extrusion process. After a short duration, the plastic will emerge from the nozzle. Pull the filament through the guide. The extruded filament will be hot, so use heat-resistant gloves. Some materials may require immediate cooling after extrusion; turn on the fan using the FAN SWITCH to facilitate this. The operational set-up is now complete.

STEP 5. Shutdown Procedure:
When finished, turn off the EMERGENCY POWER SWITCH, MAINS POWER SWITCH, and return all switches to an upright position as show in the image above.
These instructions ensure safe and efficient operation of the Noztek PRO/PRO HT

Additional Information:

Quality Measures:
Extrude approximately 5m of filament, switch off the motor, cut off the excess material, and then restart the motor. This helps eliminate air bubbles and metal particles in the system.

Color Mixing:
Adding colors is a straightforward process. Mix the natural and colorant at the given ratio, then pour it into the hopper. It will take 10-20 minutes to observe changes in color.

Temperature Adjustments:
Adjusting the temperature also affects filament tolerance. Higher temperatures result in thinner filament, while lower temperatures result in thicker filament. Make adjustments in 5-degree Celsius increments.

Maintenance

Changing the Nozzle:
Before attempting this operation, ensure you use heat-insulated gloves. To switch between nozzle sizes, heat the unit to the temperature required to melt the material previously used. Wait for 10 minutes to ensure all material is molten.
Unscrew the nozzle using a spanner, clean any excess plastic from the internal threads, and then screw on the new nozzle.

Maintenance:
Regular cleaning of your plastic extrusion tooling is crucial for prolonging machine life, reducing waste, and maintaining tighter tolerances for your final product. We recommend running purging agents like polypropylene through the barrel for cleaning. If this is not possible, use a wire brush and fine metal pick to clean the threads and screw assembly. If you are unsure how to clean the barrel, please contact the Noztek helpdesk for assistance.

Barrel Jam:
Depending on the resin type, you may occasionally encounter a barrel jam. If the motor starts laboring and slowing down during extrusion, immediately switch off the motor. To free the jam, increase the temperature to approximately 25-50 degrees Celsius above the recommended melting temperature of the material and leave it for 15–20 minutes. Then switch on the motor again; this should allow the screw to rotate, purging the barrel.

CONTACT NOZTEK

For more in-depth troubleshooting assistance, we encourage you to explore our FAQ help section on our website at www.noztek.com. In the event that your specific query is not addressed within this resource, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Noztek expert team for direct support and guidance.

Noztek Ltd
Unit C3 Dolphin Industrial Estate Evershed Way,
Shoreham by Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 6QB, ENGLAND
44 (0) 203 384 6208
info@noztek.com
www.noztek.com noztek PRO Logo