The Filament Maker TWO by 3devo is a lab-scale polymer extrusion system designed for R&D applications in thermoplastic testing and development. It features enhanced extrusion control with a more powerful drive, longer screw, and improved heaters, allowing for tighter process control and broader material compatibility. The system also offers advanced data monitoring capabilities, including a 3-axis filament sensor with 10 µm accuracy, real-time data logging, remote access, and an infrared thermal camera for filament temperature measurement. 

Precision control is ensured via a high-torque extruder (up to 50 Nm) and stable RPM output. The platform is Ethernet-enabled, featuring an open REST API for external integration and supporting continuous firmware upgrades. Usability enhancements include a touchscreen UI, auto tensioning, and 3 kg spool compatibility. Compatible with a broad range of polymers, it supports applications in material formulation, recycling, and composite research.

Filament Maker TWO Features  

The Filament Maker TWO functions as a lab-scale extrusion platform for testing, developing, and validating thermoplastics, designed for researchers and material scientists. Let’s explore its features in detail:

Maintenance-Optimized Design for Lab Environments

The Filament Maker TWO is engineered with a modular architecture that simplifies maintenance and part replacement. Split housing panels allow direct access to internal components, facilitating quick removal of the screw, insulation sleeve, die head, and nozzle.

This supports efficient material switching, in-process troubleshooting, and in-depth inspection of polymer melting behavior or additive dispersion. The redesigned nozzle connects directly to the die-head, improving heat control and simplifying cleaning. These features collectively reduce downtime and make the system more suitable for iterative R&D workflows.

Integrated Data and Thermal Monitoring Systems

The extrusion system is equipped with a high-resolution 3-axis filament sensor offering 10 µm accuracy and over 25 measurements per second, enabling accurate tracking of filament ovality and diameter. Real-time data logging and visualization are supported via Ethernet, with remote access and compatibility with InfluxDB for time-based data analysis. 

An integrated infrared thermal camera records filament surface temperature before it reaches the puller, aiding in quality control, especially with high-temperature polymers. Upcoming features include image processing for defect detection and automatic spool fullness monitoring. 

Enhanced Extrusion Process Control

With advanced monitoring, you can validate hypotheses, detect trends, and export clean datasets—essential for high-stakes research. A more powerful extruder motor and gearbox deliver up to 50 Nm torque, allowing for near-zero RPM fluctuation. The extended compression screw features a 17.75 L/D ratio and customizable profiles (mixing, precision), improving melt homogeneity and throughput control. 

Four ceramic band heaters (230W each) enable faster heat-up and stable temperature zones up to 450°C. The new cooled hopper, equipped with real-time thermal sensors, maintains feedstock stability. Additional controls include variable puller tension for rigid/flexible materials and spooling presets to streamline setup.

Scalable Platform with API and Future Expansion

The Filament Maker TWO is built as a flexible platform, supporting both hardware and software customisation. It provides Ethernet-based firmware updates and is designed with open REST API support for process control integration and data retrieval. 

CAN bus connectors accommodate future hardware attachments, such as feeders or mixers. Modular add-ons can be co-developed with the R&D team for specific research needs. The touchscreen UI enables intuitive control of settings and parameters, while the spool chuck supports a capacity of up to 3 kg, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Compatible Materials

The Filament Maker TWO is compatible with all thermoplastics, except for PVC and certain fluoropolymers. This includes common waste plastics such as PET, PLA, PP, HDPE, PETG, ABS, PS, LDPE, PC, and PHB. It also processes engineering polymers like TPU, POM, PA6, PVA, TPE, PCL, PA66, ASA, and PA12, as well as high-performance polymers such as PEEK, PEI, PSU, PEKK, and PPSU. Additionally, it can handle additives and composites, including carbon fiber, ceramic powder, chemical additives, metal powder, wood, glass fiber, nanoparticles, and polymer blends. 

References

Filament Maker TWO Product Details

3devo