NIT Rourkela Patents Low-Cost Extruder for Recycled Composite Filaments

3D printers build objects by melting plastic and laying it down in thin layers, like a robot drawing in the air.

The NIT Rourkela team made a machine called an extruder that turns old plastic into the material used by 3D printers.

Recycled plastic can be cheaper and better for the planet than new plastic.

Sometimes recycled plastic is weak, but this machine can mix in extra materials to make it stronger.

The machine costs about Rs 45,000, which is quite affordable.

It controls the temperature carefully so the filament comes out with the right size and quality.

In tests, the recycled filaments printed parts accurately and worked well.

These stronger filaments can be used to make things like drone components, medical models, and toys.

Recycling plastic this way helps reduce waste and creates a cycle of reuse.

The team received a patent for their clever invention.