Requirements and first approach to use an extruder allowing future application in additive manufacturing techniques

The plastics processing industry is witnessing the trend of miniaturization as well as the trend of individualization these days. Concurrently new manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing - widespread known as rapid prototyping techniques - gain more and more importance. But although plastic processing techniques usually are used in mass production they can still meet the challenge of miniaturization and individualization when adapting them. The aim of this work is to show how well-established extruder technology could be used for future additive manufacturing methods and thus contribute to further progress of such techniques.