The Complete Guide to Extrusion machines: From Standard to Desktop and Filament Options
If you’ve ever thought about getting into the world of Precious Plastic (a global community dedicated to recycling plastic waste), you probably know it involves turning old plastic into something useful, like new filament for 3D printers or even making new objects altogether. At the heart of the process is the extruder — the machine that melts down recycled plastic and turns it into usable material. So, if you’re considering building your own Precious Plastic setup or upgrading your existing one, you might be wondering: Which extruder should I buy?
In this post, we’ll break down the different types of Precious Plastic extruders, from standard small-scale models to compact desktop ones to filament extruders. We’ll compare their price ranges, uses, and help you figure out which one is best for your needs!
1. Standard Precious Plastic Extruders
When we talk about “standard” extrusion machines in the Precious Plastic world, we’re usually referring to the bigger machines designed for larger operations or workshops. These extruders are built to handle more plastic at once, turning it into a form that’s easy to process or mold into new objects like recycled plastic lumber.
Standard Precious Plastic extruders are designed to melt down chunks or flakes of recycled plastic (PET, HDPE, PP, etc.) and then push the molten plastic through a heated nozzle to create consistent strands.
Standard extruders tend to be built to last and handle higher output, which makes them pricier. However, their capacity and ability to deal with larger volumes of plastic (ideal for bigger operations) may justify the price. You can find a standard machine on the Precious Plastic Bazaar for $2,750 to $6,500.
Best For:
- Larger community workshops or small businesses looking to scale up their plastic recycling operation
- Makers who want to produce significant quantities of material or create larger plastic items
- Organizations focused on sustainability and plastic waste reduction on a bigger scale
2. Desktop-Sized Precious Plastic Extruders
Desktop-sized extruders are exactly what they sound like—smaller, more compact versions of the standard extruder that can sit on a desk or in a home workshop. These are great for people who are just getting started with Precious Plastic or for those who want to experiment with smaller batches of recycled plastic.
These extruders work similarly to the larger models but are designed for smaller quantities of material. They allow you to process plastic waste into extruded strands in a low-volume environment. The price of a desktop-sized extruder is usually around $1,100.
The pricing here depends on the extruder’s capacity, build quality, and whether it’s a fully assembled kit or a DIY project you have to assemble yourself. Generally, these are more affordable than the industrial-grade versions, but they still offer great performance for smaller operations. I would highly recommend the extruder mini by Sustainable Design Studios, it is of the highest quality and it’s hand-cranked so it gives you a good workout.
Best For:
- Hobbyists and small-scale makers looking to turn plastic waste into usable material
- Schools, universities, and non-profits that want to get involved in plastic recycling but don’t need industrial-scale equipment
- Entrepreneurs who want to experiment with plastic recycling and produce small batches of filament or other recycled products
3. Precious Plastic Filament Extruders
If you’ve seen the “Filament Extruder” in Precious Plastic’s toolkits, you know it’s a game-changer for anyone who’s serious about recycling plastic for 3D printing. These extruders are specifically designed to melt recycled plastic and turn it into filament, which can then be used in your 3D printer. Instead of buying commercial filament, you can make your own, often at a fraction of the cost.
Filament extruders for Precious Plastic are all about taking your recycled plastic (in pellet, flake, or shredded form) and turning it into perfectly extruded filament. This filament can then be used to 3D print a wide range of objects. Prices on the Precious Plastic Bazaar ranges from $1,000 to $4,000
Filament extruders tend to be a bit more affordable compared to standard extruders, making them a great entry point for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to recycle plastic and produce their own filament. The price range varies depending on the features—some models are simple DIY kits, while others are more professional setups with more precision and customization.
The filament extruder that I would recommend for entry-point 3D printing enthusiasts is the Filastruder. The machine only costs $300, but you do need to assemble it yourself. If you want to learn more about the Filastruder click here!
Best For:
- 3D printing enthusiasts who want to make their own filament from recycled plastic
- Small-scale businesses that want to save money on filament or create unique, custom filament blends
- Makers who want to experiment with different types of plastic waste and create sustainable 3D printing material
Comparing the Types of Precious Plastic Extruders
So, now that we know the basics about these three types of Precious Plastic extruders, let’s quickly compare them based on price and use:
| Type | Price Range | Use | Best For |
| Standard Extruders | $2,750 – $6,500+ | High-volume plastic recycling and extrusion | Large-scale operations, workshops |
| Desktop-Sized Extruders | ~$1,100 | Small batch plastic recycling, experimentation | Hobbyists, schools, small businesses |
| Filament Extruders | $300 – $2,500+ | Recycled filament production for 3D printing | 3D printing enthusiasts, makers |
Which Extruder Should You Buy?
Choosing the right extruder depends on your needs and your budget. Here’s a quick guide:
- Go for a standard extruder if you’re running a large operation or workshop, and need to produce a lot of recycled material or large plastic objects. They’re great for scaling up.
- Opt for a desktop-sized extruder if you’re a hobbyist, or a small business, or you want a more compact solution for plastic recycling. These are affordable and still pretty versatile, and you can make some great products with them!
- Choose a filament extruder if your focus is 3D printing and you want to make your own filament. This is especially great if you want to recycle plastic waste and turn it into usable 3D printing material—plus, it saves you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
No matter what size your Precious Plastic operation is, there’s an extruder out there that fits your needs. From industrial-grade machines to smaller, more affordable options for hobbyists and small businesses, there’s a way to get into recycling plastic and creating something amazing. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, saving money on filament, or just curious about making new things out of old plastic, there’s no better time to start exploring the possibilities with Precious Plastic extruders! Happy recycling!
Bonus!
If you are a pretty hands-on individual you can also take the DIY route. Precious Plastic offers detailed plans for building all of its machines including the extruder. This method will require a lot more effort and time, but it will be significantly cheaper, and you will know your machine better than anyone in the world!