Experimental and thermal modeling of batik wax extruder via solidwork

A recent study via survey ratings had identified that the most critical function for an automatic batik printer is the design of the extruder. Thus, this study aims to validate a finite element (FE) thermal model and identify the temperature distribution for an aluminum extruder designed for a batik printer. The steady-state thermal distribution due to the ceramic ring heater was modeled using Solidwork and compared with experimental values. The convection coefficient (as losses through the air) and the bulk ambient temperature were estimated at 5 W/m2*K and 303 K respectively. Using a heating temperature of 75°C, the thermal model of the initial batik extruder was successfully developed with a discrepancy of less than 4% compared to the experimental values. The extruder body and die was then redesigned, and its nozzle was fixed to 1 mm based on the traditional tjanting rengrengan design. Thermal FE analysis of the modified extruder model at various die lengths showed low temperature drop of approximately 3°C at the nozzle. Thus, it is predicted that the extruder system will be able to provide continuous wax flow at the right viscosity during printing. This study provided a guideline in designing an extruder for a batik printer that utilizes environmentally friendly batik waxes.