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Machine Usage Guide

Machine Usage Guide

This guide will walk you through the process of using the Open Wet Spinning machine to create functional threads.

Machine Overview

The wet spinning machine consists of three sub-systems: the syringe pump, the bath and collection system, and the controller box. All the components in these systems are either 3D printed with desktop 3D printers or purchased through general mechanical or electrical component vendors. The three subsystems can be easily disassembled and reassembled to host workshops at different locations. With simple edits, the volume of the syringe pump can be replaced with smaller ones for low-volume sampling. The slotted frame structure can be extended to add more tanks for coating or multiple wash bathes.

Subsystem - Syringe Pump:

  • Stepper Motor
  • Plunger Displacer
  • Syringe Holder

Subsystem - Bath & Collector:

  • Coagulation Bath
  • Wash Bath
  • Passive Roller
  • Motorized Roller
  • Submerged Needle Dispenser

Subsystem - Controller:

  • Display
  • Speed Selection Knob
  • Direction Selection Button

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Machine Preparation

  1. Fill the coagulation bath with 10% calcium chloride solution
  2. Fill the wash bath with distilled water
  3. Adjust the syringe displacer to the suitable height for your syringe
  4. Load the syringe onto the syringe holder
  5. Insert the syringe plunger into the syringe displacer

2. Speed and Direction Settings

  1. Start with Reset speed setting using the potentiometer
  2. Once ready to spin, switch to Regular/Thermo/Charcoal speed setting
  3. Press the pushbutton to start the motorized roller

3. Extrusion Process

  1. Step on the foot pedal to begin extrusion
  2. Hold the gauge tip in the air until the first blob forms
  3. Carefully insert the gauge tip into the coagulation bath

4. Yarn Collection

  1. Wait for the thread to form in the coagulation bath
  2. Gently pick up the yarn using tweezers or a collection tool
  3. Wind the yarn around the passive roller in the coagulation bath
  4. Guide the yarn to the motorized roller in the wash bath
  5. Ensure proper tension while winding

5. Drying and Storage

  1. After collecting desired length, carefully remove the thread from the rollers
  2. Hang the yarns to dry at room temperature
  3. Allow 4-8 hours for complete drying
  4. Store in appropriate conditions once dry

Troubleshooting

  • If motors aren’t spinning properly, double check that all the set screws on the couplers are tight
  • Sometimes the motors won’t work properly if the potentiometer knob is between settings.
  • If the gauge tip gets coated with calcium chloride before you start extruding, it can clog the syringe.
  • If the yarn breaks in the middle of spinning, simply pick up the new end and wrap it around the rollers again.

Tips for Success

  • Clean the machine thoroughly after each use
  • Maintain consistent room temperature during spinning
  • Keep detailed records of your settings and results
  • Practice with basic solutions before moving to more complex materials

Next Steps

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