Anyone interested in working together on this project? I am planning on continuing to design and build it, but I am open to working together. I have access to most of the equipment to machine the parts. If anyone is interested we could maybe work out a deal where I machine more than one copy of parts in exchange for raw material costs.

I am still working on the design in my free time. It is mostly a thought project now. Something to think about and add details to. I find doing CAD design relaxing. Here are a few things I have been thinking about and adding details

• Updated Platens to be machined for 4 tie rods instead of 2. This way you can use either 2 or 4. If you want more accessibility you can use 2, and if you need more clamping force you can use 4.
• Added detail to how the molds will be held in place and aligned.
• Added some details for second ejector mechanism. My parts will require ejectors on both mold halve to start with. This can be optional for other peoples builds.

I also did some looking at other DIY builds to see how practical it is to build a mechanism to melt and inject pellets. Heating and melting the pellets is simple enough. I have made a few 3d printers that are melting filament, and my first aluminum mold for the Tank Chain project has heaters built in. But the injection part is a little more work. Not sure how hard it will be to build up enough pressure. I am currently thinking of using something like what DIY filament making machines use.

Something like this:

http://3dprintingforbeginners.com/how-to-make-diy-filament-for-your-3d-printer/

Anyone know a good source for augers like this?