.extruder-calculator-container {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
}
.calc-header {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 30px;
}
.calc-header h2 {
color: #333;
margin: 0;
font-size: 28px;
}
.calc-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.calc-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #444;
}
.input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
}
.input-group .help-text {
font-size: 12px;
color: #666;
margin-top: 4px;
}
.calc-btn {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
background-color: #0073aa;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
width: 100%;
transition: background 0.3s;
}
.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #005177;
}
.results-section {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
margin-top: 20px;
background-color: #fff;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 4px;
border-left: 5px solid #0073aa;
display: none;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
padding: 10px 0;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
}
.result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
}
.result-label {
font-weight: 600;
color: #555;
}
.result-value {
font-size: 20px;
font-weight: 700;
color: #0073aa;
}
.article-content {
margin-top: 40px;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
}
.article-content h3 {
color: #0073aa;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.article-content ul {
padding-left: 20px;
}
.material-table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
margin-top: 15px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.material-table th, .material-table td {
border: 1px solid #ddd;
padding: 8px;
text-align: left;
}
.material-table th {
background-color: #f2f2f2;
}
function calculateExtruderFlow() {
// 1. Get input values
var diameterInput = document.getElementById('fil_diameter').value;
var speedInput = document.getElementById('feed_rate').value;
var densityInput = document.getElementById('density').value;
// 2. Validate inputs
if (diameterInput === "" || speedInput === "" || densityInput === "") {
alert("Please fill in all fields (Diameter, Speed, and Density).");
return;
}
var diameter = parseFloat(diameterInput);
var speed = parseFloat(speedInput);
var density = parseFloat(densityInput);
if (isNaN(diameter) || isNaN(speed) || isNaN(density) || diameter <= 0 || speed < 0 || density <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers.");
return;
}
// 3. Calculation Logic
// Calculate Cross-Sectional Area of Filament (A = π * r^2)
// Radius = Diameter / 2
var radius = diameter / 2;
var area = Math.PI * Math.pow(radius, 2); // Area in mm²
// Calculate Volumetric Flow Rate (Q = Area * Speed)
// Units: mm² * mm/s = mm³/s
var volumetricFlow = area * speed;
// Calculate Mass Flow Rate
// Convert Density from g/cm³ to g/mm³
// 1 cm³ = 1000 mm³, so divide by 1000
var densityPerMM3 = density / 1000;
// Mass Flow (g/s) = Volumetric Flow (mm³/s) * Density (g/mm³)
var massFlowSec = volumetricFlow * densityPerMM3;
// Mass Flow (g/hour) = Mass Flow (g/s) * 3600
var massFlowHour = massFlowSec * 3600;
// 4. Update the Display
document.getElementById('res_volumetric').innerHTML = volumetricFlow.toFixed(2) + " mm³/s";
document.getElementById('res_mass_sec').innerHTML = massFlowSec.toFixed(4) + " g/s";
document.getElementById('res_mass_hour').innerHTML = massFlowHour.toFixed(1) + " g/hr";
// Show results container
document.getElementById('results-display').style.display = "block";
}
Understanding Extruder Flow Rate
In the world of 3D printing (Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM), understanding your Extruder Flow Rate is crucial for achieving high-quality prints. This calculator helps determining exactly how much plastic is being pushed through your nozzle based on the filament diameter, extruder speed, and material density.
Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for calibrating E-steps, diagnosing under-extrusion or over-extrusion issues, and estimating material usage for large print jobs.
How the Calculation Works
The physics behind extrusion flow rate relies on the volume of the cylinder (the filament) being pushed into the hotend.
- Filament Area: First, we calculate the cross-sectional area of the filament using the formula A = π × (Diameter / 2)².
- Volumetric Flow Rate: We multiply the Area by the Feed Speed (how fast the extruder gear pushes the filament) to get the volume per second (mm³/s).
- Mass Flow Rate: By applying the material's specific density, we convert volume into weight (grams), which is useful for estimating spool consumption.
Common Material Densities
To get the most accurate mass calculation, use the specific density provided by your filament manufacturer. However, here are standard averages for common 3D printing materials:
| Material |
Average Density (g/cm³) |
| PLA |
1.24 |
| ABS |
1.04 |
| PETG |
1.27 |
| TPU (Flexible) |
1.21 |
| Nylon |
1.15 |
| Polycarbonate (PC) |
1.20 |
Why Volumetric Flow Rate Matters
Most hotends have a physical limit to how much plastic they can melt per second. For example, a standard V6 hotend might cap out around 15 mm³/s, while a high-flow Volcano hotend might reach 30 mm³/s or more.
If your calculated Volumetric Flow Rate exceeds your hotend's maximum capacity, you will experience extruder skipping, grinding, and severe under-extrusion. Use this calculator to ensure your print speed settings remain within the physical capabilities of your hardware.