----------------------------------
- what process(es) will it use?
material mixing and extruding processes

- what will (and won't) it be able to do?
extrude custom sections and vary the section, direction, and hardness within a single part.
it won't be able to make extremely precise parts.

- what are the benefits (and disadvantages) over current practice?
advantages:
flexible way to produce custom parts without using several machines and making new dies for each custom part
disadvantages:
slower, not as precise, more complicated than typical extrusion process. will require more parts and more moving parts than typical extrusion process.

- what are the system components?
1) dynamic material mixer
2) quad-barrel extrusion drive
3) programmable extrusion die

- which parts exist, and which will require development?
mechanical/software will need quite a bit of development. we will not develop motors and the extrusion material.

- what will the workflow be from design to output?

- how much will it cost?
aluminum stock
stepper motors
leadscrews
rotary bearings
linear bearings
fasteners
misc hardware

- how fast will it be?
depends on the material, but probably not quite as fast as a industrial extrusion process

- what consumables will it need?
lubricants