In this path, the collection of PLA for composting would still connect the local 3D printing community and dispose of scrap PLA responsibly. One of the downsides is that there is no reusable output product, as it would result in biomatter that can be used as fertilizer, which can easily be achieved from food waste with much less energy consumption. Below is a flowchart of the PLA composting process.
Continue reading “Archive: Plan #3: Collecting and Composting PLA”Archive: Plan #2: Collecting and Recycling Different Types of Plastic
Continue reading “Archive: Plan #2: Collecting and Recycling Different Types of Plastic”Plastics are the workhorse material of the modern economy – with unbeaten properties. However they are also the ultimate single-use material. Growing volumes of end-of-use plastics are generating costs and destroying value to the industry. After-use plastics could – with circular economy thinking – be turned into valuable feedstock. Our research confirms that applying those circular principles could spark a major wave of innovation with benefits for the entire supply chain.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Archive: Action Plan #1 – Collecting and Recycling 3D printing PLA Scraps
This Action Plan would include connecting with local 3D printer owners, collecting their scrap PLA (polylactic acid), cleaning and sorting it, shredding the PLA, re-melting it to produce more filament to 3D print with, and getting the new spool of filament back to someone who can use it. These steps are shown below in a story board.
Continue reading “Archive: Action Plan #1 – Collecting and Recycling 3D printing PLA Scraps”Update Blog Post Frequency
Although research will not cease throughout the duration of the project, the section dedicated to the main research concluded at the end of September, which is the reason for the absence of updates. More updates are expected to be posted soon regarding further developments in the conceptual phase of the project in December, followed by more in January and February when physical testing and prototyping will commence.
Thank you for your patience.
Standards and Regulations
There are not many standards in place as 3D printing is in its infant stages, and even more so recycling for 3D printing. Below are some potential standards and regulations that may be relevant to this project as it progresses.
Continue reading “Standards and Regulations”Interest in Recycling Filament
Looking through the comment sections of YouTube videos about filament recycling, it is evident that people are thinking about recycling their 3D printing scraps. They, such as myself, would rather store them for an undetermined amount of time and an unforeseeable date when they can be recycled, or at least NOT thrown in the garbage, despite not knowing anyone who is doing it locally or affordably. Here are some examples of things people are commenting on Make Anything’s Making my OWN Filament from Failed Prints with the 3Devo Composer video:
Continue reading “Interest in Recycling Filament”Tips for Extruding Filament
Extruding post-consumer plastic can by difficult. Depending on the extruder settings, filament brands (assuming its the same type of plastic), degrees of cleanliness, exposure to UV rays or other factors, how old the filament is, what humidity level(s) it was stored at/exposed to, if it has been recycled already, and many more.
Continue reading “Tips for Extruding Filament”Bioplastics
Although the word ‘bioplastic’ sounds like a more environmentally friendly alternative to the more standard petroleum-based plastic, it is not, at least in the short term. Only taking up 0.2% of the plastics market, bioplastics are not prevalent enough for companies and recycling facilities to devote resources to making them as sustainable as they could be (Filabot, 2018). This doesn’t mean we should avoid them.
Continue reading “Bioplastics”Filabot
Filabot is a company centered around plastic recycling for 3D printing. Founded in 2011 by Tyler McNaney, Filabot currently has two different filament extruder setups (with the components available separately as add-ons), and various other tools to help with the filament extrusion process available here on their website. The benefits of Filabot’s set-up compared to other brands is the quality and durability as well as the modular design, enabling the team to upgrade and add components as they go instead of overhauling a single machine which would be costly both time-wise and financially for them and the consumer.
Continue reading “Filabot”FABCYCLE
Irina McKenzie founded FABCYCLE in 2017 with the goal of diverting “textile waste from the landfill by engaging [the] community, connecting with the industry and working with national and international partners” (McKenzie). FABCYCLE’s mission draws many parallels with this project, including a goal of redirecting waste that has the potential to be recycled or reused, along with creating and engaging with the respective communities.
Continue reading “FABCYCLE”