3D Printer Plastic Waste

Image Source: Personal Photo

The image above is most of the PLA waste from using the sample filament that came with my 3D printer. The larger pieces are bases of failed prints that didn't adhere properly to the print bed. Partly my fault since I am new to 3D printing.

Even if every single print I attempted was successful a certain amount of plastic waste would still result from support structures.

There are a few different systems available for shredding print rejects, extruding, and spooling into new filament such as the RepRap Recyclebot. However, getting a system that will produce filament with acceptable dimensional accuracy and consistency currently costs hundreds of dollars. Hopefully in a few years the price will drop as 3D printers become more commonplace.

Posted with STEMGeeks