Yes, there is a way to recycle 3D printer filament. You can use a shredder and an extruder to turn your old prints and scraps into new spools of filament. This can save you money, reduce waste, and help the environment.
3D printing is a great technology that allows you to create anything you can imagine. However, it also produces a lot of plastic waste. According to a study by Michigan Technological University, 3D printing consumes about 100 times more energy than injection molding and generates about 40 times more solid waste. This waste can end up in landfills or oceans, where it can harm wildlife and ecosystems.
Recycling 3D printer filament can help you reduce your environmental impact and save money. By reusing your old prints and scraps, you can avoid buying new filament and reduce the demand for virgin plastic. You can also create custom colors and blends of filament by mixing different types of plastic. Recycling 3D printer filament can also be a fun and rewarding hobby that lets you experiment with different materials and settings.
How to Recycle 3D Printer Filament?
To recycle 3D printer filament, you will need two pieces of equipment: a shredder and an extruder. A shredder is a machine that cuts your old prints and scraps into small pieces. An extruder is a machine that melts the plastic pieces and extrudes them into a thin filament. You can buy these machines online or make your own using DIY kits or plans.
The basic steps to recycle 3D printer filament are:
Break down your old prints and scraps into smaller pieces. You can use a hammer, a knife, or a pair of scissors to do this. Make sure the pieces are clean and dry, and remove any metal parts or supports.
Feed the plastic pieces into the shredder. The shredder will chop them into even smaller pieces, usually about the size of a grain of rice. You can adjust the size of the shredder blades to suit your needs.
Collect the shredded plastic in a container. You can sort the plastic by type, color, or brand, or mix them together to create new blends. You can also add some virgin plastic pellets to improve the quality and consistency of the recycled filament.
Feed the shredded plastic into the extruder. The extruder will heat up the plastic and melt it into a liquid. It will then push the liquid through a nozzle and pull it into a thin filament. You can adjust the temperature, speed, and diameter of the extruder to suit your needs.
Wind the filament onto a spool. You can use a manual or automatic winder to do this. Make sure the filament is cool and dry before winding it. You can also measure the diameter and tolerance of the filament using a caliper or a micrometer.
Use the recycled filament for your next 3D printing project. You can test the quality and performance of the recycled filament by printing a calibration cube or a benchy. You can also compare the recycled filament with the original filament or other brands of filament.
What Types of 3D Printer Filament Can You Recycle?
You can recycle most types of 3D printer filament, as long as they are thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are plastics that can be melted and reshaped multiple times. Some of the most common types of thermoplastic 3D printer filament are:
PLA (polylactic acid): PLA is a biodegradable and compostable plastic made from corn starch or sugarcane. It is easy to print with and has a low melting point. However, it is not very durable or heat-resistant, and it can degrade over time.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): ABS is a strong and durable plastic that is widely used in the automotive and electronics industries. It has a high melting point and can withstand high temperatures and impacts. However, it is not biodegradable and it can emit harmful fumes when heated.
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol): PETG is a modified version of PET, the plastic used for water bottles and food containers. It is recyclable and has a good balance of strength, flexibility, and transparency. It is also resistant to chemicals and moisture. However, it can be sticky and stringy when printed, and it can absorb water from the air.
Nylon (polyamide): Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is strong, flexible, and abrasion-resistant. It is also resistant to chemicals and UV rays. However, it can be difficult to print with and it can warp and shrink when cooled. It can also absorb water from the air and become brittle.
You should avoid recycling thermosets, which are plastics that cannot be melted and reshaped once they are cured. Thermosets are usually harder and more rigid than thermoplastics, but they are also more brittle and prone to cracking. Some examples of thermoset 3D printer filament are:
Resin: Resin is a liquid plastic that is cured by UV light or heat. It is used for SLA (stereolithography) or DLP (digital light processing) 3D printing, which can produce high-resolution and detailed prints. However, resin is not recyclable and it can be toxic and messy to handle.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol): PVA is a water-soluble plastic that is used as a support material for dual-extrusion 3D printing. It can dissolve in water and leave no traces on the printed object. However, PVA is not recyclable and it can degrade over time.
Recycling 3D printer filament can be a rewarding and eco-friendly activity, but it can also be challenging and time-consuming. Here are some tips and tricks to help you recycle 3D printer filament successfully:
Use a filament dryer to dry your old prints and scraps before shredding them. This will remove any moisture and improve the quality and consistency of the recycled filament.
Use a filament sensor to monitor the diameter and tolerance of the recycled filament. This will help you adjust the extruder settings and avoid clogs and jams.
Use a filament cleaner to remove any dust or debris from the recycled filament. This will prevent contamination and improve the print quality.
Use a filament splicer to join different colors or types of filament. This will allow you to create gradient or multicolor prints with recycled filament.
Use a filament analyzer to test the properties and performance of the recycled filament. This will help you compare the recycled filament with the original filament or other brands of filament.
Conclusion
Recycling 3D printer filament is a great way to reuse your old prints and scraps and turn them into new spools of filament. This can save you money, reduce waste, and help the environment. You can recycle most types of thermoplastic 3D printer filament, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and nylon, using a shredder and an extruder. You can also use some additional tools and techniques to improve the quality and consistency of the recycled filament. Recycling 3D printer filament can also be a fun and rewarding hobby that lets you experiment with different materials and settings.
