Moulds: Injecting With PLA
How to convert 3D Printing Waste Into Eco-Friendly Products with Our Injection Mini
Introduction
At Sustainable Design Studio, we are always looking for new sources of plastic waste to convert into innovative recycled products using our machines. Our latest project? Recycling PLA waste into a practical 15cm ruler using our Injection Mini machine. This process not only demonstrates sustainable practices but also provides a hands-on educational experience, especially suitable for schools.
The PLA Problem:
3D printing, while a technological marvel, often leaves behind multiple types of plastic waste. These failed prints and excess materials typically end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste. With a growing uptake of 3D printers, this also means a growing waste stream but we believe there’s a better way to handle this waste – by recycling it into new, useful products.
Sustainable Design Studio and Prusa’s Global Initiative:
We're proud to be part of the https://world.prusa3d.com initiative by Prusa Research, which aims to connect makers with 3D printing waste and recycling centres. Sustainable Design Studio is on its interactive map as one of a handful of registered centres in the UK. This initiative is a fantastic step towards a global collaboration in reducing plastic waste. If we aren’t your local recycling centre we encourage you to look at the map to find your local initiative to send your 3D waste for recycling.
Our Solution with the Injection Mini:
Our compact Injection Mini machine is perfectly suited for small-scale recycling. It efficiently melts down and reshapes plastic waste, like PLA, into new forms. For our showcase project, we've turned PLA scraps into a useful ruler – a simple, yet impactful demonstration of recycling in action.
The Process: Creating a Ruler from PLA Waste:
Collection: We start by gathering PLA waste from 3D printers, ensuring everything is sorted by plastic type (this time we used mostly silver, with a little bit of black PLA). We also ensured the plastic was clean and free from any moisture.
Preparation: This waste is then shredded using our Shredder Basic for uniform melting into fine granulate that can be poured into the machine.
Melting: The shredded PLA is loaded into the Injection Mini, where it’s heated for about 8 minutes at 190°C.
Moulding: The melted PLA is injected into our 15cm ruler mould with a simple press of a button.
Cooling and Demoulding: Unlike other plastics, we actually had to let the product cool in the mould before opening, this only took a few seconds in a cold bucket of water. Then after cooling and solidifying, the ruler is removed from the mould.
Finishing: We trim the sprew and smooth the edges to complete the ruler. Walla, you now have a ruler.
Fun Fact: Because the ruler is PLA it is compostable in the right conditions.
We encourage you to either send us your 3D printing waste or start recycling it using your own Sustainable Design Studio machines. By participating, you contribute to a global movement towards sustainability and innovation. Let's turn your waste into something amazing!
We would also like to highlight that this project is an excellent educational tool for schools. It offers a tangible demonstration of sustainable practices and the circular economy in action, teaching students the importance and practicality of recycling by utilising your school's 3D printing waste to turn it into a new fresh item.
Our ruler project with the Injection Mini is just one example of the endless possibilities in recycling 3D printing waste. Whether you’re a school, business, or individual, you can be part of this sustainable journey.
Remember, every piece of recycled plastic is a step towards a cleaner, greener planet. Let’s make a difference together!