Additive manufacturing, as 3-D printing is sometimes called, is also saving materials for the large manufacturers that can now “print” in metals, or other materials instead of using milling techniques.
Recently, we covered 3-D printing. Not surprisingly, the next logical step is 3-D “reprinting,” the use of recycled materials in printing.
3-D printing is here to stay
The capacity to three-dimensionally fabricate items of all shapes and many sizes has allowed individuals to significantly reduce costs, while enjoying the security of having what is needed, when it’s needed. 3-D printing is also a way to reduce waste, because there is no longer need to stockpile thousands of parts, just in case they are needed. Additive manufacturing, as 3-D printing is sometimes called, is also saving materials for the large manufacturers that can now “print” in metals, or other materials instead of using milling techniques.
Home printers often have waste, as owners learn to operate them correctly
Objectively, people who are “playing” with the home desktop 3-D printers to make toys and other knick-knacks are probably causing more plastic waste than they were before to purchasing their machines. So it’s only logical that a group of innovative designers have devised a way to eliminate the wastefulness. Though only in concept now, their idea holds great promise to be built into the next generation of 3-D printers.
Designers conceive an all-in-one system
Yangzi Qin, Yingting Wang, Luckas Fischer and Hanying Xie of Yangko Design have collaborated to conceptualize a 3-D reprinter. Not only does it include an all-in-one 3-D printer, but it also features a built-in plastic recycling system as well. This 3-D reprinter allows its user to put in used plastic items, which would have been discarded as trash, into the machine. The machine then grinds up the plastic into a powder-like material, melts the powder and extrudes it in liquid form to build a new item.
It is estimated that if the European Union stops sending plastics to the landfill, 1 billion barrels of oil could be saved, representing savings of a total of €80 billion ($90.65 million).
What’s next?
Recycling is so much a part of our everyday lives; this product is simply the next step to give us a allowing us to support the environment at the same time. We believe that this machine will be the first of many to come that will allow us to use technology to eliminate waste and expense. Don’t be surprised if there’s a 3-D reprinter soon that takes your plastic bottles and other recyclables and makes them into feeder materials.
