In 3D printing, it's common for prints to fail, leading to a significant amount of waste. The main challenge lies in finding efficient ways to reuse this material rather than discarding it.
I started collecting waste PLA prints by placing recycle bins next to the arch shop's 3D printers. (This is the most productive place for waste materials!)
The experiment involves using a heat press machine to heat the metal plates to around 240°C, melting PLA to reshape it into sheets that can be repurposed for other products. This method focuses on reducing waste by reusing failed prints.
I used a paper espresso cup to contain some PLA materials. To observe the blending of geometries, I found this fantastic black-and-white waste initially from another print of Neil's high-res portrait. In the end, the experiment successfully melted all the waste materials into a condensed espresso!
Using an iPhone silicone mold with higher temperature resistance, I was trying to use the same method from test 2 to bake the materials in the oven. However, the experiment was failed due to lacking controls of the shape of the ingredients, and a higher mold to contain materials.
W1-W6: Nothing relates to final : )
W7: molding and casting >> PLA material test
W8: input devices >> distance sensor
W9: output devices >> small DC motor
W10: computer-controlled machining >> shell
W11: mechanical & machine design >> full-scale mockups
W12: networking & communications >> control & interaction
W13: interface & application >> user interface
W14: wildcard week >> iron plate water jet
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