SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Recycling program for ABS/PLA

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:22:35 +0000

On the filament extrusion side, 20% recycled to 80% virgin MG94 has been working really well. I haven't had any issues with delamination, or seen any major changes when compared to 100% virgin MG94. I have tested the 20% recycled mix on my Ultimaker 2 for several hundred hours of printing, and it has worked just the same as normal ABS. In terms of setting up a filament recycling business, I am only one person, and still in high-school. There is only so much I can get done in a day. I would love to launch this, but other projects like getting my Eagle scout rank have taken priority. I would be open to suggestions about moving forward with this project too.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 15:11:34 +0000

Raimond wrote:

Updates?
I saw in the tolerance thread a really positive report...

I just finished up finals at school, and I am currently getting my Lab ready for production. I wanted to recognize that you asked for an update, and I will prepare a full update in the comming week. Things are looking really good.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Raimond) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 02:29:56 +0000

Updates?
I saw in the tolerance thread a really positive report...

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 04:51:06 +0000

Recently I was making some recycled filament, and through some extra steps, I achived tolerance of + or - .01mm on a 100g coil of 1.75mm ABS. Details can be found here: http://www.soliforum.com/topic/9818/or- … olerances/

I am currently getting the material test by wardjr, and will report back once testing is complete.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (richh001) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 21:24:26 +0000

How about a cheap Harbor Freight twig and branch chipper?

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:49:18 +0000

I did a blog post about recycling ABS panels from old 2Dprinters. You can find it here http://ggalisky.weebly.com/

@richhoo1 I dont think a food processor would create consistent enough sized pieces.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (richh001) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:28:18 +0000

Pretty interesting topic........How about converting an old food processor, into a grinder? of using a large abrasive disc on a grinder and catch the flyings? or, would the particles be too fine?

Possible use Acetone to soften up large pieces so that the can be forced through an orifice to dry out and chopped up?

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 04:43:38 +0000

After running regrind ABS through the granulator a second time, the granulated becomes even more fine, and uniform. This makes mixing it in with virgin material even easier.

Currently for this project I am working on the following things:
Better hopper/lid.
Testing filament that has 10% regrind all the way to 100% in 10% increments.
Making a full, well edited video on the whole process of recycling.
Setting up a work environment that is as clean as possible, so I do not introduce contaminates into the pellets or filament.
Making filament to send out to Beta testers.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Superdave) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 03:11:50 +0000

Baldor motor.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 01:28:05 +0000

For anyone that is interested, this machine is a Polymachine HMG88, and I am running it off of a static phase converter. I can not find any information on the actual machine, but there is detailed documentation on the Balador motor.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 01:34:07 +0000

Superdave wrote:

You should make a new hopper that has two slide plates. The first slide plate would be for loading material into the machine while eliminating access to the blades. Once the material is loaded you would slide the first plate closed, I would make this one clear, and then pull the second plate open to drop the material into the cutting area. This would be a safer design and keep your area cleaner.
You could probably print the hopper with 100% fill for strength, but I'd make it all metal just to be on the safe side.
Just a thought.

Hmm interesting... I will defiantly think about this. Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Superdave) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:03:27 +0000

You should make a new hopper that has two slide plates. The first slide plate would be for loading material into the machine while eliminating access to the blades. Once the material is loaded you would slide the first plate closed, I would make this one clear, and then pull the second plate open to drop the material into the cutting area. This would be a safer design and keep your area cleaner.

You could probably print the hopper with 100% fill for strength, but I'd make it all metal just to be on the safe side.

Just a thought.

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (n2ri) — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 18:31:11 +0000

another similar device in function although it works with water is a garbage disposal making things able to go down drain. also wood working tools like planers grind bits off semi hard materials. I think we can devise a simple tool to do this well and at low cost both to make and operate. and make it small enough to be an accessory on a Filastruder just like a spool winder so the entire plastic recycler can go in any small shop where 3D printing is done just like wood working or metal working shops in many home out buildings/garages/basements

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (n2ri) — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 18:21:35 +0000

getting there now. saw this next to your video showing what we are trying for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJB3yX_xSBY

combo of chipper/shredder/coffee grinder. a small hand crank model like pencil sharpener could also be done for home use using a rotating tube with small rasp blades around it and a feed plunger similar to sausage grinder. put the rest of the family to work recycling (turning the crank) while you run filastruder and print LOL

Re: Recycling program for ABS/PLA

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 17:43:52 +0000

I now finally have everything setup. If you want to send me failed prints send me a PM. I will accept the following materials: In any color: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, Nylon, Polycarbonate, Polycarboante/ABS blend, Flexibles, PET/Tglase, Composite filaments like Laywood, and pretty much anything else. Also, if you want to test some ABS regrind on your Filastruder/ Filament extrusion device, send me a PM.

I would also like to thank AZERATE and elmoret for sending me their failed prints. The red/ black ones in the first video are AZERATE's, and the white ones in this video are elmoret's.

If you listen closley enough, you can hear the Filastruder making filament. Making filament out of failed prints, and those failed prints were made using filament made on a Filastruder.....

I am currently working on making a professional video that shows the whole process. Hopefully that will be done by the end of October.

Send me feedback if you have any!