Are you tired of throwing away failed 3D prints? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not recycle them into new filament? Converting scrap 3D prints into filament is not only an environmentally friendly option, but it can also save you money in the long run.

The process of converting scrap 3D prints into filament involves cutting the failed prints into smaller pieces and placing them into a container with acetone. The acetone dissolves the plastic, creating a slurry that can be extruded into filament. This filament can then be used in your 3D printer to create new prints. With just a few simple steps, you can turn your scrap prints into a valuable resource.

Why Convert Scrap 3D Prints into Filament?

3D printing has become increasingly popular over the years, and with it comes the issue of waste. Failed prints, support structures, and other scraps can pile up quickly, leading to a cluttered workspace and wasted resources. However, instead of throwing these scraps away, they can be transformed into new filament for future prints. Here are a few reasons why converting scrap 3D prints into filament is a great idea:

Cost-Effective

Purchasing new filament for 3D printing can be expensive, especially if you require a specific color or material. By converting scrap prints into filament, you can save money and reduce waste. While the initial cost of a filament extruder or winder may seem daunting, it will pay off in the long run as you continue to produce your own filament.

Eco-Friendly

3D printing can produce a significant amount of waste, but by converting scrap prints into filament, you can reduce your environmental impact. Instead of throwing away plastic scraps, you can reuse them and minimize your carbon footprint.

Customizable

When you convert scrap prints into filament, you have control over the color, material, and diameter of the filament you produce. This allows for greater customization and flexibility in your 3D printing projects. You can even mix different scraps to create unique color combinations.

Educational

Converting scrap prints into filament can be a great learning experience for students and hobbyists. It teaches the importance of recycling and resourcefulness while also providing insight into the 3D printing process. It can also be a fun and rewarding project to undertake.

Overall, converting scrap 3D prints into filament is a cost-effective, eco-friendly, customizable, and educational solution to the issue of waste in 3D printing. With the right equipment and a little effort, you can transform your scraps into new filament for endless 3D printing possibilities.

Tools and Materials Needed

If you have a 3D printer, you probably have a collection of failed prints or scrap filament. Luckily, you can convert these scrap 3D prints into filament with a few tools and materials. Here are the things you will need:

3D Printer Filament Extruder

A 3D printer filament extruder is a device that melts plastic pellets or scrap filament and extrudes them into a new filament. There are many types of extruders available on the market, ranging from simple DIY kits to high-end commercial machines. Some popular extruder brands include 3DEVO, Filabot, and Filastruder. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose an extruder that suits you.

Scrap 3D Prints

To convert scrap 3D prints into filament, you will need some scrap filament or failed prints. You can use any type of filament, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and more. It’s important to remove any rafts or supports from the scrap prints before using them. You can use wire cutters to cut the scrap into manageable pieces.

3D Printer Filament

You will also need some new filament to mix with the scrap filament. This is because the scrap filament may have different properties than the new filament, such as color or material composition. Mixing the scrap filament with new filament will create a more consistent and usable filament. You can use any type of filament for this, but it’s best to use the same material as the scrap filament for best results.

In summary, to convert scrap 3D prints into filament, you will need a 3D printer filament extruder, scrap 3D prints, and new filament to mix with the scrap filament. With these tools and materials, you can create new filament from your scrap prints and reduce waste.

Preparing the Scrap 3D Prints

When it comes to recycling 3D prints, the first step is to prepare the scrap material. This involves sorting and cleaning the prints, as well as shredding them into small pieces that can be used in the extruder. Here are the steps to follow:

Sorting and Cleaning

Before shredding the scrap prints, it’s important to sort and clean them properly. This will ensure that the final filament is of good quality and free from impurities. Here are the steps to follow:

• Sort the prints by material type (e.g. PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.)
• Remove any support structures or rafts
• Wash the prints in warm soapy water to remove any dust or debris
• Rinse the prints in clean water and let them dry completely

Shredding

Once the prints are sorted and cleaned, it’s time to shred them into small pieces that can be used in the extruder. There are several ways to do this, but one of the easiest and most effective is to use a shredder. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut the prints into small pieces that can fit into the shredder
• Feed the pieces into the shredder and turn it on
• Collect the shredded material in a container

Alternatively, you can also use a blender or food processor to shred the prints. However, be aware that this may damage the blades of the appliance and is not recommended unless you have a dedicated shredder blade.

Overall, preparing the scrap 3D prints is an important step in the recycling process. By sorting and cleaning the prints and shredding them into small pieces, you can create high-quality filament that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Extruding the Filament

Once you have set up your extrusion lab, it’s time to start extruding your filament. This process involves loading the extruder, extruding the filament, and cooling and winding the filament.

Loading the Extruder

Before you can start extruding your filament, you need to load the extruder with the plastic granules. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the hopper on top of the extruder and pour in the plastic granules.
2. Turn on the extruder and set the temperature to the recommended level for your plastic.
3. Wait for the plastic to melt and start to flow out of the nozzle.

Extruding the Filament

Once the extruder is loaded and the plastic is melted, you can start extruding your filament. Follow these steps:

1. Place a spool at the end of the extruder to collect the filament.
2. Turn on the extruder motor and start extruding the filament.
3. Make sure the filament is coming out of the nozzle smoothly and consistently.
4. Adjust the extruder speed and temperature as necessary to achieve the desired filament diameter and quality.

Cooling and Winding the Filament

After the filament has been extruded, it needs to be cooled and wound onto the spool. Follow these steps:

1. Move the spool away from the extruder to allow the filament to cool.
2. Once the filament is cool, wind it onto the spool in a neat and organized manner.
3. Check the diameter of the filament periodically to make sure it is consistent.
4. Store the spool of filament in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it.

Overall, extruding your own filament from scrap 3D prints can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to create new filament. With the right equipment and some practice, you can create high-quality filament that is perfect for your 3D printing projects.

Testing the Filament

Before using your newly made filament, it is important to test it for quality and consistency. In this section, we will cover the three main tests to perform: measuring diameter, testing for strength, and testing for flexibility.

Measuring Diameter

The first step in testing your filament is to measure its diameter. This can be done with a digital caliper or a micrometer. The diameter of your filament should be consistent throughout the entire length of the spool. If you find any inconsistencies, you may need to adjust your extruder settings or re-extrude the filament.

Testing for Strength

To test the strength of your filament, you can perform a simple pull test. Cut a small section of your filament and attach it to a weight. Slowly increase the weight until the filament breaks. The weight at which the filament breaks will give you an idea of its strength. You can also test the strength of your filament by printing a test object and testing its durability.

Testing for Flexibility

Flexibility is an important factor to consider when testing your filament. To test the flexibility of your filament, you can perform a bend test. Cut a small section of your filament and bend it at a 90-degree angle. The filament should not break or crack. You can also test the flexibility of your filament by printing a flexible object and testing its elasticity.

In conclusion, testing your filament is an important step in the 3D printing process. By measuring the diameter, testing for strength, and testing for flexibility, you can ensure that your filament is of high quality and will produce reliable prints.

Conclusion

In conclusion, converting scrap 3D prints into filament is a great way to reduce waste and save money on materials. With just a few simple steps, you can turn your failed prints into usable filament for your next project.

There are a few different methods for converting scrap 3D prints into filament, including using acetone to dissolve the plastic and extruding the melted plastic through a filament extruder. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your needs.

One important thing to keep in mind when converting scrap 3D prints into filament is that the quality of the resulting filament may not be as high as that of commercially available filament. This is because the plastic may have been exposed to heat and other factors that can affect its properties. However, if you’re willing to experiment and tweak your process, you can still produce usable filament from your scrap prints.

Overall, if you’re looking for a way to reduce waste and save money on 3D printing materials, converting scrap prints into filament is definitely worth considering. With a little bit of effort and experimentation, you can turn your failed prints into something useful and environmentally friendly.