Recyclebot

Purpose - A low-cost, open source, self-replicating rapid prototyper (RepRap) has been developed, which greatly expands the potential user base of rapid prototypers. The operating cost of the RepRap can be further reduced using waste polymers as feedstock. Centralized recycling of polymers is often uneconomic and energy intensive due to transportation embodied energy. This paper provides a proof of concept for high-value recycling of waste polymers at distributed creation sites.

Design/methodology/approach - Previous designs of waste plastic extruders (also known as RecycleBots) were evaluated using a weighted evaluation matrix. An updated design was completed and the description and analysis of the design is presented including component summary, testing procedures, a basic life cycle analysis and extrusion results. The filament was tested for consistency of density and diameter while quantifying electricity consumption.

Attachment 19050

Watch video on recycling plastic with 3-D printing:

https://youtu.be/3Xpsv3IRk_Q

For more information on versions and other type of RecycleBots, go to:
Recyclebot - Appropedia: The sustainability wiki

To download the paper:
Distributed Recycling of Waste Polymer into RepRap Feedstock | Joshua Pearce - Academia.edu

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Thanks MOST! We've added your Waste Plastic Extruder to our 3D Printing category,
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<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-waste-plastic-extruder"> <img src="/uploads/203072/homemade-waste-plastic-extruder.png"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-waste-plastic-extruder">Waste Plastic Extruder</a> <span> by <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/builder/MOST">MOST</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/heater'>heater</a>, <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/3d-printing'>3D printing</a>, <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/extrusion'>extrusion</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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