PET Recycling for 3D Printing: Construction of an Extruder with Electronic Waste

Abstract

The 3D printing process, also known as additive manufacturing, is widely recognized for its ability to create complex objects with precision. As a key technology in Industry 4.0, 3D printing promises to promote more sustainable production chains by reducing resource consumption. However, concerns about the environmental impact of filament production have emerged. Recycling plastic, particularly PET, offers a solution to this issue, as PET is one of the most commonly discarded plastics globally. In Brazil, over 55% of PET packaging is recycled, yet only a small fraction is reused in new products due to color alteration during recycling processes. This project aims to address plastic waste and contribute to sustainable 3D printing by developing an extruder using recyclable materials from obsolete electronics. The extruder was constructed from parts of a non-functional 3D printer, including components such as Arduino, control interfaces, motors, and heating blocks. PET bottles were collected, cleaned, and cut into strips, which were then processed into filaments for 3D printing. The extruder was optimized for producing 1.75 mm filaments, with the best extrusion temperature found to be between 180°C and 185°C. The produced filament demonstrated promising quality, with approximately 20g of filament obtained per 2L PET bottle. Test prints, including a boat model and a calibration cube, showed satisfactory results in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface finish when compared to prints made with commercial PLA filament. This work not only reduces plastic waste but also generates a sustainable raw material for 3D printing, emphasizing the potential of recycling in the context of the circular economy.