Recyclebot

URL = http://www.appropedia.org/Recyclebot_v2.2

Description

"This is a port under construction from Appropedia (http://www.appropedia.org/Waste_plastic_extruder and http://www.appropedia.org/Recyclebot_v2.2] where the project is housed and still underway. The full parts list for the metal components of v2.2 are available on Thingiverse.

Following an open source model, the RepRap, has made it feasible for 3D printing to be used as for small-scale manufacturing to aid sustainable developmentas discussed in 3-D Printing of Open Source Appropriate Technologies for Self-Directed Sustainable Development. The RepRap's plastic feedstock is one area where cost can still be reduced. Here a description and analysis of the design to produce the filament for RepRap from waste plastic is presented including component properties, testing procedures and extrusion results. The success of this device would further enhance RepRap affordability by reducing operating costs. Filament production could also offer an alternative income source. In addition, it enables in-home plastic recycling with a usable byproduct. This has implications in the field of waste management as in-home recycling could avoid the greenhouse gas emissions and economic costs associated with municipal recycling programs by bypassing waste collection and transportation." (http://reprap.org/wiki/Recyclebot?inf_contact_key=c9c38dbae6bfae14e4e6cb6111edb41d4f73bf2b4281e9e77ceccb7f86cde8f5)