How can you recycle CAD/CAM materials in an eco-friendly way?

3D printing is a creative and versatile way to produce custom objects, but it also generates a lot of waste. The materials used in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) processes, such as plastic, metal, resin, or filament, are often non-biodegradable and hard to dispose of. However, there are some eco-friendly ways to recycle these materials and reduce your environmental impact. Here are some tips to help you recycle CAD/CAM materials in an eco-friendly way.

1 Choose recyclable materials

The first step to recycle CAD/CAM materials is to choose materials that are recyclable or biodegradable. For example, you can use PLA (polylactic acid), a bioplastic made from corn starch or sugarcane, instead of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a petroleum-based plastic. PLA is compostable and can be broken down by bacteria or fungi. You can also use materials that are recycled or reclaimed, such as PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), which is made from recycled plastic bottles, or wood filament, which is made from wood pulp or sawdust.

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Ibrahim Ahmad

Designer & Art Director and currently founding Filagain.com
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To define what is "recylable", we need to assess the recycling market in our own region first and see what material is in demand among recycler. All thermoplastic is recyclable, but many aren't recycled because of lack of demand/supply to recycle it. For example, here in Indonesia, PLA and PETG is considered as a new type of plastic with rare local industrial usage. Less demand = less recycling = more landfill/incineration. Meanwhile oil based plastics like ABS and PP, have a more mature market, enabling recycling happen. So ironically, in my case using oil based plastic could be more sustainable since the waste is sought after for recycling. We need to put more emphasis on who could process its waste, and not just how it was created

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2 Use a shredder or a crusher

The second step to recycle CAD/CAM materials is to use a shredder or a crusher to break down the waste into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt, extrude, or mold the materials into new shapes. You can buy a shredder or a crusher designed for 3D printing waste, or you can make your own with some DIY skills and tools. A shredder or a crusher can also help you reduce the volume of waste and save space.

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Ibrahim Ahmad

Designer & Art Director and currently founding Filagain.com
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Shredding is viable, but not for everyone due to its cost, space and operational hazard involved. If you want to try, keep in mind: - Shredder blades heats up over time from friction during shredding, which can cause issues with PLA & PETG that have a low glass-temp / become sticky between the blades and jams it. - PLEASE REMOVE METALS FROM 3D PRINT WASTE & USE HOPPER SO THE BLADES ARE NOT EXPOSED WHEN RUNNING. Metals could ruin your machine and hurts the operator, you don't want to be featured in LiveLeak. - Shredding composites like Carbon/Glass Fiber plastic may ruin your shredder blades due to its hardness and abrasive nature. - Clean shredder blades when changing materials to minimize contamination from different materials.

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3 Use an extruder or a filament maker

The third step to recycle CAD/CAM materials is to use an extruder or a filament maker to transform the shredded or crushed waste into new filament or resin. An extruder or a filament maker is a device that heats, melts, and pushes the material through a nozzle, creating a continuous strand of filament or resin. You can use this new filament or resin to print new objects or sell it to other 3D printing enthusiasts. You can buy an extruder or a filament maker online, or you can build your own with some components and instructions.

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Ravi Toor

Managing Director at Filamentive - Reducing the Environmental Impact of 3D Printing with Sustainable Materials
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Exploring the potential of extruders and filament makers reveals exciting possibilities in the realm of sustainability and cost reduction. Shredding and extruding waste into new filament can pave the way for 100% recycling and mitigate ongoing expenses related to filament purchasing. However, a glance at the broader picture indicates notable challenges, such as steep initial setup costs for an extruder - often in the thousands - and significant labour demands in terms of effort and time, which render this option impractical for many. Balancing the scales between eco-friendly practices and operational feasibility is imperative as we navigate the path toward sustainable 3D printing.

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4 Use a mold or a 3D pen

The fourth step to recycle CAD/CAM materials is to use a mold or a 3D pen to create new objects from the melted waste. A mold is a container that shapes the material into a desired form, such as a cup, a bowl, or a toy. A 3D pen is a handheld device that extrudes the material in a controlled manner, allowing you to draw or sculpt in 3D. You can use a mold or a 3D pen to make new objects for yourself or for others, or to repair or modify existing objects.

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5 Donate or sell your waste or products

The fifth step to recycle CAD/CAM materials is to donate or sell your waste or products to others who can use them. You can donate your waste to local schools, libraries, makerspaces, or charities that have 3D printing facilities or programs. You can also sell your waste or products online or offline, such as on eBay, Etsy, or Craigslist, or at flea markets, fairs, or swap meets. This way, you can earn some money, reduce landfill, and support the 3D printing community.

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6 Educate yourself and others

The sixth step to recycle CAD/CAM materials is to educate yourself and others about the environmental and social impacts of 3D printing. You can learn more about the benefits and challenges of 3D printing, such as its potential to reduce waste, energy, and emissions, or its risks of creating pollution, health hazards, and ethical dilemmas. You can also share your knowledge and experience with others, such as your friends, family, coworkers, or customers, and encourage them to recycle CAD/CAM materials in an eco-friendly way.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you recycle CAD/CAM materials in an eco-friendly way?

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1 Choose recyclable materials

2 Use a shredder or a crusher

3 Use an extruder or a filament maker

4 Use a mold or a 3D pen

5 Donate or sell your waste or products

6 Educate yourself and others

7 Here’s what else to consider

3D Printing

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How can you recycle CAD/CAM materials in an eco-friendly way?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose recyclable materials

2 Use a shredder or a crusher

3 Use an extruder or a filament maker

4 Use a mold or a 3D pen

5 Donate or sell your waste or products

6 Educate yourself and others

7 Here’s what else to consider

3D Printing

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