Recycled Filament: A Sustainable Solution for 3D Printing

As concerns about climate change continue to grow, companies worldwide are actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. The 3D printing industry, which relies heavily on energy and plastics, is no exception. Let's explore how recycled filament can play a crucial role in making 3D printing more eco-friendly.

Reasons for Recycling Plastics into FFF/FDM Filament

Recycling plastics and transforming them into FFF/FDM (fused filament fabrication/fused deposition modeling) filament offers several benefits, including:

1. Cost Savings: Recycling allows companies to save money by repurposing existing materials rather than purchasing new ones.
2. Waste Reduction: Recycling plastics reduces the amount of waste in landfills or oceans.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint: Using recycled filament helps decrease the environmental impact of plastic production.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Responsible businesses must meet regulatory standards for sustainable business practices.

Recycled filaments are available on the market from single sources (with complete traceability) and multiple sources for general use. Additionally, companies can implement closed-loop recycling processes internally, segregating, sorting, and re-manufacturing materials within their operations.

Stratasys' Innovative Solution: OpenAM Filament Tuning Software

Several types of thermoplastics are recyclable to varying degrees. These include ABS, PETG, Nylon, and TPE. When considering applications for recycled filament, it's crucial to evaluate the new material properties that often result from recycling thermoplastics.

Whether you opt for a pre-made recycled filament or develop one in-house from internal waste, tuning these materials is essential for successful 3D printing. Previously, this capability was unavailable on Stratasys printers.