Recycling in the ANU MakerSpace

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol44 Issue40 7–11 October 2019

Recycling in the ANU MakerSpace

Wednesday 9 October
Holly White & Katie Ward
Engineering Capstone Project
4:00 pm PSYC G6

This talk will describe the in-depth process we developed to take PLA scraps and create
usable filament.

Australia is in a crisis, and it can no longer be swept under the rug or shipped off to China.
Individuals and organisations need to improve their efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. As a
part of the Capstone project run by the Engineering School, we have taken on a challenge set
down by the ANU MakerSpace to provide a recycling solution for their 3D printing waste.

Significant waste is produced through 3D printing; waste which presently goes to landfill.
Instead of sending these potential resources to the bin, we have devised and implemented a
process to collect scrap PLA from the ANU MakerSpace and ensure it lives a second life.
PLA waste is generated through misprints and scaffold structures; we first go through
collection and colour sorting. It is then shredded and filtered to ensure an adequate size is
obtained. The small scraps are then melted down, in a process known as extruding, and
funnelled through a cool water bath. This is our new filament! Once it is respooled, it can be
used to create your wildest dreams.

This talk will describe the in-depth process we developed to take PLA scraps and create
usable filament. Attend our presentation if you’re interested in finding out more. Any curious
staff and students are more than welcome to attend!

The ANU MakerSpace is an initiative by the Research School of Physics, where members can
learn by doing. The MakerSpace community and tools are accessible to all current ANU staff
and students for projects relating to education, research or personal hobbies.
The Capstone project is a final year engineering course for undergraduate students to
experience industry project experience. Our Capstone team consists of seven members;
Isobel Berwick, Johannes Cheung, Claire Gay, Daniel Trueman, Phoebe Wang, Katie Ward
and Holly White.