Recyclebot

A recyclebot (or RecycleBot) is an open-source hardware device for converting waste plastic into filament for open-source 3D printers like the RepRap. Making DIY 3D printer filament at home is both less costly and better for the environment than purchasing conventional 3D printer filament. In following the RepRap tradition there are recyclebot designs that use mostly 3-D printable parts. RepRap 3D printers have been shown to reduce costs for consumers by offsetting purchases that can be printed. The RepRap's plastic feedstock is one area where cost can still be reduced. In 2014 professor Joshua Pearce pointed out that "Filament is retailing for between $36 and$50 a kilogram and you can produce your own filament for 10 cents a kilogram if you use recycled plastic" The device can thus further enhance RepRap affordability by reducing operating costs. In addition, by reducing prosumers' reliance on purchased products, the RepRap and the recyclebot have made it feasible for 3D printing to be used for small-scale manufacturing to aid sustainable development. It has been postulated that recycled filament production could also offer an alternative income source by the Ethical Filament Foundation or as a form of "fair trade filament". It has also been shown to improve the energy payback time of even known green energy technologies like solar photovoltaics. The RecycleBot is an open-source hardware project – thus its plans are freely available on the Internet. RecycleBot curated by academics in Canada and the U.S. on Appropedia (here) and at the RepRap Wiki ( here). For example, the full parts list (or bill of materials) for the metal and electronic components and the controls are available on Thingiverse. Lyman filament extruder – a DIY recyclebot The history of the RecycleBot was largely derived from the work on the RepRap Wiki under GNU Free Documentation License1.2. The first recyclebot was developed by students at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.