Reduce, reuse, recycle

Alex (FH1), a Novi Design and Technology Scholar based in Ferox Hall, has undertaken an engineering project focused on sustainable design. He has successfully constructed a device that recycles used drinks bottles into reusable filament for 3D printing.

His interest in this area was sparked by online demonstrations showing how waste plastic bottles could be repurposed into filament for repairing surfboards. As a member of the School’s Green Committee, Alex recognised an opportunity to support its aims through a practical initiative.

After further research, he identified an open-source project aligned with his goals, downloaded the design files, and began manufacturing the required components using his personal 3D printer.

A key feature of the device involves softening and reforming plastic into filament. To achieve this, Alex repurposed components from an obsolete Ender 3 Pro printer, including bearings, a heating block, and other mechanical elements.

Once all components were produced, he assembled the device using online instructional resources, including video demonstrations and coding guides.