Circular economy on a 3D printer farm on the example of ABS

Purpose The paper describes a proposal for a closed-loop cycle implemented at a 3D printer farm, using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology as an example. The subject of the research was an attempt to assess the susceptibility to segregation and shredding and also to verify the granulometric properties of polymer waste to manage post-consumer objects, shortages and technological waste toward the production of fully valuable filament for reuse from 3D printing technology. Design/methodology/approach The proposed material management system at the 3D printer farm allows for zero waste management. Management of recycled material is already done at the stage of material selection for a given application and is verified throughout the life cycle, taking into account reprocessing into a new fully functional filament. Findings The analysis of particle size and granulometric indices allowed to characterize the milling, the particles of which with their geometric characteristics are different from recyclates processed from waste products, obtained in other thermoplastic processing technologies. The adopted research methods, parameters and indicators allow to characterize the behavior of ground particles of printed parts in the area of secondary processing. Research limitations/implications The research was limited to ABS; however, the methodological solutions described can also be applied to the secondary processing of other materials commonly used in FDM/FFF 3D printing. Practical implications This study demonstrates a methodical approach to the reuse of 3D printing waste. The methods and results presented are practical and may prove useful for reusing both production and post-consumer waste in 3D printing farms. Social implications A systematic approach to managing production and post-consumer waste in 3D printing technologies aligns with prevailing social and environmental trends aimed at fully using such waste to reduce the carbon footprint. Originality/value Based on the work carried out in the secondary management of waste from the printing process, a universal strategy for the management of post-consumer and process waste using thermoplastic filaments primarily ABS has been proposed.