♻️ From Waste to Value: Plastic Recycling in the FabLab
Welcome to our knowledge base on PLA plastic recycling. At FabLab Skanderborg, we don't see failed 3D prints as trash—we see them as a valuable resource waiting for a new shape.
Why recycle PLA?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is industrially biodegradable, but in everyday life, it often ends up in landfills. By recycling it locally in our FabLab, we learn about: * Circular Economy: How to close the loop. * Material Science: How plastic changes character when heated. * Design with Constraints: How to create beautiful objects from the flakes we have available.
Our Process
We follow a simple but effective journey from 3D print to finished product:
- Sorting & Cleaning: Removing tape and support structures.
- Shredding: The plastic is chopped into small, colorful "flakes".
- Molding: We use either a heat press for sheets or an oven with ceramic molds for solid objects.
- Finishing: Laser cutting, bending, and welding provide the final touch.
Get Started
Ready to make your own recycled sheet? Start by reading our safety instructions before turning on the machines!