Polymer 3D printing represents a transformative technology that is revolutionizing manufacturing processes across Africa. With its ability to produce intricate and complex parts at a faster speed than conventional processes, polymer 3D printing is driving innovation and empowering businesses in diverse industries.
At 3D Printing in Africa, we are at the forefront of promoting the adoption and utilization of 3D printing technologies on the continent. Our mission is to showcase the immense potential of polymer 3D printing and to provide businesses with the knowledge and resources they need to leverage this cutting-edge technology for their own growth and success.
Polymer Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) for Africa
With Additive Manufacturing, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology is by far the most commonly used as well as the most popular technology in Africa. However, there are only a handful of local filament manufacturers who make material for FFF printers. With this open-source project you can change that and manufacture some small batch filament yourself.
The Polyformer project is an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the plastic waste crisis by harnessing the power of 3D printing technology. Polyformer is a 3D-printed, open-source machine designed to recycle PET bottles, the primary material used in plastic water bottles, into filaments for 3D printers. With approximately 90% of plastic water bottles made from PET, Polyformer offers a sustainable solution for repurposing this ubiquitous plastic waste.
Built with mostly 3D printed parts and readily available components commonly found on 3D printers, Polyformer is accessible to most makers and enthusiasts. Its modular architecture allows users to easily swap out parts and customize the machine to their preferences. The unique vertical L shape design not only facilitates user interaction but also minimizes the machine’s footprint, making it suitable for diverse environments.
The operation of Polyformer is straightforward yet ingenious. Using a slicing tool equipped with stacked bearings, the machine cuts PET bottles into long, consistent ribbons. These ribbons are then fed into a repurposed 3D printer hotend, where they are thermoformed into 1.75mm filaments as they pass through a brass nozzle with a corresponding hole size. To automate the process, users can mount one end of the filament on a motorized spool, which can be easily transferred and used on a 3D printer.
Polyformer’s user-friendly design features a geared mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing of the outer shell, ensuring safety during operation. Moreover, the entire machine is printed using recycled PET bottles, giving it a distinctive translucent appearance.
The Polyformer project represents a significant step towards promoting sustainability and circularity in the 3D printing industry. By providing an accessible and efficient solution for recycling PET plastic waste into usable filaments, Polyformer empowers individuals and communities to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Join us in embracing the Polyformer project and turning plastic waste into valuable resources through the power of 3D printing. Click on the links below to find out more and to download the files to make your own Polyformer:
Click the image below to go to the GitHub site to download the components
Click the image below to more about the project from the designers
