The College of Engineering and Applied Science is taking a step toward advancing campus sustainability, thanks to the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program鈥檚 new 3D printing recycling program. 聽The initiative transforms plastic waste from 3D printing into reusable materials, reducing landfill impact and supporting innovative student projects.
The idea originated in an engineering classroom, where a student team led by integrated design engineering major Ian Mcleod first explored ways to repurpose failed prints and excess support structures generated from PLA filament. 聽With the support of ITLP engineer Kathryn Penzkover, the concept was developed into a working system and later refined by Eli Post, an ITLP summer intern who is majoring in mechanical engineering. Today, this recycling process has been incorporated into the ITLP ecosystem, and sheets of this material are free for students to use.
The process involves collecting failed or excess PLA prints, grinding them into small fragments and using a T-shirt press to flatten the fragments into durable flat sheets. These sheets serve as raw material for laser cutting projects, offering students a sustainable alternative while conserving resources.