Save Crazy Money Turning Milk Containers to Filament for 3D Printers

[Brian_Krassenstein]

Recent research indicates that by using an ordinary office paper schredder and then a filament extruder, those wishing to, can create 3D printer filament from empty milk bottles for just 10 cents per Kilogram. Compared to prices of $30-$40 per kilogram of filament, charged by various companies, this is a discount in excess of 99.7%. Sure, the quality of the prints will not be as detailed, and some shrinkage may take place while cooling, but overall the prints do come out fairly accurate. More details on this research can be found here: http://3dprint.com/7069/3d-printer-filament-milk/

What do you guys think? Would you consider making your own 3D printer filament with milk containers? What implications does this have for 3rd world countires and those in poorer areas of the world?

[Mjolinor]

I think it would be a breakthrough indeed to make filament from my milk containers. My milk comes in glass bottles.

Seriously though I would do this, definitely. I have been intending to make an extruder for a month or two and will get round to it eventually.

[kennycoulter]

I love this idea..... this is the best possible situation, and would only have the small 'footprint' of the plastic fumes from turning into filament (plus electric for the shredder).

regarding quality, aren't milk jugs made from PET+ (?) as long as you are able to optimize your filament extruder, you should be able to have quality prints, equal to your experience on any other material (learning curve).

sorry for any inaccuracies, I may be too hopeful.

(I RE-READ. HDPE MADE)

[Nomadd_UK]

Hi all,

This is something I have been looking at with great interest of late. However, no-one has (as yet) published the exact method required to make the device for recycling bottles into filament. I would LOVE to do this as part of the projects I am currently working on. If anyone knows where I can get detailed methods including parts list then please let me know.

I have already purchased a cross cut shredder and have a reasonable cache of milk cartons... just need the method.

Thanks!

[LambdaFF]

What does your shredder look lie ? What is the size of the shredded output ?

[Wolfie]

Hi all,

This is something I have been looking at with great interest of late. However, no-one has (as yet) published the exact method required to make the device for recycling bottles into filament. I would LOVE to do this as part of the projects I am currently working on. If anyone knows where I can get detailed methods including parts list then please let me know.

I have already purchased a cross cut shredder and have a reasonable cache of milk cartons... just need the method.

Thanks!

I am a little confused why you are confused. Its not really rocket science.

1. Grind up your source plastic
2. Extrude it into filament.
3. Print something with it.

1: You need a grinder/shredder (Paper shredder will handle thin stuff, otherwise you need something bigger)
2: You need an extruder (build one or buy one)
3: You need a 3D printer

Where are you confused in the process?

[Mjolinor]

Where are you confused in the process?

What does one do with the milk?

[Wolfie]

Mix it with rennet and make cheese.

[Davo]

[Nomadd_UK]

Hi LambdaFF,

It is a Texet A4 desktop shredder that can also shred credit cards. As the milk bottles are quite thin plastic it does a fair job of shredding them. It creates small strips about 4mm x 25mm. Although they are fairly rough cut at the edges due to the nature of the plastic. It saves a lot of time doing it with scissors. You still need to cut the bottle into small chunks though.