Hey Guys just wondering if you would buy recycled 3D Printer filament. If you turned in so much plastic and got half off a new recycled spool of filament would you guys do it? I know lots of people have those failed and scrap plastic from 3D printers that are useless now. Let me know what you think. Thanks!!!
I’d happily use recycled filament, especially ABS, as long as the quality and reliability was the same as non-recycled filament.
I do have concern with the issue of reliability with re-using bits of filament and failed prints. So many heat cycles will damage the plastic structure over time, and you might run into issue with that. If it was proven that the recycled filament was as reliable and strong as the original plastic, I’m sure the community would love it.
The changes are usually pretty small (generally it’s due to oxidation and thermal degradation) but they do have an impact, which is partially why 3D printed parts are weaker then their molded counterparts. But if you’re talking models and more visual prints (really anything that isn’t intended for structural use or mechanical prototyping), I wouldn’t worry too much about the loss of material properties. I think as long as you don’t have a markedly higher failure rate, you’d definitely find use for recycled filament. I’d definitely use it for visual prototypes and models!
