---
title: Recycle plastic waste into 3d printing filament
slug: recycle-plastic-waste-into-3d-printing-filament
description: This guide demonstrates the process of converting plastic waste into 3D printing filament. It outlines key considerations and necessary equipment for optimal results.

For a visual guide, please watch our video:  
[YouTube Video](https://youtu.be/IcmKFDxsUgA)

For more information, visit our website:  
[Qitech Industries](https://www.qitech.de/en/industries)
tags: ["hack","other machine","extrusion","shredder"]
category: Guides
difficulty: Easy
time: < 5 hours
location: Darmstadt, Germany
---
import { Image } from 'astro:assets'
# Recycle plastic waste into 3d printing filament
<Image src={import('./Ohne_Titel.jpg')} alt="Recycle plastic waste into 3d printing filament" />
This guide demonstrates the process of converting plastic waste into 3D printing filament. It outlines key considerations and necessary equipment for optimal results.

For a visual guide, please watch our video:  
[YouTube Video](https://youtu.be/IcmKFDxsUgA)

For more information, visit our website:  
[Qitech Industries](https://www.qitech.de/en/industries)

User Location: Darmstadt, Germany
## Steps
### Step 1: Shredding 

Firstly, shred the material. We use our JARVIS Shredder. If unavailable, explore nearby workshops or consider methods like a hand-cranked shredder, document shredder, or scissors-blender combination. More uniform granulate enhances the final product.


<Image src={import('./1_Shred.jpg')} alt="1 Shred.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./2_Shred.jpg')} alt="2 Shred.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./3_Shred.jpg')} alt="3 Shred.jpg" />

### Step 2: Drying

To proceed, dry the material. Refer to our comprehensive guide on drying polymers using a custom-built dry box available here:


<Image src={import('./1_Drying.jpg')} alt="1 Drying.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./2_Drying.jpg')} alt="2 Drying.jpg" />

### Step 3: Extruding

### Extruding Process

To begin extruding, you require an extruder. You may construct one yourself or purchase it online. We have also compiled a comparison list of various extruder models on our website: [qitech.de: Filament Extruder Comparison](https://www.qitech.de/en/ind/academy-area/filament-extruder-comparision). 

In using our 6th generation extruder, we identified three key factors:
1. A well-designed compression screw
2. Accurate temperature measurement and control
3. Easily exchangeable nozzles


<Image src={import('./1_Extruding.jpg')} alt="1 Extruding.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./2_Extruding.jpg')} alt="2 Extruding.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./3_Extruding.jpg')} alt="3 Extruding.jpg" />

### Step 4: Cooling

With hot filament exiting the extruder, it must be cooled and wound onto a spool. Cooling can be done with water or air; however, an air cooling system is recommended as it is simpler and effective for outputs under 6.6 lbs/hr (3 kg/h). A basic and economical option is to use a horizontally positioned tower fan beneath the filament. Our custom cooling unit, the JARVIS Airpath, allows precise fan control, ensuring the filament hardens sufficiently but remains flexible for easy winding. The winding process is optimal when the filament tracks adhere slightly to each other.


<Image src={import('./1_Cooling.jpg')} alt="1 Cooling.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./2_Cooling.jpg')} alt="2 Cooling.jpg" />

### Step 5: Winding

### Filament Winding Process

To prepare the filament for 3D printing, use a filament winder equipped with a pull unit, a guider (to distribute the filament evenly), and a rotating spool axis. It is essential to maintain tension in the filament to avoid loose spools.

For this task, we employ a winding unit that automatically adjusts the spool motor speed. This ensures precise winding and consistent filament diameter. Insert the filament into the puller, thread it through the guider, and onto the spool.


<Image src={import('./1_Winding.jpg')} alt="1 Winding.jpg" />


<Image src={import('./2_Winding.jpg')} alt="2 Winding.jpg" />

### Step 6: Printing

You can now use your new filament with a 3D printer.


<Image src={import('./Bildschirmfoto_2021-08-12_um_10.39.12.png')} alt="Bildschirmfoto 2021-08-12 um 10.39.12.png" />