Are 3D Printed objects recyclable?

QuestionsCategory: RecyclingAre 3D Printed objects recyclable?
Jigar Seth asked 6 years ago
Summary
Are 3D Printed objects recyclable?
Article Name
Are 3D Printed objects recyclable?
Description
3D printing has become increasingly popular recently. With more and more people 3D printing a variety of objects, there is a lot of 3D printed waste generated. Some of it can be reused after recycling.
Author
Publisher Name
GreenSutra
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1 Answers
Best Answer
Team GreenSutra® Staff answered 6 years ago
Theoretically, almost all 3D Printed Objects can be recycled, but practically recycling them is not that straight forward.
Currently, the most commonly used materials for 3D Printers are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid). Both of these materials are considered as #7 Plastics.
Among these two:

  • PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane,
  • ABS is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from petroleum products.

You can learn more about plastic recycling processes at : https://greensutra.in/plastic-recycling-process/