Design and fabrication of a plastic bottle recycling system for 3D printing filament production

The rapid growth of 3D printing technology has increased the demand for filament, a material used to create three-dimensional objects. This research presents the design and fabrication of a machine that recycles used PET plastic bottles into 3D printing filament. The machine features a cutting mechanism for shaping the bottles, a heating unit to melt the plastic, and an extrusion mechanism to form the filament. The study aimed to assess the performance of the recycled filament, focusing on its quality, consistency, and suitability for 3D printing applications. Experimental results demonstrate that the recycled filament, produced from PET plastic bottles, exhibits the required characteristics for use in 3D printing, although challenges with filament uniformity and strength persist. This solution offers a sustainable approach to plastic waste management while meeting the growing demand for 3D printing materials.