Development of a Polymer Filament Extruder: Recycling 3D Printer Waste

This article presents the development of a polymer filament extruder to recycle waste from 3D printing. As additive manufacturing grows within Industry 4.0, managing thermoplastic waste like PLA, ABS, and PET has become a key challenge. The proposed modular system includes a shredder, an extrusion unit, and a winding module to produce high-quality filaments with precise dimensions (1.75 ± 0.03 mm), ensuring compatibility with 3D printers. Aligned with circular economy principles, the system promotes material reuse and reduces environmental impact. Results confirm its technical and environmental feasibility, with potential for large-scale use. Future improvements may include recycling other polymers and using smart sensors and algorithms to optimize the process.