This complex sequence of steps includes managing the logistics of locating, collecting and transporting large parts to a facility capable of cleaning, cutting, regrinding and repurposing the material.Īnother challenge of reusing LFAM materials is potential degradation from multiple heat cycles (grinding, re-pelletizing, re-compounding, etc.). Bringing value to scrap or end-of-life parts is a difficult challenge, but the results of this study point to a bright future for sustainable, circular products.” Challenges of Reusing Large, Printed PartsĬurrently, no established value chain exists for reclaiming post-production LFAM parts and scrap. “We’re proud to work with SABIC in making large format additive manufacturing more sustainable.
“Building next-generation vehicles means embracing next-generation manufacturing processes,” said Johnny Scotello, Director of Technical Product at Local Motors. Our study showed great potential for reusing these materials and marks a first step in supporting reuse within the value chain.” “SABIC and Local Motors have investigated the practicality of using mechanically ground scrap material and end of life parts generated from LFAM. “As adoption of large format additive manufacturing accelerates, it is essential to find sustainable alternatives to landfilling large, printed parts,” said Walter Thompson, senior applications development engineer, SABIC. These insights can help identify a feasible path to circularity and an extended lifecycle for materials used by the LFAM industry. The study determined that material from post-production parts and scrap can potentially be reused in LFAM or other processes, such as injection molding or extrusion, at amounts up to 100 percent. It included analyzing the printability and mechanical properties of SABIC’s LNP ™ THERMOCOMP ™ AM reinforced compound, used by Local Motors, after being printed, reclaimed, ground and reprocessed into pellet form.
The study explored more sustainable alternatives to landfilling large, printed parts in anticipation of wider adoption of LFAM. With the desire to improve the circularity of large format additive manufacturing (LFAM), SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, and Local Motors, a next-generation vehicle manufacturer, completed a joint study on the feasibility of recycling scrap thermoplastic parts and shavings from the 3D printing process.