RECYCLING OF POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA) WASTE INTO A 3D PRINTER FILAMENT

• Main Author: Rifky Lutfhyansyah, Novan
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Teknik (Rekayasa, enjinering dan kegiatan berkaitan)
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/47924
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

3D printing is one of any sector that is experiencing rapid growth due to 4.0 industrial revolution with its need for highly customizable goods. Wohler’s Report shows that 3D printing industry has grown averagely 30% in 2010 – 2015 around the world. The 3D printing industry is also growing in Indonesia. However, its development hasn’t been matched by the availability of 3D print filament. Indonesian 3D printing industry still relies on imported 3D print filaments and there are no local filament products. In this study, PLA waste from 3D print industry is recycled into filaments. PLA waste is made into flakes which are then cleaned before being extruded into filaments. Extrusion process is done with a simple extrusion machine at a temperature of 190°C, 175°C, and 160°C with a pulling speed of 40 mm/s and 50 mm/s. Recycled PLA filament with a diameter range of ±1,6 mm are then printed and the results are compared with commercial PLA according to the literature. This research and literature study shows that PLA can be recycled to be 3D print filaments by extrusion at 160°C with pulling speed of 40 mm/s with the consequent decrease in mechanical properties, thermal properties, and print quality compared to commercial PLA (virgin filament). However, recycling PLA waste into 3D print filaments is expected to be the solution to the problem of plastic waste as well as satisfying the needs of industry in Indonesia related to filament 3D print.