Closed loop innovation for fused filament fabrication (CLIFFF)

The Closed Loop Innovation in Fused Filament Fabrication (CLIFFF) project will enable industry and academic 3D print service bureaus to reprocess discarded 3D prints back into high value new 3D printing filaments creating a fully circular business model for the Additive manufacturing (AM) sector.

AM and 3D printing is a rapidly growing industrial sector, however, there are environmental concerns around this fast-growing sector. Unlike other plastic products, there is currently no established End-Of-Life (EoL) processing system for 3D printed polymer parts, so the vast majority of discarded prints ultimately end up in landfill.

The CLIFFF project will therefore take a proactive approach whilst the industry is still maturing. Main objectives are to create a material identification system for EoL and failed 3D prints using a novel NIR based approach, create new reverse logistics business models and develop a lab-scale processing facility. The facility will shred and extrude the failed prints back into high quality 3D printer filament that will be comprehensively tested on a range of commercial 3D printers. End-user engagement and feedback will help ensure the long term sustainability of the approach. As opposed to a traditional large scale centralized recycling systems, the proposed system would be deployed regionally to reduce transportation costs and associated environmental impacts.

The project team consists three organisations. GoPrint3D, a 30-year-old printing company, HSSMI a manufacturing RTO and In-Cycle a materials recycling technology SME and will run for 12 months.