If you take a closer look at plastic bottles and the filament used in 3D printing, it might not be obvious at first glance, but both utilize PET as their main material. The PETFusion 2.0, a device aimed at recycling PET bottles, is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. A unique feature of this crowdfunding initiative is that backers will not receive the physical PETFusion 2.0 machine, but instead, they will get access to the STL files needed to create the machine themselves, assuming they already have a 3D printer.
Support Options and Benefits
Depending on how much supporters contribute, they will receive not just the print files, but also a list of parts that can’t be printed with a 3D printer, detailed instructions, and personalized assistance. There’s even an option for a commercial license, which allows backers to produce and sell the PETFusion 2.0 commercially. For a donation of $39, users gain access to the instructions. Given that version 2.0 of the PETFusion is already available, as shown in the shared videos, the financial risk for backers appears to be fairly minimal.
Filament Creation Process
To create filament from a plastic bottle, it’s crucial that the PET bottle is clean and devoid of any labels. The bottle is sliced into strips, which are then heated and printed through a hotend with a 1.75 millimeter diameter. As the filament is being made, it goes through an ink-based colorizer that adds color to the filament, as the name indicates. A filament welder is also included, allowing users to connect shorter lengths of filament together easily, which is great for larger 3D printing tasks. Overall, the PETFusion 2.0 aims to be a comprehensive machine that integrates cutting, extrusion, spooling, and welding functionalities.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the PETFusion 2.0 is an innovative solution for recycling PET bottles into usable filament for 3D printing. With its unique crowdfunding model and range of support options, it provides an exciting opportunity for 3D printing enthusiasts. The combination of easy-to-follow instructions and the ability to produce filament from recycled materials makes it a standout project on Kickstarter.
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