PlastIT: 3D printing from recycled plastic and AI changes the game in eco-design

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PlastIT will drive 3D printing from recycled plastic with AI and attractive design

Tisková zpráva_30/10/2023_Praha

Today, we are motivated to seek sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives in the use of plastics, with high demands on cost, functionality and aesthetics. The PlastIT project was created in response to this need. Its aim is to develop an innovative technology of large format 3D printing from recycled plastic and to create eco-design objects.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is one of the fastest growing industries in the Czech Republic and the world. This industry is constantly moving forward, bringing increased productivity and flexibility in production. A key role in this development is played by printing software, which allows the production of design products even „remotely“ and flexible customization of the product (its size, curvature, color) according to the customer’s taste. In contrast to high-volume production, 3D printing can be used to create various prototypes and original products in small series. The inspiration for PlastIT came from abroad, especially from Holland. In the Czech Republic, large-format 3D printing is used for example by Prusa Research, VUT, but also by universities such as UMPRUM or CTU involved in the PlastIT project.

The PlastIT project is implemented in a consortium of three partners: Plastenco design s.r.o., Lavaris s.r.o. and the Czech Technical University, Faculty of Architecture. This cooperation enables effective research and development activities and subsequent commercialization of outputs, especially the prototype print head technology.

Plastenco is already able to create large objects, for example, using the shared 3D printing method. The most important community work made of recycled plastic is the Pla(s)teosaurus housed in the National Museum for the Association for Social Responsibility. 130 printers from the Czech Republic participated in its creation.

„Creativity is the currency of the future. We believe that design is a way to bring waste back to life“, says Jitka Hvězdová, CEO of Plastenco design.

„We have several months of research and development ahead of us. In the first phase, we are approaching Czech and foreign research partners for cooperation. We are building on 3 years of development at the Czech Technical University and the non-profit organization PETMAT.“, adds my colleague doc. Ing. arch Kateřina Sýsová, PhD. responsible for the scientific research activities of PlastIT. „The team is composed of experienced professionals from the field of new technologies, artificial intelligence, designers, architects, as well as marketers and business people.“

PlastIT is part of Plastenco’s long-term strategy to promote the ideas of circular economy, sustainability, playful and functional design. All in the context of using waste (especially recycled plastic) as a major source of production raw materials. Through the implementation of the project, Plastenco will be able to expand one of its business lines, which focuses on interior and furnishing accessories. Currently, the range includes several typified products (levitating coat rack, lampshades and chandeliers, electric sockets, chair) that have been tested on experimental projects such as the 3D printed house made of concrete Prvok.

The PlastIT partnership project is moving forward thanks to the support of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. The aim is to develop a prototype smart technology. From Plastenco’s point of view, it will then create larger objects from concrete waste plastic. Examples could be benches, planters or bike racks in public spaces, but also design lamps, chairs or armchairs for private spaces. While Lavaris will focus on the production and distribution of prototype technology and software, CTU will be involved in training and educational activities.

Print head innovations

A key element of the PlastIT project is the development of a prototype print head designed for 3D printing from regranulated polymer materials, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene terephthalate with glycol (PETG). This printhead will enable printing from materials that were previously considered unsuitable for large format 3D printing.

„The PlastIT project represents a revolutionary step towards the sustainable use of plastic waste. With the help of this innovative technology, we have the potential to change the way we manufacture and create products that are environmentally friendly,“ notes Lavaris CEO George Karráa. „The technology is also in demand from our international partners. We will also incorporate it in Reborn Design’s eco-design challenges“.

Optimisation of printing software

The PlastIT project also involves optimising the printing software using artificial intelligence to process data correctly and enable automated printing of objects using a robotic arm.

The PlastIT project is a fusion of 3D printing technology with Industry 4.0. The focus is on the automated production of final products by linking hardware and software. The printing software will convert the graphic model into the programming language of the robotic arm, allowing printing without much need for physical intervention. This means fast production, accurate material quantities and printing of more complex products.

Web Platform

The project includes the development of a web platform where designers will be able to upload their 3D models for printing from recycled plastic. This platform will include an eco-catalogue that will offer products to end customers.

The project FW09020011 „Development of large format 3D printing from recycled plastics and its commercial application in innovative eco-design“ is co-financed with state support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the TREND Programme / Sub-programme 2 „Newcomers“.

About Plastenco design s.r.o.:

Plastenco design s.r.o. is a Czech company focusing on innovative design and production of representative objects, interior accessories and furnishings from recycled plastic through 3D printing. It is a co-founder of the eco-design platform Reborn Design.

About Lavaris s.r.o.:

Lavaris s.r.o. is a technology company specialized in recycling of waste materials, development and design of recycling technologies. It is a co-founder of the eco-design platform Reborn Design.

About Czech Technical University, Faculty of Architecture:

The Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague is a prestigious institution focusing on research, scientific and artistic creative activities. The project involves the Institute of Model Design MOLAB, which is engaged in research and development in the field of large-format 3D printing from concrete, polymers and other and non-standard materials using a robotic arm. In the PlastIT project, it provides design and innovation expertise.

For more information contact: Jitka Hvězdová, Plastenco design s.r.o., 603 163 482 , jitka@plastenco.cz