Sustainable material for 3d printing in Sri Lanka

Abstract

3D printing has been prevailing as an efficient and sustainable technology in the fields of advanced manufacturing. The technologies, comparing to traditional manufacturing techniques which can be considered as environmental friendly derivative giving almost unlimited possibilities for geometric complexity realizations. 3D printing also has notable economic and social implications. In terms of work opportunities, it offers the potential for job creation and enhanced entrepreneurship, as well as increased efficiencies in manufacturing. There are number of materials available in 3D printing such as polymers, concrete, mud, metals, composites and etc. This study is aims to investigate about the sustainable material from industrial waste for 3D printing. The paper was discussed about the waste materials that can be used for 3D printing, their characteristics, availability and etc. The industrial waste survey was performed the all-around the Sri Lanka to identify the most suitable solid waste types for the 3D printing. Using that results, identified plastic waste and water treatment plant sludge are the most feasible materials for 3D printing in Sri Lanka. In this research, plastic waste and water treatment sludge are mixed with Portland cement to investigate the possibility to produce printer material. The experiments were done by using the waste plastics and water treatment sludge in the ratio of 4:1 for maximum properties. Within this study the applicability of industrial waste for 3D printing was proven. In addition, their density was decreased, extrudability and buildability was improved, which lead to produced lightweight material.