Abstract

When considering how temporary each iteration of a prototype is, its end-of-life phase should be evaluated just as thoroughly as the prototype itself. So, as more companies prioritize sustainability, can 3D printing be viewed as a practical technology for prototyping when considering the plastic waste it produces? Both 3D printer plastic waste and 3D printing’s use in prototyping have already had their share of academic research done about them, but the gap where these topics overlap lacks content. After looking at alternative prototyping methods, 3D printers were in fact a very strong prototyping method because of their accuracy, material efficiency and ability to create unique one-of-a-kind forms. The material used for 3D printing was evaluated next, and while it was found that the most common material, PLA, was a big contributor to plastic waste, it had the ability to be recycled. Prototypes using 3D printing as their fabrication method likely are not concerned about accurate colour, material finish or strength, and if that was needed, it would be recommended to use the materials or fabrication method of the final product. What really matters on 3D printed prototypes is their dimensional accuracy and ability to create forms as intended. To test the viability of using recycled PLA instead of virgin, both materials were acquired, used to print the same test model, and evaluated on their outcome. Visually both prints had similar results on the official tests done, but the differences began to show when the prints were measured, looked at in detail and handled. The virgin PLA printed closer to the intended dimensions, with both prints being within a millimeter of the expected results, had cleaner text detailing and was more durable than the recycled PLA print. This study finds that 3D printing can definitely be considered a great prototyping method for companies looking to increase their sustainable practices, as long as they ensure recycled materials are used when possible and virgin materials used are properly disposed of.