Recyclable thermoplastics
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The challenge
For the production of wind turbine blades and yachts, among others, 3D moulds are needed. These are today still often made of thermosets that we cannot recycle. This has to change. We want to work towards recyclable thermoplastics. We are developing and creating a new circular manner of designing, producing and using materials. This is how we improve our ecological footprint.
This is what we do
In 2020, we placed a large 3D robot printer in the production facility of Nedcam in Heerenveen. With that, we started print testing and material research into suitable thermoplastic materials. With the ‘circular 3D-XL thermoplastic’ project, we have made strides in this regard, collaborating with research and knowledge institutions.
Where we stand now
With the current printing techniques, we are already able to make models with thermoplastics with a maximum reach of 1x1x1.5m. We are already using 3D printing (in addition to material development) to make end products. The ecological loop is almost complete! By collaborating with partners in the chain, we are actively busy with the further materialisation and recycling.
What's next?
We have come to the point where will soon be able make a leap in scale. The key focus for the time ahead is scaling up from small to large models. In the future, this development will enable us to bypass a few of the production steps of the current production process and make it more sustainable.
This is the team
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