Precious Plastic USA

Hi everyone. This is the United States Precious Plastic Community broken down by state. I created this server in order to provide more organization for the Precious Plastic community.

Is there an up to date map of current active Points? In the USA / Florida?

https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Precious Plastic Community Platform

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

Rico pinned a message to this channel. 1/11/2020 4:04 AM

hey everyone. im looking for server admins. im not great at discord & its already starting to show lol. please pm me or w/e & i will put you on

Hi all! I'm going to be traveling with Michael (from Melbourne) around the states this year hopefully building sheet press machines. We developed the current V.4 sheet press in Eindhoven and we're continuing our work with various versions of the machine. We're getting started now on a 4x8ft system for The Broomsmen in Bend, OR. Drop me a line if you're at all interested in collaborating or if you need some advice for your own build. We'd be happy to help. More to come! Tom Kochtitzky

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This is BIG news @Tom K I would love to meet with you to just pick your brain if possible. When abouts do you think you'll be in the PNW?

@Rico I'm here! Been in Bend for a week.

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im on the east side of washington maybe... 6-8 hours away. no biggie! i need to make a trip out west tomorrow anyaway. another gentleman i met in seattle has some v3 machines who may be willing to contribute them the non profit organization i got starting out of my garage. let me pm you later tomorrow morning, I wanna link up with you guys

Hey everyone. Excited to see so many people in this US thread. I’ve been following for the last several months after I became a Patreon supporter. I’ve lived in Los Angeles most of the last few decades but moved to Miami in 2018. I’m working on a reusable container system and hope to produce from reclaimed plastics. I’d love to connect with anyone and everyone. I’m devoting most of my time to the plastic pollution crisis and am opening to partner in any way. Whether someone needs manpower, funding, business partnership, has mold-making experience, 3D printing experience, or just wants to brainstorm and geek out please get in touch!

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See what you can do to start helping in your state today! Please feel free to contact me with any questions :) https://preciousplastic.com/starterkits/overview.html (edited)

Precious Plastic Starterktis

Starterkits are packages of information with everything you need to know to set up Precious Plastic recycling spaces and start tackling the plastic waste problem.

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Rico pinned a message to this channel. 1/13/2020 11:48 PM

@Tom K do you have any plans to visit New England at all? I’d love to get some brainstorming time with you guys!

Hello! I'm writing from the Oakland Schools Science Dept where we have phased out about a ton of plastic classroom materials. Is there a spot in the Bay area that theses plastics could be repurposed? Thanks!

hey everyonH. I created this server to help organize the pp movent in the US. So far, I feel like I succeded. However, because of reasons bigger then this paragraph; I would like to surrender this server to a bonafide team member of the Precios Plastic Team. If you are part of the official Precious Plastic development team & would like to seize adminstrative control, please reach out. I really want to see Precious Plastic grow & I feel this server would thrive under a new structured leadership. (edited)

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Rico - thanks for the tip and link -- onw to find others nearby, again, because the last Map was eliminated, dammit

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@Allen you can still access the old map via https://oldmap.preciousplastic.com/

Precious Plastic Map

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Did this server suddenly die? It has been awfully quiet in here as of late.

No. The US server has always been slow, and most of the channels are empty.

Unfortunately.

I just thought I was being ignored, so nice to know.

It's really telling how on the precious plastic map there are so few pins, particularly as you go inland.

Yeah, definitely lots of us spread out. On the USA discord, there's 7 of us. All spread out though. Two are in the same city, and the closest one to me is a 45 min drive. Hard to coordinate over those kinds of distances.

I haven't dropped my pins yet (still waiting on a few emails and permits), but I'm mobile around the great lakes and would be willing to help tie the region together

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Today I ran through Bowling Green, Toledo, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. Tomorrow I'll run through Columbus and Cleveland. Wednesday, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Fort Wayne, etc. If people can form digital networks I can help back them up on the physical end.

I'm in Western KY.

Checking in from Denver. Came across the site recently and joined to see whats up

6:52 PM

Looks like a fun project, would love to participate if anyone else in the area is into it

Was looking for pins in the twin cities area (Minnesota) (if anyones out there?) but could not locate any. I'll become more active once some pop up or I aquire the skills/funds to build a shredder.

Central MN here : )

I'm in Southern Indiana/Louisville KY area. anyone in this area?

7:35 PM

Cincinnati is just 1.5 hours from me.

@David Gramlin I'm about 3 hours to your north just south of Toledo. Closest I recall to Louisville was Columbus.

I have family near that area David. Maybe I can convince them to get on board

@Trukku (BG/Findlay, OH) What do you specialize in (machines or community)? Where do you operate from? I would not mind to travel to see your operation.

2:42 AM

@Natu [Delaware County, OH] If they are in Louisville, ask them if they know of a place called, Level One? That is where I operate from.

Machines. My shop isn't open yet, but when it is, it'll be public.

What configuration is best for the shredder blades?

Is the map down for anyone else?

Does anyone have any advice on using Standard stock to build machines, specifically the Shredder Pro?

10:23 PM

I've come to the conclusion that I'll have to redesign the shredder box to use standard sheet metal.

@Gizmo-CDA Hi! I messaged you in the PP server. I'm in Boise, and have done the conversion to US steel sizes for the machines we make and sell.

@Palomino Plastic See previous message in this channel, this might be a resource for the conversion challenges you mentioned.

Hi! Could we add Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Island and amy other US territory. I live in Puerto Rico, we have our own Puerto Rico chapter. We use the general PP discord chat but it would be nice to alao have representation within the US PP Network.

@pablillojose Great idea. @Rico Is this something you'd be willing to set up? Gimme a shout if you need some admin help at any point.

I’m not a business person at all and I’m really trying to give it my all with my collection site but I do know that I can’t do everything. Currently it’s just me so I’m looking for people in my area that are of the same mindset, but my question for ya’ll collectionieers our there: how to you make a profit to keep it business? To you find a buyer for the plastic? Would I charge for the pick up service vs drop off and cleaned for free??

hello everyone. i have been in the recycling industry for over 13 years. if you need to find bulk plastic feel free to reach out. i am located in southern missouri. but can probably find you plastic where ever you are. my entire career has basicly been working with physical comodities so i have the conections to help people get connected to supply. (edited)

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Hello Everyone, just visiting PPUSA Discord channel from Ontario Canada! How is everyone doing here?

when do yall think it would be possible to extrude printer filament?

@kbshadep PP machines aren't really suited to that level of refinement or tolerance, but a Filastruder costs about 1/10th of what a PP setup would. The biggest investments would be a shredder/pelletizer, and a vacuum dehydrator, but you'd still need a washing station, drying racks, and probably a finishing die to get acceptable modern tolerances. Academic research on it also suggests you'll need between 20-80% virgin feedstock to retain properties similar to virgin material.

yea not feasible

@Trukku (BG/Findlay, OH) can you elaborate what "virgin feedstock" is (edited)

11:24 PM

can you just crush a failed 3d print (edited)

11:24 PM

then put into a filastruder

@Derpyhsi raw plastics that haven't been formed yet. Usually pellets.

and winded it back into filament?

@Derpyhsi you can, but it'll be dirty and brittle.

what do you mean by "dirty"

11:25 PM

and why would it be brittle?

Contaminated with environmental dusts, water, and oils. Plastic impurities and reflowing break and deform plastic polymer chains leading to lower physical and thermal performance. (edited)

cant you just wash it?

Yes, that's why I recommended a washing system, drying racks, and vacuum dehydrator. The "just crush" approach isn't as successful.

so your saying

11:31 PM

just clean it basically

11:31 PM

and ensure a dry enviroment

11:32 PM

shouldnt be too hard

11:32 PM

also tolerances you mean like 1.75mm?

11:33 PM

shouldnt matter too much

The major difference between PP and filament recycling is scale. A typical handwashing station and a fan works fine when you're pressing a 20mm thick sheet out of 2cm flake particulate, but to get consistent 1.75mm +/- 0.05mm extrusions contamination, hydration, and feedstock dimensions are much more critical. (edited)

most printer filament has tolerances between 0.1 +/- mm (edited)

11:35 PM

from the ones I've seen

11:35 PM

and it works fine for me

These are the standards I've been working with.

what app is that

@Trukku (BG/Findlay, OH)

It's not an app. It's the QC results from one of my spools of filament.

It's measured at the factory and provided to the customer.

Prusafilament?

Prusament

sahasha one army #updates 12/8/2020 2:48 PM

Rico

hey everyonH. I created this server to help organize the pp movent in the US. So far, I feel like I succeded. However, because of reasons bigger then this paragraph; I would like to surrender this server to a bonafide team member of the Precios Plastic Team. If you are part of the official Precious Plastic development team & would like to seize adminstrative control, please reach out. I really want to see Precious Plastic grow & I feel this server would thrive under a new structured leadership. (edited)

Hi everyone! Currently hunkered down in Louisville, KY. Worked on V4, and now getting started on a couple of machines here. Seeing if there's anyone in the channel nearby!

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Hi, I’m from indianapolis and helping a company in Haiti to buy v4 machines shredder and extruder.. we were looking to buy from Spain to export to Haiti but maybe buying from US could be better..

pauldufour

Hi everyone! Currently hunkered down in Louisville, KY. Worked on V4, and now getting started on a couple of machines here. Seeing if there's anyone in the channel nearby!

Hi, I’m from indianapolis and helping a company in Haiti to buy v4 machines shredder and extruder.. we were looking to buy from Spain to export to Haiti but maybe buying from US could be better..

AdrienP

Hi, I’m from indianapolis and helping a company in Haiti to buy v4 machines shredder and extruder.. we were looking to buy from Spain to export to Haiti but maybe buying from US could be better..

interesting, will dm you!

This Christmas we reached 100K downloads! Thats a lot of gifts

https://www.onearmy.earth/news/100k-precious-plastic-downloads-in-12-months

100k Precious Plastic downloads in 12 months | One Army

Precious Plastic starterkits have been downloaded over 100.000 times in the last year.

5 years of PP forum pictures in one page

https://github.com/plastic-hub/plastichub-forum/blob/main/images.md

anyone looking for a source of shreds stateside? A friend and I are setting up a shredding workspace and we’re thinking about selling some shreds

This is our 2020. How was your year? https://www.onearmy.earth/news/2020

2020 year review

Let's take a look at 2020 and how it was for One Army, Precious Plastic and Project Kamp.

Anyone missing from this list that has big plans for 2021? https://www.onearmy.earth/news/11-precious-plastic-workspaces-to-watch-in-for-2021

11 Precious Plastic workspaces to watch out in 2021

Discover the best Precious Plastic workspaces recycling plastic from around the world in the upcoming year.

@Rai interesting. where are you based?

Twin cities

Rai

Twin cities

cool. do you have a shredder yet?

we just have woodchippers and I am in the middle of converting a paper shredder so not exactly

4:01 AM

I'm not sure where the plan for selling shreds stands at the moment

4:02 AM

but there's certainly a market for them in the midwest and west coast

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Not sure where to post this but we´re looking for 1-2 CAD Ninjas (Solidworks). Remote, 10 - 20 hours the month. Paid per skills and time. Please send us your portfolio to admin@plastic-hub.com. It´s mainly maintenance CAD work but also ongoing and new development tasks for new OpenSource machines. best regards

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Monthly News #48 is out, watch if you need a new apartment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28dGVGfxiOY

One Army

MN#48 - Live from Porto

@everyone would people be interested in compiling a list of sources for manufactured components (motors, vfds, heating elements, etc) to make it easier for others to find north american parts down the road? or maybe this already exists somewhere? i've got a list that i can contribute. perhaps we could create a google doc or something of the sort. is there by chance a PP US google drive that we could use to host the doc? if not i'd be willing to host it on my drive account @t.rex ophora @Aggro Lord i see that you guys are moderators/admins - any info on this topic?

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I'd be happy to help build that list up. @TEglen has been hunting pretty hard for parts too.

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That'd be great! It took me three years just to build the shredder because I couldn't find the parts.

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I support this, but can we please make it an Airtable database to make it easily sortable

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5:37 PM

https://airtable.com/shr0LxcazZ3oGPAg9/tblD66X47JpDOPEq0

Gallery - Airtable

Explore the "Gallery" view on Airtable.

5:38 PM

here is an example

pyro

I support this, but can we please make it an Airtable database to make it easily sortable

Excellent idea

Would prefer Google Sheets, so this can go into many other formats

Dunno Airtable though (edited)

Sorbability could be used in docs, just takes a bit more set up

Hey there. I absolutely love this idea. Im happy to see it hosted on airtable or google docs, then we should certainly pin it to a pertinent channel, so others can find it easily when needed!

If it's Google Docs, I've developed a number of tools to feed a sort of PreciousPlastic Library. Happy to get finally imperial, US sources into it

pauldufour

@everyone would people be interested in compiling a list of sources for manufactured components (motors, vfds, heating elements, etc) to make it easier for others to find north american parts down the road? or maybe this already exists somewhere? i've got a list that i can contribute. perhaps we could create a google doc or something of the sort. is there by chance a PP US google drive that we could use to host the doc? if not i'd be willing to host it on my drive account @t.rex ophora @Aggro Lord i see that you guys are moderators/admins - any info on this topic?

Love this idea, I'd be glad to help. I'm building an extruder right now and knowing what electronics to finding with US power ratings was a tricky process

Would the sources be things like national websites or what, because things like the oven would probably be cheaper if sourced locally like craigslist.

@Nargrax I think this was about sourcing parts only. We use this sheet format/columns to track it : Type Item Qty. URL Price Total Notes Vendor Source Datasheet Vendor Catalog Certifications Preview https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IUm40Wl332mANwB9yhWo0A7lEvKBukIyNHc7jZba5BU/edit?usp=sharing (edited)

Nargrax

Would the sources be things like national websites or what, because things like the oven would probably be cheaper if sourced locally like craigslist.

Maybe parts for one part and specs if you salvage on another part?

I was thinking something like that. Use @-- osr-support -- format for the parts more easily obtained online like heating elements, pipes for the frames, etc., and then another with specs for things that'd be easier to salvage like motors and ovens. Though the biggest problem my team had was simply finding a big enough motor for the shredder that didn't cost a ton.

Yeah - normally - if you're a little longer in the trade, sourcing gearbox & motors is rather peanuts, nearby machineshops should get them easily for a good price. 4kw for v4 shredder, still 1.2K Euro. but did worth every penny. Motors are sold sometimes also per weight. It's rather the gearbox which is expensive. Not sure how it's classified in the US, will look this up sometime but here in the EU they come with common names - with some luck the supplier has also some configurator : https://www.cidepa-sincron.com/en/products (edited)

6:23 PM

for reference, a good v3 shredder motor new, here is around 480E, before TAX & transport (edited)

Out here in virginia, we don't have scrapyards where we can go and find a used one, and a new motor with gearbox and 3hp was over $500 if I remember right. Plus the machine shops I went to wanted even more. The whole ac vs dc thing was also a pain.

Actually, we've been always envying you folks in the US to get stuff that cheap - til a point we want to move over - just because of that

6:31 PM

500$ sounds about right

So those scrapyards Haskins went to weren't all that?

Has anyone been able to find a good source of motors for the shredder? I'm trying to build another but don't want to spend another two years looking

I would be very interested in the Google sheets file for sourcing components. I would also like thoughts on using washing machine motors for the shredder motors properly geared of course. Experimenting with that now but an engineer would be helpful for proper gear box and power. Motors are usually 16000 rpm for front loaders and 1725 rpm for top loaders.

7:26 PM

I can get those for free.

I'm not an engineer but in my research they're simply not powerful enough. They're usually at most .5 hp right?

Palomino Plastic

I would be very interested in the Google sheets file for sourcing components. I would also like thoughts on using washing machine motors for the shredder motors properly geared of course. Experimenting with that now but an engineer would be helpful for proper gear box and power. Motors are usually 16000 rpm for front loaders and 1725 rpm for top loaders.

i don't know of any washing machines that use a strong enough motor for the shredder, looked into it a couple years back

8:30 PM

cool , thanks for the feedback everyone! i don't know anything about Airtable but will give it a look and make a prototype template for how we might organize this to see what everyone thinks

the base view looks like a spreadsheet, but it can automatically convert to a gallery view, or calendar, or kanban board, or a form view that lets you add new entries easily

10:46 PM

i think Google Sheets does have some similar functionality if we want to use that; I’ve just never done it before

CitSciWorkshop

I'd be happy to help build that list up. @TEglen has been hunting pretty hard for parts too.

I was thinking we needed this exact thing. I'm more than happy to help contribute!

Nargrax

Has anyone been able to find a good source of motors for the shredder? I'm trying to build another but don't want to spend another two years looking

I just used www.Automationdirect.com they have support and lots of videos to help

10:59 PM

I would also vote for google sheets for universality. Whenever you have a crowd of people on a doc, the simpler the better. Pivot tables solve sorting/categorizing issues.

yup i agree with that tyler

@TEglen What motor did you use? We used a 5 hp, 1300 rpm motor and attached it to a 30:1 gear reducer with lovejoy connectors. I put about $3000 total into the shredder. I'm looking to make another but much cheaper.

@Nargrax you're not gonna like my answers... I had 5K to make the v4 as robust as possible. I've started an org here at Arizona State University and wanted to make sure this thing was very robust and would have high output. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qSNUukWd7m4Fu_FIUrrukIoTWbmztkehp8v1GCE4RR8/edit?usp=sharing I put my purchases so far in here, its open for editing/commenting. perhaps we can look at it and see what the collective doc might look like (edited)

Eglen PP share out

Research Supplier,Price Motor Gearbox VFD hp,phase,Voltage,RPM,Reduction,Torque in/lb MTCP2-005-3BD18C,

surpluscenter.com also has a good selection of motors/ gearboxes, i think their prices are a bit more affordable than automationdirect if i recall correctly. i used a 1.5hp + 30:1 gearbox from them a couple of years ago and it was reliable. getting a 2hp and 60:1 from them soon, made by dif manufacturers tho

12:13 AM

yeah that's great @TEglen !

We used surpluscenter for the reducer. I just don't have the money for another expensive setup. I'm doing this by myself and am trying to get the price down closer to what Haskins originally estimated. Not sure it's possible in the US

I think we're all after that same dream, so if we come together on this, maybe we can really find those best items/price points

5k sounds about right for the v4 shredder, but at the end, hardox blades & superior electrics didn´t make it anyways - we went for redesigning the whole thing just

because

you can skip the couplings using a direct shaft drive
the overall size actually wants 4kW but isn´t made for it
sieve is gonna kill it - sorta timebomb We have a 33% downsized version right now on the table, optimized for 2.2kW, material around 2.5k$ - will let you know

@-- osr-support -- can you speak more to the sieve comment?

sure - it blew the machine -

Can I ask why you went with sleeves for the couplings? @TEglen We tried lovejoy connectors with set screws, and while they did dig into the shaft, they aren't moving. Lol. The other thing is getting the core parts cut. I don't have access to any of the fancy tools Haskins does and had to use BBC steel in Oregon. For us the three biggest expenses/issues were the core, motor, and gearbox. If someone shares a google doc we can put in the prices for our different builds and we can all compare the parts.

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the stationary knife´s design will block / jam plastics on their way back, lifting the top plate up - including pulling the bolts out of their threads. made a new design for that : https://www.instagram.com/p/CJlY62PHp69/ (second pic or so)

Nargrax

Can I ask why you went with sleeves for the couplings? @TEglen We tried lovejoy connectors with set screws, and while they did dig into the shaft, they aren't moving. Lol. The other thing is getting the core parts cut. I don't have access to any of the fancy tools Haskins does and had to use BBC steel in Oregon. For us the three biggest expenses/issues were the core, motor, and gearbox. If someone shares a google doc we can put in the prices for our different builds and we can all compare the parts.

I reviewed a lot of equipment with @CitSciWorkshop and for the torque I wanted, these parts lined up the most. I looked at lots of lovejoy products as well. I'm still in the setup phase, so I can't speak to these sleeves actual performance yet. The flanges are also my connection between metric and imperial. I bought a 45mm shredder shaft, and a 2.125 output gearbox. Both sizes were available to make the connection.

12:30 AM

@Nargrax jump in my doc! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qSNUukWd7m4Fu_FIUrrukIoTWbmztkehp8v1GCE4RR8/edit?usp=sharing

Eglen PP share out

Research Supplier,Price Motor Gearbox VFD hp,phase,Voltage,RPM,Reduction,Torque in/lb MTCP2-005-3BD18C,

-- osr-support --

the stationary knife´s design will block / jam plastics on their way back, lifting the top plate up - including pulling the bolts out of their threads. made a new design for that : https://www.instagram.com/p/CJlY62PHp69/ (second pic or so)

ahhh, great insight. I'll take that into consideration. thanks for clarifying

yeah - hope it helps. v4 is actually a great design but it seems it can´t stand the forces to really use it 100% - going a step back seemed best for us. we had it on the bench for months ...

@-- osr-support -- That design looks really nice! You can see that ours is more of a v1 shredder. It can handle almost anything and can run for hours before getting too hot, but it can only do one soda bottle at a time. @TEglen I'll add a page to your sheet and add our info in when I can get to a computer. Are the required specs for the motor related parts the same between the different versions?

not sure, I'd have to double check on that

We've got the Pro meeting quite a few benchmarks now. Been making them all through the pandemic, updated a couple times, but they meet the advertised specs just fine. (edited)

Great, anything to see ? Our 4kw tests failed in many ways with sieve installed

(edited)

^^ plastic hub?

we´r talking v4 shredder at the moment

yeah, saw your tests.

yup - that´s probably the thing with the v4 shredder. one has to be pretty careful what and how much to put in there. easy to destroy the machine from what´ve seen. still needs some iterations to call it pro though

it struggles with harder but also thin materials, or just fill up the hopper with flakes ...

It does take care to run, but we've not seen the kind of issues from the photos you posted. seemed like the machine was force fed.

until you test it for real ...

12:48 AM

let´s move on

12:49 AM

btw. there have been similar reports about the sieve problem ...

12:54 AM

3 little sheets made it up

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It's best to use them only after a couple runs and for specific particle sizing

12:55 AM

Yeah, looks like ~8mm acrylic. Not something to put in a shredder.

12:55 AM

3mm is violent even.

Tell that the clients

putting 6k on the table (edited)

Yeah, using with the tested materials from the community page is a good thing.

12:57 AM

Everyone needs to take in PET in the US too, so making these machines meet that is a challenge.

Problem is rather the design of the stationary blades but also the housing - it just sucks so badly - the guy in China came to the same conclusion. The guy in Africa blew his machine with PET the same way.

12:58 AM

anyway, will upload more reports as soon the redesign is done

Do you all think maybe improving the original shredder might be worth a look? Ours can handle every type of plastic easily and can run for long periods of time. I'd upload a video but they're all too big.

you mean the v3 shredder ? it´s actually near perfect - just some odds but easy to handle. i tried some other variations but came back to the same. cudoz to Dave

the Pro knives just need to be cut on a tight tolerance, they shouldn't move around enough to make a gap once the top plate is installed.

1:05 AM

But there are always room for edits. I'd rather seat them to the box walls and add/remove those plates as necessary.

for v4 , yes - seemed to have been published halfway through though. the China guy @ShrednMelt_Xu came up with a better design for the stationary blades - giving up sieve and the housing entirely - we basically emerged his findings and have it tested sometime this days. clients want the sieve but also performance (per $) so badly (edited)

1:09 AM

There is btw. some audit happening as well afterwards. Let´s see what this guys have to say.

Nargrax

Do you all think maybe improving the original shredder might be worth a look? Ours can handle every type of plastic easily and can run for long periods of time. I'd upload a video but they're all too big.

I think the hardened steel blades and blade tolerances from the v4 could innovate the v3 style a little bit.

Yeah, I think we move to CNC lathe (SY) cut shredder blades as DavidV for the v5ish generation as well. This has been also recommended from our gurus recently. The nominal laser cut fuckery can be somewhat handled but at the end it wants to be spot on. (edited)

Regarding. Shredder - v4 bugs again, I found some more footage. Here in this with case sieve installed, PET bottles clog the shredder so badly that it also deformed the top plate as well, mainly on one side only (due to the different knife configuration on the slave axle). The stuff stays in there forever and it's quite a job to clean it out - needs lifting tools since you have to turn the whole thing upside down; and the motor has a pretty hard time to keep spinning. Basically same results also with thicker plastic. I guess the extra power involved blew the African's couplings the other day, same input and setup. Using no sieve is as said isn't an option, nor feeding it with stamps only

Thus @ShrednMelt_Xu's re-design worth checking - despite it's still no supporting a sieve. happy shredding

2:46 PM

in case of confusion, that's the shredder from the bottom side

2:47 PM

Tests with other and smaller dual axis designs went the same way, sieve is gonna kill it

Best practices for the shredder so you don't get clogs are to reverse it in intervals so you don't get build up and clogs, and only use a sieve when sizing after a couple runs without a sieve. (edited)

7:52 PM

I wonder what that coupler was rated, it looked way too small.

it was running for 30 mins, til it clogged up though. again, for 6k nobody wants to see a reverse show ...

anyway, let's test the new obelix design as next, I have a good feeling that all issues are addressed

️ (edited)

8:47 PM

the stationary design really needs to be addressed - at least, no way talking out of that

(edited)

-- osr-support --

Regarding. Shredder - v4 bugs again, I found some more footage. Here in this with case sieve installed, PET bottles clog the shredder so badly that it also deformed the top plate as well, mainly on one side only (due to the different knife configuration on the slave axle). The stuff stays in there forever and it's quite a job to clean it out - needs lifting tools since you have to turn the whole thing upside down; and the motor has a pretty hard time to keep spinning. Basically same results also with thicker plastic. I guess the extra power involved blew the African's couplings the other day, same input and setup. Using no sieve is as said isn't an option, nor feeding it with stamps only

Thus @ShrednMelt_Xu's re-design worth checking - despite it's still no supporting a sieve. happy shredding

Are you using single phase or three phase? And is this happening with the Arduino reversing system? I’m new to Discord so please excuse me if I’m asking someone everyone knows, I’m try to play information catch-up.

4kW|380V|3p (no VFD) @ some sort of superior auto-reverse (https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/tree/master/machines/shredder/obelix2021/firmware) - tuned by the milliseconds. Problem as said is rather the stationary blade design. I am finishing some dossier when we're through the followup design tests. interesting topic for us as well. Keep shooting

(edited)

10:10 PM

at the end, we did as the Chinese guy, re-design stationary blades, sieve and housing and some other pain points (assembly / accuracy) .

the auto-reverse didn't even kick in at near 1200Nm but you can hear clearly it's fighting with the clogged up plastic. throttling may make sense but it's like adding a auto-brake on a Porsche

- on a Porsche with the handbrake half way pulled up in this case ... (edited)

Hey guys kinda new here and the world of machine building. Doing a learn by building approach. Repurposed my 1 car garage into a workshop and ready to go

! Hoping to build the v3 shredder for simplicity's sake. I have already purchased a 5hp single phase motor and appropriate 20:1 5hp helical gearbox. Hoping to move onto getting lasercut files for blades and box. Does anyone have files I could send that a SAE/Imperial? Could I just send the metric ones to my local laser cutter? What thicknesses did you guys use for your parts? Any advice? Thanks folks.

@itsgeorge https://davehakkens.nl/community/forums/topic/shredder-converted-to-imperial-system-inches/ - I still have somewhere some upgrades but this one is ready to go.

11:56 PM

how did your sheetpress go ?

@itsgeorge I'd recommend trying to get the imperial measurements. I sent the metric files to a shop in Oregon and some don't quite fit together.

itsgeorge

Hey guys kinda new here and the world of machine building. Doing a learn by building approach. Repurposed my 1 car garage into a workshop and ready to go

! Hoping to build the v3 shredder for simplicity's sake. I have already purchased a 5hp single phase motor and appropriate 20:1 5hp helical gearbox. Hoping to move onto getting lasercut files for blades and box. Does anyone have files I could send that a SAE/Imperial? Could I just send the metric ones to my local laser cutter? What thicknesses did you guys use for your parts? Any advice? Thanks folks.

i have files, but i haven't built with them yet so they're untested. it would probably be better if someone else sends you their files that they've already tested. but if you have trouble finding files or don't mind the risk, let me know and i can share mine :) (edited)

itsgeorge

Hey guys kinda new here and the world of machine building. Doing a learn by building approach. Repurposed my 1 car garage into a workshop and ready to go

! Hoping to build the v3 shredder for simplicity's sake. I have already purchased a 5hp single phase motor and appropriate 20:1 5hp helical gearbox. Hoping to move onto getting lasercut files for blades and box. Does anyone have files I could send that a SAE/Imperial? Could I just send the metric ones to my local laser cutter? What thicknesses did you guys use for your parts? Any advice? Thanks folks.

I can help cut imperial files. I have a set that works. Do you want Basic or Pro size?

12:17 AM

I had to redo the set of Pro files, and there are Basic files already out there.

-- osr-support --

how did your sheetpress go ?

I have all the electronics, square tubing for the frame and fastening hardware, I'm just stuck at the aluminum plates. They are either wildly too expensive or not the right specs. I put that project on hold and figured on tackling an easier project.

@itsgeorge - you can also use cheaper ones (200-300$ for a pair) as longs it's 5038. Those can be a little more wavy but you can straighten them out on frame by bolting them with sort of pull/set screws. i can send you a picture if you're ready

3:27 PM

we use usually 5 such bolts to flatten it out, sometimes more

-- osr-support --

@itsgeorge - you can also use cheaper ones (200-300$ for a pair) as longs it's 5038. Those can be a little more wavy but you can straighten them out on frame by bolting them with sort of pull/set screws. i can send you a picture if you're ready

Wow thats great!. Yes please share. I will add it to my sheetpress master file for when the day comes. Going to be workings on the shredder first.

right, can take some days

CitSciWorkshop

I can help cut imperial files. I have a set that works. Do you want Basic or Pro size?

The basic one, are they the same as the one in the community forums by oliver that @-- osr-support -- just shared? https://davehakkens.nl/community/forums/topic/shredder-converted-to-imperial-system-inches/ ?

yes

Perfect thank you all.

That's more like it

Done the Obelix test assembly with zero pain and pretty fast - no dangerous lifting stuff around. The bearing housing really worth it - it keeps the axles aligned and the housing is also hold in place by another sheet. On the surface plate there was an average misalignment of 0.2mm. I'd call it foolproof and classy design

Cant wait to test the sieve, hang tight. Btw. we made it a little smaller 33% - just to get those of a 220V single phase line - if needed. (edited)

1

@CitSciWorkshop I saw that in the designs for the v3 that you're selling you use a 1hp motor. Have you had issues with it not being powerful enough? We used a 2hp and it's still jammed a couple of times. I'm trying to build a second shredder and trying to figure out best motor size.

We didn't see a lot of jams, but pricing on some motors came down and we took the opportunity to update.

Gotcha. Is that motor in the Google sheet?

I'm not sure, I haven't checked.

Nargrax

Gotcha. Is that motor in the Google sheet?

Is there a main sheet to use?

CitSciWorkshop

Is there a main sheet to use?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qSNUukWd7m4Fu_FIUrrukIoTWbmztkehp8v1GCE4RR8/edit#gid=0 here's the sheet, still rough so feel free to suggest format edits etc

PP USA part list

Research How to add this sheet! 1. Add a new row for each item. [right click on the column index and click "insert one below"] 2. Add your name to the first column [and CA or US in brackets to denote your location], followed by the product Id and any other pertinant specifications. 3. Provide l...

A lot of what I can fill in are already filled in by @TEglen after I helped him build his BOM. I can verify they are tested in production however, and add some sources for other parts.

CitSciWorkshop

A lot of what I can fill in are already filled in by @TEglen after I helped him build his BOM. I can verify they are tested in production however, and add some sources for other parts.

Yes, let all be known, I could have done none of the planning without @CitSciWorkshop Please take credit! I just listed my name as what I have purchased.

I'll provide photos/videos once its all together.

@TEglen - i hope you're ok with the changes

Might make sense to split the electronics up in 1. power circuit stuff, 2. digital, 3. terminals/crimps, etc...

absolutely - I havent got there yet, so your insight is much needed

ok will do - possibly adding a column for the scope makes it easier as well, 'professional' | DIY

1

pauldufour pinned a message to this channel. 2/9/2021 6:01 PM

Holy shit, was looking up for more sources in the electronic section. I found 2 sources for a good emergency switch (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Schneider-Electric/XB4BS8444/), using the here popular 'Harmony XB4' format. This thing cost here in the EU 30E, in the US whopping 110$. Does anyone has better sources ? No idea what the formats are in the US but the very switch uses darn good locking mechanism for the panel and comes with configurable terminals (2NC, 2NO, etc...). Just saying and it's just an example though.

10:03 PM

Same goes for feedback lights or direction switches, here we use widely 22m holes for the control panel - pretty much everything is aligned for that.

Wow, seems most e-switches on mouser are mostly plastic, 50$ and if it's proper metal locking, 100-300$. wtf

wanna get rich ? start smuggling e-switches into the US !

(edited)

4

1

Question about the hexbar for the v3 shreddar. I have a couple feet of 1 1/8" hexbar from the junkyard but am thinking about passing it over since I don't know what kind of alloy and would need to rework the the imperial plans out there. Any good sources of hexbar? I found onlinemetals.com that provide a bunch of different alloy types at reasonable prices. I am not sure which kind I need so any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

itsgeorge

Question about the hexbar for the v3 shreddar. I have a couple feet of 1 1/8" hexbar from the junkyard but am thinking about passing it over since I don't know what kind of alloy and would need to rework the the imperial plans out there. Any good sources of hexbar? I found onlinemetals.com that provide a bunch of different alloy types at reasonable prices. I am not sure which kind I need so any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

there might be a metalsupermarkets.com in your area, if so i'd see how their prices compare with onlinemetals... you can also have a look at mcmaster-carr though it's typically a bit more expensive.

as for the hex shaft i used 304 stainless for a v3 shredder shaft and had no issues with it. i think you could probably get away with mild steel even but haven't tried it myself. i'm sure others have more input

I recommend that you use a material similar to that of the blades. If you use different materials (stainless and regular steel), you will have oxidation problems. We use F112 or F114 for the regular steel version and Aisi 303 for the stainless version. (edited)

The ULTIMATE guide to our Sheetpress + awesome replicates by the community If you, your friend, neighbour or grandma ever wanted to start making sheets. Make sure send them this

https://www.onearmy.earth/news/sheetpress

The ultimate guide to the Precious Plastic Sheetpress

Learn everything about the Precious Plastic Sheetpress and how to recycle plastic into recycled plastic sheets.

Hey PP USA people below is a link to a document going over my v3 shredder build. I made this and accompanying diagram to address a couple build issues and questions I have instead of spamming the channel. If anyone can please take a look and help please do! Thanks folks! https://docs.google.com/document/d/18Sz8vJolIko0w-9aS510clNT-FE8hStFCUJrH-BOewI/edit?usp=sharing

George Shredder build

Click on the link. In the box above the image make sure you choose diagrams.net if you don’t see it click the drop-down and it should be there hopefully! All the components I have are linked, I hope the diagram gets across what I’m doing and what I need help with. My main concern is help with c...

1

+ We also added a search in the how-to’s. (You can also search for specific workspaces)

Hey PPUSA people. I have a question about power supply. My 5hp 1ph has a full load rating of 20.5 amps @ 230 Volts. The in-rush amperage of the motor start I calculated @ 136-154 amps. I ended up picking up a 100 amp circuit breaker for my basement circuit breaker because that is all that I could find I hope this works as magnetic protection for short circuits. As for thermal overload protection for the conductors (10 gauge rated @ 30A) I found this WEG Electric manual motor protector (link below). I think I can even use this as a disconnect/overload and then run to a Rotary on-off-on switch for forward reverse. Am I on the right track? How do I mount this? https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motor_controls/iec_manual_motor_protectors/manual_motor_protectors_(01_to_63_amp)/mpw40-3-u025 Thanks everyone

Motor Protector: 45mm frame, 20-25A adjustable (PN# MPW40-3-U025) |...

MPW40-3-U025 - WEG Electric manual motor protector, rotary, 25A, thermal overload, 20.0-25.0A adjustable, 325A instantaneous trip rating, open, 45mm frame.

Hey! We build a kitchen and workspace inside a shipping container to setup BaseKamp. Here is how we did it: https://onearmy.earth/news/workspace-kitchen-inside-a-shipping-container

Build a workspace & kitchen inside a shipping container | Project Kamp

We bought two containers and transformed them in a kitchen and a workspace for the first months on the land.

What would be the best way of going about getting this machined? 3/4 round with a channel bored out and then a little square stock insert? Any advice before I go out contacting local machinist would be much appreciated

itsgeorge

What would be the best way of going about getting this machined? 3/4 round with a channel bored out and then a little square stock insert? Any advice before I go out contacting local machinist would be much appreciated

My suggestion, find a lathe operator who would do this as a favor. Ask around, even a small 'one off' project like that would be expensive. I have worked a lot with steel and welding, the easiest way to manipulate metal is having the right equipment.

Welp, dont know where to post this, but it's a real doozy when it's John Oliver himself covering about the dark nuances on plastics and what's going down. Buckle up fellas, dark humor ahead. And also sorry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fiu9GSOmt8E

LastWeekTonight

Plastics: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

3

Hello! I just joined this yesterday, i have been on the main discord for a while. I am currently living in north east Florida around Jthe acksonville area

We are LIVE in 2 Minutes. Bring on your questions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOIEVG9A8eg

One Army

Monthly News #50 LIVE

anyone know of a good source for overtemp limit controllers?

For Motors? ABB has some DinRail modules. It's actually an easy circuit, some more context would be helpful. For PID controllers, the better ones have burnout detection, alarm levels, and the like.

12:09 AM

Otherwise, I wrote this a couple of times for Arduino, as plugn'play component.

12:10 AM

--- 3 hours support response time --- we're getting better

That's the last implementation, you can trip via Modbus or callbacks ... https://github.com/plastic-hub/osr-analyzer/blob/main/firmware/firmware/components/TemperatureSensorMB.h

For PIDs. My client wants a separate over temp limit as a safety feature for the biopress. I found a couple of options (watlow and others) but they’re all rather expensive so curious if anyone knows of any others. Thanks!

What type of PID are you using now?

Gotta re-evaluate that as well. I’ve got the cheapo Rex-c100s currently, which are CE rated, but my client needs UL rated so gotta find something that suits that as well. Would be cool to find one with integrated high limit but so far I’ve only seen that in some of the watlow models

In this case, Omron E5 Series is your friend. They come with alarm outputs - usually used to start the fans. I had a few times the pleasure to use them, since then I´m in love

https://assets.omron.eu/downloads/manual/en/v1/digital_temperature_controllers_users_manual_en.pdf Arduino-Modbus Implementation: https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/blob/master/projects/Printhead/firmware/firmware/OmronPID.h E5 Registers, lovely : https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/blob/master/projects/Printhead/firmware/firmware/components/OmronE5.h#L79 150$ a pop or so but worth every penny. Auto-tuning settles after 2 trial cycles and it keeps it in a +/- 1DegC window, neat... (edited)

11:51 PM

Arduino + Max6675 + Relay is about 20$, 100$ to make it right on the rail ...

Thanks a lot, will have a look

@Paul, the AC motor you have got has 18 amp starting current, I am thinking to get the same one, however, my home max amp is 20

8:34 PM

it can very easily trip the main circuit board

8:35 PM

so what have you done with electronics to make sure AC loads up slowly

8:35 PM

?

8:35 PM

can you please share?

I haven’t had any issues running running it in my home as of yet, tho I haven’t shred anything with it, so I guess we’ll see once I actually put it to work ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

yes - there are worlds between 'spinning up' and 'shredding'. AC high power cables and digital DC circuits go best when far from each other, even at 24V - things can get really crazy

12:13 AM

Safe distance between AC and DC cables is around 5-8 cm, for v3 - v4 devices ~ 2- 5kW

anyone have any experience running a 120 shredder? is it powerful enough? Or do you feel that it gets bogged down

@Wumangklan I have asked the same question and found that for the tourqe you need a motor that can 'kick back' and 120v motors short out too easy...

That's from research, I am not a machine builder but I have worked with many types of industrial tools and machines. Keep asking I have not seen a motor small enough that has the twisting power. Not without some external set-up (that requires extra power sources). (edited)

Yea I was a little worried about that. But I'm sure I can wire it up and give it some more power in the mean time

Let me know what you come up with

I have access to all types of giant motors that won't fit or work in a home/garage setting... Like this bad boy who has not seen service in a year.

9:31 PM

I can have it for free but I can't even get him out the door, let alone take him home.

@Wumangklan i used to run the V3 on a 110VAC 1.5hp motor w 30:1 gearbox and it did pretty well. Jammed sometimes but usually managed to shred thru most stuff without much trouble

pauldufour

@Wumangklan i used to run the V3 on a 110VAC 1.5hp motor w 30:1 gearbox and it did pretty well. Jammed sometimes but usually managed to shred thru most stuff without much trouble

Can you add me as a friend? I have a few questions...

@pauldufour Thanks for the info. I think I might stick with the 120 now and upgrade to a 220 shredder later

MystroPolymeric

Can you add me as a friend? I have a few questions...

friend request sent

Hi @everyone Special moment. A newborn project! Meet our newest family member: https://fixing.fashion/

People Fixing Fashion

Fixing Fashion is a project teaching people how to care, fix and repair their clothes to tackle the problems connected with fashion.

4:04 PM

More information about the project: https://www.onearmy.earth/news/launching-fixing-fashion (edited)

Nice story on the Precious Plastic Community by BBC Radio PreciousPlastic

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09ddhz6

People Fixing the World - Shred it yourself: The DIY plastic recycl...

Machines to shred, melt and mould waste plastic are popping up around the world

2nd Melt Solutions and Precious Plastic Minnesota needs your help with winning a $1000 grant! After sending out followers in the completely wrong direction we have found ourselves in hundredth place instead of first! Please like, share, or comment on this post! Prizes may be in store if you can verify you came from PP. https://m.facebook.com/FirstIntlBank/photos/pcb.3863938453721312/3863274293787728/?type=3&source=49

First International Bank & Trust

2nd Melt Solutions

7:12 PM

3

1

Progress!

5

Awesome. Everything fitting nicely. Great design BTW.

2

CitSciWorkshop

Awesome. Everything fitting nicely. Great design BTW.

Is that the V4?

@pauldufour sized down the V4 to just over Basic size. It's nice and compact but robust.

CitSciWorkshop

@pauldufour sized down the V4 to just over Basic size. It's nice and compact but robust.

I'm not stalking. I just want to know if you cut and assembled this piece yourself?

No worries. This is Paul's build and design. I just cut the box pieces for him.

Monthly news #51 - Ocean bricks made in hawai https://youtu.be/ztojbINhesA

One Army

Launching our new project #fixingfashion

The ULTIMATE guide to our extrusion machines! https://www.onearmy.earth/news/extrusion-machine

Ultimate guide to the Precious Plastic Extrusion machine [2021]

Learn everything about the Precious Plastic Extrusion machine and how to recycle plastic into beams and bricks.

Quick question. Would you like to vote on decisions for Discord using polls? (like this)

= YESS Finally!!!

= Sounds good. 

= Mwa kinda busy

= Skeptical it gives a good result

= No. (edited)

4

No, because only a small fraction of the PP crowd and it's orbiting 10 - 100 x more users is on Discord (perfectly annoying & useless game tech after all

Especially pro users are just not here ! (edited)

Great food for makers

Electrical installation guide from Schneider : https://github.com/osr-plastic/pp-next/blob/main/resources/papers/guides/Electrical-Installation-Guide-2018.pdf Nice articles, resources & tools : https://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/electrical_calculation_tools

[Original Message Deleted] (edited)

Hey everybody, we're in the planning stage for a 90 mins documentary about OpenSource/Lowtech-Recycling but also PP - to be released in 10 - 18 months. If you have a noteworthy(.. tbd) project going on or a good case study, please send us an email to development@plastic-hub.com. Interviews are possible, the film in it self is done in 2k format (ARRIRAW

testing something one moment

5:07 AM

test

In case you haven't seen it yet: https://youtu.be/MyrtXY6LYdU See the wonderful East African Precious Plastic Community

One Army

MN#53 - Turning Plastic into Food (and Baskets)

4:54 PM

Read this if you want to come and help out Project Kamp! ProjectKamp

https://www.onearmy.earth/news/new-ways-to-support-project-kamp Read this if you want to see all the wonderful jewellery that is made with Precious Plastic. Very inspiring! PreciousPlastic

https://www.onearmy.earth/news/plastic-waste-into-precious-jewellery (edited)

https://www.epa.gov/sbir

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program | US EPA

This site supports SBIR program and tracks awarded companies and their results.

6:06 PM

Sustainable Materials Management, Clean and Safe Water, Air Quality are on the focus areas. Get out there and apply all you US based folks. Keep the open source mindset. Collaboration and a strong circular recycling network will make a difference

Does anyone know if a nail gun can be used on plastic sheets? Im scared that the plastic will just crack from the force of the nail going in.

I would imagine nail gun is a bad idea

7:16 PM

I think you want to predrill a hole and use either a self tapping (wood or drywall) screw to affix to the rear substrate, or predrill and use a machine screw and nut to mechanically fasten your sheet to your substrate

Yeah that’s a good alternative, thanks!

I think you want to treat your recycled sheet of plastic like working with any other plastic - no hammers, no nails, no impacts. Predrill holes with plastic specific drill bits. Take care to not tighten anything excessively tight to avoid plastic’s brittleness. If your sheet is HDPE, it will likely be more flexible and resilient than acrylic

We have some @Machine shop updates in the latest Monthly News! Leave your feedback and suggestions for the machine-inventory in thread. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYwUfRg6q1g

One Army

MN#54 - We made a new shredder!

1

did you do any grilling this weekend? Two Rivers is looking to acquire these johnsonville bratwurst trays and a lot of them.

Rai

did you do any grilling this weekend? Two Rivers is looking to acquire these johnsonville bratwurst trays and a lot of them.

Are y'all processing styrofoam? If so, I missed something. How are you recycling styrofoam?

I currently just do compression molding by hand into coasters (edited)

7:24 PM

with the dense trays, I just throw it right in with clear PS but with the less dense packing foam, I melt it, blend it, then combine it with black PS (edited)

7:25 PM

this is half white styrofoam, half black ps (edited)

6

7:25 PM

and this is half johnsonville brats tray, half clear PS (edited)

6

12:10 AM

still looking for these, willing to buy em

Do they need to be this specific brand, or industry equivalent?

8:56 AM

I.e eps disposable meat trays

I teach at a high school and we are going to make a shredder and a injector for class in our makerspace. We were going to cut out our parts on a desktop water jet or our little cnc. But now we are thinking about ordering the parts for the shredder. Is there a laser cutter people have used? We are in Omaha, so there may be something local? or is there a online resource. I feel like all of the PP stuff is in England

Richaroni

I teach at a high school and we are going to make a shredder and a injector for class in our makerspace. We were going to cut out our parts on a desktop water jet or our little cnc. But now we are thinking about ordering the parts for the shredder. Is there a laser cutter people have used? We are in Omaha, so there may be something local? or is there a online resource. I feel like all of the PP stuff is in England

I went through https://www.preciousplastic-usa.com/ but I feel like there could be shops closer to you.

HOME | preciousplastic-usa

Thanks!

Richaroni

I teach at a high school and we are going to make a shredder and a injector for class in our makerspace. We were going to cut out our parts on a desktop water jet or our little cnc. But now we are thinking about ordering the parts for the shredder. Is there a laser cutter people have used? We are in Omaha, so there may be something local? or is there a online resource. I feel like all of the PP stuff is in England

I can laser cut parts as well, we make kits for Basic Machines.

Now live on Kickstarter!!! (For 30 days) Please help support this project if you can. If not can you please help spread the word as much as possible! Thank you!!

❤️

️

https://kickstarter.com/projects/recycledplasticbrick/recycled-plastic-bricks

Has anyone tried to process nylon chew toys from Bullymake?

Last Monthly News @everyone

https://youtu.be/i-sMkxu7wuU What do you think?

One Army

The last Monthly News?

might be doing an independent study on my uni about what is actually contained in PS fumes

5:37 PM

along with rates and quantities

Rai

might be doing an independent study on my uni about what is actually contained in PS fumes

I’d be interested in knowing. How do you press the coasters? Can you send me a guide to your process?

Is anyone interested in buying raw material? I have a source of pet and PP

If I put a pid controller on this, think it would work? https://www.toolots.com/1-7-17-oz-paste-liquid-filling-machine-semi-auto-one-head-filler.html?omnisendContactID=604a902619719750897c07a7&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Happy+Halloween+Sale%21+%28616080a464940b001aee5994%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

50-500mL Semi-Automatic Liquid Paste Filling Machine

Shop semi-auto paste liquid filling machines on Toolots. Bottle filling machines; One-head pneumatic liquid filler; Filling volume range 50-500mL; Electric and pneumatic combined drive

If you mean work as an injection molding machine, then no. There's no heat source to keep the plastic molten, and a good chance it won't produce enough pressure.

hi! me and my friends are doing a project and we needed some ideas/ research about recyclable plastic / something durable and similar to that which can hold liquid. please dm me if you have an answer/solution

Hi Folks!! After lurking on this Discord long enough, I want to introduce myself. My name is Adriana Beltran Andrade I am a student at Smith College working on a precious plastics specials studies where our goal is to provide our greater community, the pioneer valley and 5 college consortium in western Massachusetts, precious plastics machines for creations, local plastic recycling to happen and create a more circular economy in maker spaces around us! I am very excited about this project and I am part of the second cohort of students working on it, as last cohort focused on a shredder that is currently being stressed tested by other members of my team. We have decided that the second machine will be an extruder and we are currently working on discovering our design needs and finding open source files in US metrics. Please DM me if you are interested in knowing more or have some information that you believe may be useful to us!

1

Hello!

awwdriana

Hi Folks!! After lurking on this Discord long enough, I want to introduce myself. My name is Adriana Beltran Andrade I am a student at Smith College working on a precious plastics specials studies where our goal is to provide our greater community, the pioneer valley and 5 college consortium in western Massachusetts, precious plastics machines for creations, local plastic recycling to happen and create a more circular economy in maker spaces around us! I am very excited about this project and I am part of the second cohort of students working on it, as last cohort focused on a shredder that is currently being stressed tested by other members of my team. We have decided that the second machine will be an extruder and we are currently working on discovering our design needs and finding open source files in US metrics. Please DM me if you are interested in knowing more or have some information that you believe may be useful to us!

"We have decided that the second machine will be an extruder" - Do you mean that beam extruder type thing, or a FDM Filament Extruder + Winder?

1

Okay so I haven't found any solution of recyclable methods for resin and silicone yet. I'm usually in the art scene and for a lot of artists they cast resin or silicone to make figurines or sculptures. Most of the time there would be leftover cured residue or defects. And the only method I found so far is just preparing new resin/silicone to bind leftover cured materials. Is there a way to break them down and repurpose them similarly to plastic?

I believe no, as those are thermosets

Ah, so my guess thermosetes can't be repurposed at all?

(edited)

@TuxedoGin probably requires a chemical breakdown. At that point it would be a by product of that process. Finding a good use for that byproduct is would be... surprising.

3:59 AM

@TuxedoGin lots of cool inventions happened that way.

4:01 AM

@TuxedoGin the story of how plastics came to be is a good read. And surprising.

Eric Lotze

"We have decided that the second machine will be an extruder" - Do you mean that beam extruder type thing, or a FDM Filament Extruder + Winder?

So sorry for the late response! We are actually hoping to do both! Currently we are still in the design/research/planning phase but we hope to be able to make a "plug and play" extruder where there would be filament and mold making capabilities. Currently we are more confident towards the filament extension as we feel a little intimidated by the mold making due to the pressure needed and not knowing too much about the mold extrusion process . If you have any resources, experience or tips about that we would love to hear!

4:39 PM

https://www.gofundme.com/f/temporary-homeless-shelters

Temporary Homeless Shelters, organized by Josh Griffin

Hi, my name is Josh. I am from Winnipeg, Canada. Growing up my family didn't have a lot. Wha… Josh Griffin needs your support for Temporary Homeless Shelters

We are waking up from our winter break, getting ready for Season 2! (coming 14th April) We got some friends making new tunes for @Project Kamp. Full song on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-project-kamp-61569710

Hi Community! New Discord channel

#deleted-channel This channel has two main goals: Share with the community what the Precious Plastic team is working on to keep everyone up-to-date with the latest developments. Have an active space to collaborate with the community and find opportunities for contribution. Let’s

up this place!

Hi @Precious Plastic! We put together a summary of the data behind the Bazar from 2021 to help out our beloved #deleted-channel

It's a tool showcasing user behaviour and a breakdown of the transactions that went through the Bazar. Super useful data for seeing where the opportunities are

If you think there is other data that may be interesting to see, we will put a thread for feedback in the #deleted-channel channel from @Hugh - Community Happy selling!

https://datastudio.google.com/s/piCVH2C-0QY

Bazar 2021 Dashboard

Google Data Studio turns your data into informative dashboards and reports that are easy to read, easy to share, and fully customizable.

We found our film maker! Felix from Germany will join us to make @Project Kamp videos for season 2 His application thumbnail got us convinced. Seems professional.

Hey friends! I'm a software engineer, and noticed that the precious plastic kit has an error on github that prevent Windows users from cloning the repository. A friend and I fixed it in August, but an admin needs to accept the "pull request." Who could I alert to get that taken care of?

adamj537

Hey friends! I'm a software engineer, and noticed that the precious plastic kit has an error on github that prevent Windows users from cloning the repository. A friend and I fixed it in August, but an admin needs to accept the "pull request." Who could I alert to get that taken care of?

You might try pinging the v4-team on the One Army Server.

Hey, y’all. I’ve entered a contest for diy makers and the prize money could really help me get some more equipment for recycling plastic. I wasn’t sure if I’m allowed to share the link here to vote but every vote would go towards reducing plastic waste in Nebraska USA. Would there be a place I can share here or on the OneArmy server?

McNerdyMakes

Hey, y’all. I’ve entered a contest for diy makers and the prize money could really help me get some more equipment for recycling plastic. I wasn’t sure if I’m allowed to share the link here to vote but every vote would go towards reducing plastic waste in Nebraska USA. Would there be a place I can share here or on the OneArmy server?

I don't think anyone would mind if you posted in the #open channel or here.

1

Has anyone looked into using plastic to stop bullets?

Polycarbonate is a common component of "bullet proof" glass, owing to its impact resistance and optical clarity.

I just curious: who here has started a business dealing with plastics? What are the challenges and accomplishments when it comes to starting a business like this? What are things to be aware of? I want to start being March 29th since during that time frame I can register to be a business.

@shadesofera34 where u from

Ibra

@shadesofera34 where u from

Georgia

Ok I from.pa

Nice, my dude.

Ibra

Ok I from.pa

Well, how are you? What's up?

shadesofera34

I just curious: who here has started a business dealing with plastics? What are the challenges and accomplishments when it comes to starting a business like this? What are things to be aware of? I want to start being March 29th since during that time frame I can register to be a business.

Let me tell you my friend, I have been in business for a little over a year. One of the big problems is that there isn’t enough interest to allow you to focus on one thing. If you want to make things, then you need a plastic source. The big reprocessors don’t want to talk to little guys like us, they want to sell plastic by the tons. So as well as making, you now get into collecting. Most people already check the box that they are recycling, albeit all wrong, so they don’t want to bother with giving you what the municipality does not collect. Now the choir might give you their plastic, but then even explaining to them that that little smudge of peanut butter on the cap means that this plastic is dirty, makes it very laborious and turns many people off. If you want to wash it yourself, that is another expense. Now you need to be in education AND collection AND making stuff. Then people think they’re doing you a favor ‘donating’ their plastic to you and that you owe them one - more education needed. So let’s say you got over that hurdle, now you have to shred your plastic or melt it/kneed/press/extrude. So you need a shredder. A V4 PP machine will put you back $7k or so, but it is not a high volume machine. So you can be making little things but not a growing business’ worth. Similarly kneeding it is pretty time and energy consuming. Then you need to make sure you are in an industrial location with good ventilation, yet you only take up a thousand or so feet. If you find a light industrial location, you need to make sure there is enough power available to you. Now you have to figure out what you can make. Can it look finished enough to be bought at the premium price you will need to sell it at to make it cover its costs. What do people want ? Now you have a product looking for a market…. Ok enough for now, I could go on and on. We should have a business channel where we discuss business strategies. (edited)

5

Inspired Plastics

Let me tell you my friend, I have been in business for a little over a year. One of the big problems is that there isn’t enough interest to allow you to focus on one thing. If you want to make things, then you need a plastic source. The big reprocessors don’t want to talk to little guys like us, they want to sell plastic by the tons. So as well as making, you now get into collecting. Most people already check the box that they are recycling, albeit all wrong, so they don’t want to bother with giving you what the municipality does not collect. Now the choir might give you their plastic, but then even explaining to them that that little smudge of peanut butter on the cap means that this plastic is dirty, makes it very laborious and turns many people off. If you want to wash it yourself, that is another expense. Now you need to be in education AND collection AND making stuff. Then people think they’re doing you a favor ‘donating’ their plastic to you and that you owe them one - more education needed. So let’s say you got over that hurdle, now you have to shred your plastic or melt it/kneed/press/extrude. So you need a shredder. A V4 PP machine will put you back $7k or so, but it is not a high volume machine. So you can be making little things but not a growing business’ worth. Similarly kneeding it is pretty time and energy consuming. Then you need to make sure you are in an industrial location with good ventilation, yet you only take up a thousand or so feet. If you find a light industrial location, you need to make sure there is enough power available to you. Now you have to figure out what you can make. Can it look finished enough to be bought at the premium price you will need to sell it at to make it cover its costs. What do people want ? Now you have a product looking for a market…. Ok enough for now, I could go on and on. We should have a business channel where we discuss business strategies. (edited)

Thank you. I will say you raised good points. What if the plastic source comes from universities? For example, my school, in particular, is trying to lean more in a sustainability direction. I know there is bound to be a lot of plastic at my school. What else does municipality not collect? True that is another expense, but Idk I feel like it is worth it. Again, it is me being optimistic.

See, what do you mean by education? Like educate the masses in schools or something? I admit I just want to be on the same page as you. In terms of industrial location, could small town with multiple oil extractions and cotton containers work? I could check and in see about the ventilation. I admit Idk about that. Right that is true about price. We really should create one.

1

https://discord.gg/mNDrVmfN

11:18 PM

Okay, okay, I work fast sometimes. I already set up a server to express business concerns and ideas.

yeah this is my problem with most of the stuff with this group. You have to spend a lot of time and money for such a little return even if you are not worried about the money the return is so small. you would be better off spending your time picking trash up along the road and just disposing of it normally. yes that does not reuse it but still better return on time and the enviroment then trying to build a workshop and make things.

Agreed. The education aspect is enormous, but people want it for free.

2:36 PM

I wonder of all those instgrammers, how much people are truly selling.

shadesofera34

Thank you. I will say you raised good points. What if the plastic source comes from universities? For example, my school, in particular, is trying to lean more in a sustainability direction. I know there is bound to be a lot of plastic at my school. What else does municipality not collect? True that is another expense, but Idk I feel like it is worth it. Again, it is me being optimistic.

See, what do you mean by education? Like educate the masses in schools or something? I admit I just want to be on the same page as you. In terms of industrial location, could small town with multiple oil extractions and cotton containers work? I could check and in see about the ventilation. I admit Idk about that. Right that is true about price. We really should create one.

Sorry I didn’t see this, I’ll take time to answer your point after work time

Beginner's Tech

yeah this is my problem with most of the stuff with this group. You have to spend a lot of time and money for such a little return even if you are not worried about the money the return is so small. you would be better off spending your time picking trash up along the road and just disposing of it normally. yes that does not reuse it but still better return on time and the enviroment then trying to build a workshop and make things.

My question is why is the return so low?

Inspired Plastics

Agreed. The education aspect is enormous, but people want it for free.

That is true. That is true. Free stuff is the way to get to humanity's heart it seems.

Inspired Plastics

Sorry I didn’t see this, I’ll take time to answer your point after work time

You are fine.

Kk

Is your ultimate goal recycling plastic or making money?

Yes

I would say both for recycling is good, but how do you keep it going without money?

Nope

9:43 PM

Having fun and reducing trash .

Does every action in your life make money?

I mean it can, if you get creative with it.

I like crypto. Lol

Askeron981

I like crypto. Lol

well then. I kinda don't. To me, it feels like a whole lot of headache.

Lol I have a plan to remake my desk top in HDPE. That could be fun

Askeron981

Lol I have a plan to remake my desk top in HDPE. That could be fun

Oh, that sounds awesome.

Good luck,my dude.

9:49 PM

Well, how is the plan going?

Slow....

9:50 PM

Need to get a shredder

9:51 PM

And make a form. I plan on using a heat gun to melt the HDPE or more like fuse it together

shadesofera34

My question is why is the return so low?

Well, it is complicated but let's look at it from a business point of view. so let's say you wanted to start a business recycling plastic and making a product and selling it. So you need a space to do everything and then you need equipment and supplies. That is all very expensive. now you need a product to make and sell so you need to design and test it, now you have to make it then advertise it then sell it. again all expensive. So you can easily spend 20 30 60K in startup cost. to pay for all that you need to make a certain amount of money each day or month. even if you can come up with a product and do all that and sell it. can you make enough of it to pay for everything? This is not taking into consideration your own time and pay. you cant live for free. most products that are going to make enough money probably cant be made from recycled plastics that you collect from people grind up and clean. you would be better off using plastic pellets that are new. So from a money point of view the business model does not work on a small or medium scale. you would be better off to take that money and investing in something with a better return on investment. So lets say you don't care about money and you just want to donate your time to make things better. again you are probably better off investing in something with a better return on your time investment. for example, you collect plastic clean it to shred it make new useful things and you lose money but hey you are doing something good, well in a year how much plastic can you repurpose? 100 pounds? 500? maybe even a few thousand pounds? great. but would it not be better to invest that time into maybe a new way to package items that use less plastic. or educating people about plastic or stoping more from being made.

Askeron981

Need to get a shredder

Ah, gotcha. Good luck with that.

12:28 AM

Sorry, everyone, there was a tornado warning and it knocked out the Internet for a bit.

shadesofera34

My question is why is the return so low?

What do you mean low?

Beginner's Tech

Well, it is complicated but let's look at it from a business point of view. so let's say you wanted to start a business recycling plastic and making a product and selling it. So you need a space to do everything and then you need equipment and supplies. That is all very expensive. now you need a product to make and sell so you need to design and test it, now you have to make it then advertise it then sell it. again all expensive. So you can easily spend 20 30 60K in startup cost. to pay for all that you need to make a certain amount of money each day or month. even if you can come up with a product and do all that and sell it. can you make enough of it to pay for everything? This is not taking into consideration your own time and pay. you cant live for free. most products that are going to make enough money probably cant be made from recycled plastics that you collect from people grind up and clean. you would be better off using plastic pellets that are new. So from a money point of view the business model does not work on a small or medium scale. you would be better off to take that money and investing in something with a better return on investment. So lets say you don't care about money and you just want to donate your time to make things better. again you are probably better off investing in something with a better return on your time investment. for example, you collect plastic clean it to shred it make new useful things and you lose money but hey you are doing something good, well in a year how much plastic can you repurpose? 100 pounds? 500? maybe even a few thousand pounds? great. but would it not be better to invest that time into maybe a new way to package items that use less plastic. or educating people about plastic or stoping more from being made.

The reason you can't get it from people is cause there is still time and expense being wasted? That is true about the new ways, education, and stopping in the first place. I agree. So then my question would be: could you a class requirement in school, along with economics, a student has to take sustainability class or something? Stopping it in the first place, that one is obvious. Get companies to produce something more sustainable. Same for package items.

Inspired Plastics

I wonder of all those instgrammers, how much people are truly selling.

@shadesofera34 gonna my add two cents to this since I feel like I have somewhat of an unusual perspective. (edited)

12:45 AM

I was able to get quite a bit of startup cash for second melt but only because I won a couple grants including one that covers an elementary school teaching program. (edited)

12:47 AM

I decided the shredder and injector weren’t worth it at all and focused on paper shredders, just the injector and hand pressed methods. I don’t have a permanent workspace, I am spread between my parents basement and a single fume hood at a college. I currently make around a $100 per art sale so scaling remains an issue, but this stuff DOES in fact sell if you physically put it in front of people. (edited)

12:48 AM

So… if you want it for free, get grant writing, give back. Probably don’t sink your own money.

12:50 AM

Also, people will universally want to drop free plastic on you if they find out you accept it at all so you gotta know when to say no

Rai

I decided the shredder and injector weren’t worth it at all and focused on paper shredders, just the injector and hand pressed methods. I don’t have a permanent workspace, I am spread between my parents basement and a single fume hood at a college. I currently make around a $100 per art sale so scaling remains an issue, but this stuff DOES in fact sell if you physically put it in front of people. (edited)

Gotcha, thank you, thank you.

I literally only work with flat plastic and that’s…. okay xD

Bruh, I am not gonna lie, that is pretty sweet.

Tbh, a lot of the trash will mainly come from the side of the road. I can't stand to see it just being there. I know, I know it is not clean. I honestly, thinking about how to hose it all down since I collect it.

thx! oh and dishwashers work great for that

1:08 AM

as long as you get like… the tough mud off first you can get done good results

Welcome and not a bad shout.

road litter drives me nuts

Okay,okay, with the way everyone is talking, the trash has been squeaky clean.

1:10 AM

For real tho, I am just like I will literally grab a plastic bag in the middle of road if no one else will.

1:10 AM

and make everyone wait in traffic, so I can get it safely.

@Rai I could use your help on grant writing. That’s a awesome skill. I own a recycling company I started with my own start up money. Id happily pay for help

shadesofera34

and make everyone wait in traffic, so I can get it safely.

lmaoooo same

Could scrub it by hand

these were all in the road and then dishwashed with my actual dishes. ain’t 100% dirt free but I can work with em now.

I started using my washing machine for milk containers I get from schools and coffee shops

Rai

these were all in the road and then dishwashed with my actual dishes. ain’t 100% dirt free but I can work with em now.

Nice.

(edited)

yeah! dishwashers are kinda magical, I don’t know what I was doing over the sink in my basement for so long

Rai

yeah! dishwashers are kinda magical, I don’t know what I was doing over the sink in my basement for so long

Bruh, yes. Like whoever created the dishwasher need a raise or something.

truly

wabel

@Rai I could use your help on grant writing. That’s a awesome skill. I own a recycling company I started with my own start up money. Id happily pay for help

feel free to dm me for specifics, I got some stuff to work on atm but we can talk later. I don’t have a lot of tip, honestly it’s half about luck and half being able to predict and provide exactly what the grantees are looking for. (edited)

1:19 AM

The arts board rejected me cause I had too big a scope but I learned from that and the local rotary club gave me a grant because I was providing something timely (pandemic = more plastic) and also they were looking for educational programs primarily. (edited)

I am lucky in that I am an investor, so I use what I make off my investments to power my venture, I would like it to cover itself at some point though. I am at a crossroads, I have been using heat presses adjusted for plastic with molds in them. I have been trying different products to see what the market might want, given that my products can't look like the injection molded products made from virgin plastic. I am thinking to go for the larger market with "standard" 4x8 sheets - what do you all think ?

Inspired Plastics

I am lucky in that I am an investor, so I use what I make off my investments to power my venture, I would like it to cover itself at some point though. I am at a crossroads, I have been using heat presses adjusted for plastic with molds in them. I have been trying different products to see what the market might want, given that my products can't look like the injection molded products made from virgin plastic. I am thinking to go for the larger market with "standard" 4x8 sheets - what do you all think ?

I sold a guitar pick for $5

Inspired Plastics

I am lucky in that I am an investor, so I use what I make off my investments to power my venture, I would like it to cover itself at some point though. I am at a crossroads, I have been using heat presses adjusted for plastic with molds in them. I have been trying different products to see what the market might want, given that my products can't look like the injection molded products made from virgin plastic. I am thinking to go for the larger market with "standard" 4x8 sheets - what do you all think ?

I would say maybe. Figure out is that truly where the market is ahead.

Jawshhwa

I sold a guitar pick for $5

It’s a great start, you’ll need to sell a lot of guitar picks though (edited)

Inspired Plastics

It’s a great start, you’ll need to sell a lot of guitar picks though (edited)

500,000 makes $2.5 million. Takes a million grams of plastic to make half a million guitar picks. City has to pay the recycling center $40 to take a million grams of plastic.

4

Hi everyone. So. Humanity is really pushing its limits on the planet. We don’t have much longer before we destablize the climate and destroy most natural life. All we will have left is what we have created and that will be a miserable experience because not many of us will have access to these things. I have a few ideas on how to reduce our waste with plastics, while hopefully combining a few technologies to cool our planet down. Recently, a few engineers have gone public with designs to capture water in the desert and freeze it, collecting ice as they need it. I’d like to hopefully see this combined with the technology designed that uses cone shaped tubes placed for wind to pass through and water to cool the air. The material could be made from plastic as long as the water was treated and any micro plastics removed, however this could be averted if the initial ice layer never dethaws.

1

Just made contact with a rando who has “trash bags full of empty water bottles” and is interested in selling, but I don’t know what to pay. I’m in Kentucky, so I don’t have a bottle deposit program to compete with. Prices online are all over the place.

Solus

Hi everyone. So. Humanity is really pushing its limits on the planet. We don’t have much longer before we destablize the climate and destroy most natural life. All we will have left is what we have created and that will be a miserable experience because not many of us will have access to these things. I have a few ideas on how to reduce our waste with plastics, while hopefully combining a few technologies to cool our planet down. Recently, a few engineers have gone public with designs to capture water in the desert and freeze it, collecting ice as they need it. I’d like to hopefully see this combined with the technology designed that uses cone shaped tubes placed for wind to pass through and water to cool the air. The material could be made from plastic as long as the water was treated and any micro plastics removed, however this could be averted if the initial ice layer never dethaws.

What are your ideas for reducing waste?

1:07 AM

I'm interested

Esther

Just made contact with a rando who has “trash bags full of empty water bottles” and is interested in selling, but I don’t know what to pay. I’m in Kentucky, so I don’t have a bottle deposit program to compete with. Prices online are all over the place.

Do you know what material the bottles are? PET? What would your plan be with the material?

I also have a question, if anyone has an answer that'd be great. If you were to start a private recycling company, would you be able to get tax breaks for your customers if they decided to give their materials to you rather than the local stuff ?

guru

I also have a question, if anyone has an answer that'd be great. If you were to start a private recycling company, would you be able to get tax breaks for your customers if they decided to give their materials to you rather than the local stuff ?

It depends on the state. I own a large recycling company in Utah and there are absolutely no incentives

is there a place I could check to find out if that's the case?

1:16 AM

also, could I pick your brain about your business?

Again at state based

1:16 AM

You’d have to check with whatever material your state produces

Sorry if I was unclear but I was wondering if there was a website I could check to find out if there are any incentives but I don't mind trolling the internet.

1:18 AM

I'm interested in started a recycling business here in NYS where I live.

1:18 AM

But I'm not necessarily sure where I should focus my energies first

1:21 AM

Here’s my warehouse. I recycle mattresses and bale and sell the material

1:21 AM

These are my plastic we get from them. I’m just barely getting into the plastic recycle

I never would have thought of mattresses

1:22 AM

Is it profitable to start off with? Do you buy the old materials or just accept donations?

They are horrible for the landfill

1

jmaloney

Do you know what material the bottles are? PET? What would your plan be with the material?

PET, 0.5 L bottles. I’m not looking to make a profit, but I also don’t have a ton of money. Planning on grinding it down and using it to experiment.

We get paid to remove them

1

1:25 AM

Recycling is a hard business.

1:25 AM

But definitely doable

Are you able to recycle every single part of the mattress?

Just about

I really want to start one. I hate just sitting around while the world goes to shit

Do you have any trouble finding buyers for the recycled materials?

The wood gets Shredded in to bark or turns into new pallets shredded

1

1:27 AM

And the springs go to metal recycling who bale them

1:27 AM

1:28 AM

There’s like this crap in mattresses that I can’t do anything with. It’s like coconut hair or something

Esther

PET, 0.5 L bottles. I’m not looking to make a profit, but I also don’t have a ton of money. Planning on grinding it down and using it to experiment.

In that case I'd base the price on other alternative option you'd have to experiment with. Look up pellet or filament prices that you would use otherwise and maybe add a premium in top of like 5-10% to cover your expense and time grinding it up. I couldn't imagine spending more than 3-5 cents a bottle. Whatever that would be in a $ per weight.

Esther

PET, 0.5 L bottles. I’m not looking to make a profit, but I also don’t have a ton of money. Planning on grinding it down and using it to experiment.

That's what I would do in this case at least.

That would come out to about $1.35 a pound, which is on the higher end of what I’ve seen online. Thanks!

I'd take that down by 10% to cover your labor.

2

Gotcha thanks

Hope it turns out well!!

wabel

Click to see attachment 🖼️

Does it melt or burn?

11:53 PM

Says natural fiber when I research so it’s possible coconut or any other fibrous substance that they can get their hands on or create

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=15487&acctid=4753 I keep seeing this go up for cheaper and cheaper. Maybe one of y'all needs to know about it. (I don't have a use for it. Or a space. Or money and transport.)

Newbury V2-30ton Plastic Injection Machine - govdeals.com

GovDeals' online marketplace provides services to government, educational, and related entities for the sale of surplus assets to the public. Auction rules may vary across sellers.

https://www.vcad.ca/study-on-campus/calgary/connect/news/this-canadian-entrepreneur-is-on-the-cusp-of-something-revolutionary/

10:33 PM

https://olfa.com/blogs/professional/olfa-supports-building-sustainable-shelters

OLFA Supports Building Sustainable Shelters

At OLFA we not only embrace sustainable practices in our manufacturing process, but we also support those individuals that want to make a difference in the world.

Wonder has anyone here done anything with soft plastics? Recently fell down the internet rabbit hole on making fishing lures and saw some molds for it in the Bazar.

Hey guys. So we’re looking into moving out of our current workspace, which is just our garage, and into something bigger. Wondering what kind of space you guys are working out of and what alternatives there are to renting out a giant warehouse. Appreciate any input

GoUpcycled

Hey guys. So we’re looking into moving out of our current workspace, which is just our garage, and into something bigger. Wondering what kind of space you guys are working out of and what alternatives there are to renting out a giant warehouse. Appreciate any input

I am in a makerspace, I rent out a booth in there and have everything on wheels so I can move things in and out easily.

1

whats the best way to clean oil out of oil containers?

Dish soap dawn dish soap

12:34 AM

And hot water

12:35 AM

That's what I would do.

12:37 AM

Motor oil or cooking oil because disposal will be different.

Motor oil

12:56 AM

My friend works at a ford dealership and is bringing me oil containers

12:57 AM

If I use hot water and soap on a bucket what’s the best way to dispose of that water? Would I somehow separate the oil from the water and take it to a place that collects used oil?

Dawn…it’s what they use in oil spills

Oil will float on water. And if you can siphon most the water off you can take it to any auto parts store and dispose of it that way

12:59 AM

Or you could let most of the water evaporate off after you get the majority siphoned away

1:05 AM

But most cases the best option is to drop it off at a auto parts store that accepts waste oil examples would be Nampa Auto parts O'Reilly's etc

1:05 AM

Hopefully that helps

It does thank you

Your welcome

Hey everyone, im pretty lost as to how to get in touch with a local group (if there is one) around Boston. I work in a lab and we have a TON of plastic that we throw away without ever making contact with anything (lids of tubes, etc) as well as plastic tubes that basically only touch salt water. I'm looking to eventually build up to process myself, but don't know where to start haha

@FusedStamen The map shows folks who are active or interested, it looks like there are a couple in the Boston area: https://community.preciousplastic.com/map Otherwise, try poking around in the #massachusetts channel to see if anyone wants to get in touch!

Precious Plastic Community

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

yeah i sent a message in there a while ago and didn't see any interest

1:24 AM

thats what got me started on trying to source parts for a shredder but im in an apartment so its tough haha

FusedStamen

Hey everyone, im pretty lost as to how to get in touch with a local group (if there is one) around Boston. I work in a lab and we have a TON of plastic that we throw away without ever making contact with anything (lids of tubes, etc) as well as plastic tubes that basically only touch salt water. I'm looking to eventually build up to process myself, but don't know where to start haha

How thick are your tubes and what variant of plastic

the large majority is actually plastic lids of test tubes

5:32 AM

those are 100% clean and unused most of the time, i can see the plastic type tomorrow for sure

FusedStamen

yeah i sent a message in there a while ago and didn't see any interest

PM me and we can talk shop - I started http://recreator3d.com/ project

The ReCreator 3D

The ReCreator3D - A variant of the PET-PULL Concept, Created with the XViCO X3S 3D Printer as a Base unit. Convert Soda Bottle PET into 3D Filament!

5:33 AM

off to bed for now - but hit me up

haha same here will do, i'll shoot you a dm to say hey now to remind me

1

is not mapping I try that true three times is not my what is the problem please tell me https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Precious Plastic Community

A series of tools for the Precious Plastic community to collaborate around the world. Connect, share and meet each other to tackle plastic waste.

7:46 AM

My location is not showing

PPKARNATAKA13

is not mapping I try that true three times is not my what is the problem please tell me https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

Hi arrakis is correct, you can post in the community channels in the main server.

Hii Plzz send me link

PPKARNATAKA13

is not mapping I try that true three times is not my what is the problem please tell me https://community.preciousplastic.com/map

You have to go through all the steps of creating your profile before you will appear on the map.

Erik72

You have to go through all the steps of creating your profile before you will appear on the map.

Yeah I am doing

Any extruder users out there. Having some issues with consistent flow on my extruder pro

Redsamurai

Any extruder users out there. Having some issues with consistent flow on my extruder pro

I can help, what's going on?

Flow rate has been good for a while, now all of a sudden it has these slow downs on pretty regular intervals where The flow virtually stops and then all of a sudden picks up again. Using all the same materials and temperature settings, the only thing that has changed is the air temperature getting colder obviously.

Do you run your machine a lot? We've seen parts sometimes fatigue, like SSR's or band heaters. I would also inspect your wiring, rule out any loose connections.

I run it for roughly 2 hours straight 364 days a week

Redsamurai

I run it for roughly 2 hours straight 364 days a week

That's a lot of days of the week!

Oops 3-4 days a week

Redsamurai

Flow rate has been good for a while, now all of a sudden it has these slow downs on pretty regular intervals where The flow virtually stops and then all of a sudden picks up again. Using all the same materials and temperature settings, the only thing that has changed is the air temperature getting colder obviously.

That almost sounds like a slipping coupler between the motor and the auger, or marginal heaters struggling to keep temp?

Anyone know if plastic campaign signs are made of PP ? They seem like PP, but I needed confirmation

Inspired Plastics

Anyone know if plastic campaign signs are made of PP ? They seem like PP, but I needed confirmation

A lot of the ones around here are the fluted polypropylene type that you put on thin wire stakes

OK thanks. I am collecting them. I can shred them. Now I need something to make out of them ! IF anyone wants clean, shredded PP that came from signs, lmk!!!

Has anyone tried hooking up a small shreader to a kitchenaid or professional mixer?

Wait that actually sounds like a great idea

4:36 PM

My mom had a Viking mixer that was about 700W

I dont know if there is like a standard connector that works inbetween mixers. But it sounds like a fun project!

If you have access to a lathe I'm sure you could throw something together in the worst case!

It would be very cool to lower the barrier of entry for diy plastic recycling.

1

Good idea. The motor and gear box are a substantial part of the cost. This would leave just the coupler and blades as major items (edited)

1

You might look at Granger for a gear box and a shaft connector.

12:06 AM

You want to get the shredder to go 50 rpm.

Anyone selling compression sheet molds? There are a few on the PP bazaar but they're all in Europe or Asia with super high shipping costs (+lots of shipping emissions!)

cwakeman

Anyone selling compression sheet molds? There are a few on the PP bazaar but they're all in Europe or Asia with super high shipping costs (+lots of shipping emissions!)

What kind of area do you need?

11:35 PM

I have baled virgin clear LDPE. It’s post commercial so super clean stuff

11:36 PM

It’s never been handled by consumer and would make an awesome shred and melt

@wabel nice, where at?

Utah

Has anyone ever mixed HDPE and LDPE together and made anything out of it? Did it work?

Yes, they mix well.

1

Does anyone (for some reason) want some failed/unneeded PLA 3D prints? I could send you some, i don’t have a ton of it right now but it’s better than throwing it away…

MIfoodie#9147 I would be interested.

Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)

MIfoodie#9147 I would be interested.

Wonderful! The very thought of throwing away plastic makes me cringe more than dead memes.

@Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) I’m glad someone is interested as machines are expensive and I found no company online that accepts pla :(. if we told other people in a 3D printing subreddit or similar I’m sure they would be interested also.

We are starting to collect PLA locally. It seems to work well for injection molding.

2

I’m looking into housing solutions from recycled plastic hdpe/lope. However I’ve come across a few problems that would need to be addressed if creating buildings more than one story. So plastic compresses under load bearing weight. When that happens it also suffers from creep. Also, it is affected by sunlight eventually breaking it down. Also , other people raise concerns about fire safety. So after doing some research the solutions I’ve found so far would be to use calcium carbonate(perhaps as a glue or spray) to help to mitigate issues with fire safety on the inside parts that would not be exposed to the weather. Also adding titanium dioxide when creating bricks or roofing tiles for protection against ivy tays. Finally, I’ve been thinking of using steel reinforcement framing around the most vulnerable areas for load bearing weight protection. Was wondering if anyone had any other input especially regarding load bearing issues. Thanks I’m advance. I’m also working on furniture designs as well. Slot styles and parametric mostly.

1

Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)

I’m looking into housing solutions from recycled plastic hdpe/lope. However I’ve come across a few problems that would need to be addressed if creating buildings more than one story. So plastic compresses under load bearing weight. When that happens it also suffers from creep. Also, it is affected by sunlight eventually breaking it down. Also , other people raise concerns about fire safety. So after doing some research the solutions I’ve found so far would be to use calcium carbonate(perhaps as a glue or spray) to help to mitigate issues with fire safety on the inside parts that would not be exposed to the weather. Also adding titanium dioxide when creating bricks or roofing tiles for protection against ivy tays. Finally, I’ve been thinking of using steel reinforcement framing around the most vulnerable areas for load bearing weight protection. Was wondering if anyone had any other input especially regarding load bearing issues. Thanks I’m advance. I’m also working on furniture designs as well. Slot styles and parametric mostly.

I don't have any additional input but I am super interested in seeing the finished product, I love this idea!

This is a flier I’ve come up with to promote an initiative to motivate people in my area to recycle. What do you guys think? Affordable housing is extremely important as it is directly linked to the well-being of a community. People need a decent place to live in order to thrive and maintain their quality of life. Housing affordability can impact everything from education and employment opportunities to personal and financial security. Access to affordable housing also encourages economic stability and diversity. It is crucial that individuals and families have the ability to live in safe, clean, and affordable homes that facilitate their ability to improve their lives and contribute to society. Giving has the power to make a difference in the world, and every contribution counts. There is a the lack of affordable housing in your area and it has a detrimental effect on the community. By donating you are helping to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Photos of the plastic waste being transformed into housing materials. Other countries are already doing this. I want to host community-wide recycling drive to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing and plastic recycling. I’m in need of a location. I’m looking for businesses or nonprofits who could sponsor gift cards to local businesses for whoever donates the most amount of #2 hdpe plastic. By donating plastic for affordable housing you can create a lasting impact in your community while making a positive difference for the environment.

I am looking for a UV stabilizing additive, does anyone have a supplier that sells it in small amounts for PP type applications? And does anyone have any tips, e.g how much of the additive to add, does it change the properties of the plastic (other than the UV), are there safety precautions I need to be aware of?

I hustled talked to someone who has done this you have a choice to spray it on afterwards(easy). Or mix it in(harder) or you can be really safe and do both. I can ask him who the supplier is when I see him again.

2

Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)

I hustled talked to someone who has done this you have a choice to spray it on afterwards(easy). Or mix it in(harder) or you can be really safe and do both. I can ask him who the supplier is when I see him again.

That would be great. I previously used recycled UV stabilized plastic, but that is hard to find . The stuff that comes from the DOT has a lot of very sticky glue on it that is a hassle to remove.

1:15 AM

The stuff you spray afterwards has to be repeated monthly.

https://www.wired.com/story/yet-another-problem-with-recycling-it-spews-microplastics/

Yet Another Problem With Recycling: It Spews Microplastics

Recycling was already a mess. Now a study finds that one facility may emit 3 million pounds of microplastics a year.

8:51 PM

Ultimately why I stopped recycling with my precious plastic set up (V2 shredded and extruder pro). We are amateurs perhaps creating a bigger problem, perhaps we need to turn our efforts to a plastic free economy rather than solving it with low tech means.

1

You make a very good point. I wonder about that every time I shred.

For my group, I usually say that we're not financially or ecologically lucrative, but we are educationally lucrative. I think that's valuable.

I feel the same as @adamj537 We aren’t solving the plastic waste problem and we are certainly not getting rich off of this. But it has started hundreds of conversations—many of those with young people—about the scale of the problem and what role we play as consumers in shifting the direction the ship is headed

2

I agree, and education is the only place that I got a little traction, but every time I shred or cut some plastic I see all the micro plastics flying everywhere. I am trying to figure out ways to educate without the micro plastics

1

rbercich

I feel the same as @adamj537 We aren’t solving the plastic waste problem and we are certainly not getting rich off of this. But it has started hundreds of conversations—many of those with young people—about the scale of the problem and what role we play as consumers in shifting the direction the ship is headed

I think individually it might feel like that but you are pushing the percentage of recycling up in your scope very well. Education with tangible results is very profound.

how many plastic bricks would you need to build a house? i know 'a house' is vague but trying to calculate how many houses you could build with all the plastic that ends up in the ocean

If already done the calculations on that for an average 3 bedroom small house approximately 8-10 thousand bricks.

1

what is the size of the brick?

8 inches long x 3 5/8 inches wide x 2 1/4 inches thick) is used to construct the walls of a single-story 3-bedroom house, the number of bricks required can be calculated based on the following assumptions:

The average area of a 3-bedroom house is around 1,200 - 2,000 square feet.
The average height of a single-story house is around 9 feet.

Based on the above assumptions, the number of bricks required to build a 3-bedroom house can be estimated to be around 7,000 to 10,000 bricks.

wikipedia has different measurements for the brick, Length; approximately 29cm Height (with teeth); approximately 19.5cm Height (without teeth); approximately 16.5cm Width; approximately 10cm

That’s European measurements so lol guess if you are measuring in freedom units or not.

11:36 PM

Or pretty much anywhere but us

11:36 PM

11:37 PM

Suppose it also depends if you design your own or are using premade

im making calculations based off the brick they developed

Which one? There are several actually https://davehakkens.nl/community/forums/topic/building-blocks/#post-116988

Building Blocks - Dave Hakkens

Building shelters from recycled plastic.

Anyone happen to have data on the Sound Absorption of different plastics?

OK so I have available to me someone that can help me start a precious plastic group in milwaukee. However, he does not believe it would be economically feasible. So I am asking for some help. I've never put together a cost analysis plan. I'm just getting started with this and being doing everything myself based on research here and on youtube. I have a basic understanding of the machines that are necessary and I'm working on building my shredder. I want to also used plastic bags by melting them into sheets and using them to make furniture.

1:10 PM

However, the financial end has me scratching my head. How can I know the cost if I have not faced any of the costs yet?

Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)

However, the financial end has me scratching my head. How can I know the cost if I have not faced any of the costs yet?

"Market research" is what you're looking for. You need data about how many people will buy the stuff you're planning to produce, and at what price?

Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)

OK so I have available to me someone that can help me start a precious plastic group in milwaukee. However, he does not believe it would be economically feasible. So I am asking for some help. I've never put together a cost analysis plan. I'm just getting started with this and being doing everything myself based on research here and on youtube. I have a basic understanding of the machines that are necessary and I'm working on building my shredder. I want to also used plastic bags by melting them into sheets and using them to make furniture.

I think a lot of us face the same conundrum. I would advise someone not to start with collecting/shredding, but with developing and selling a product. You can buy a lot of recycled plastic to work with, for the cost and effort to set up a shredder; the real question is what can you DO with the plastic in terms of creating a product that can sell, and at a price that justifies the effort that goes into it with Precious Plastics machinery. If you find that product/niche in your local market, it is easy to add local collection & processing knowing you have a product to turn it into.

I already know what I want to make. It would fall into a few diffferent catagories. I want to make custom Furniture bikes/scooters, foldable pathway style campers, and eventually build housing.

4:34 PM

The thing is I wouldn't have to buy the plastic once my shredder is finished. Some people already know what I'm doing and are bring me the plastic(easy to get). Besides I already have the motor and the stand. All im lacking is the shredder box. I might need a reducer.(maybe) There is one on the motor but im not sure if it is the right speed of reduction.

4:37 PM

Im working on designing the blade assembly to be cut on the CNC. I've pretty much got my designs for the moulds. I have access to the machines to make them. I could either make them by casting and then mill them down or cut them on the cnc.

Are you building a single-axis or dual-axis shredder?

I'm building the prototype for the first piece of furniture as well. I'm using a dual-axis shredder.

That is essential for volume.

well designing one from scratch as well as scrouning the parts from the local makerspace.

4:40 PM

scrounging good lord i can't spell today

If you are going to produce in volume, and are willing to buy 5000 lbs at a time minimum, it's worth realizing that you can buy 100% recycled PP or HDPE pellets for 55 cents (black) or 65 cents (natural), plus shipping. Depending on what equipment/technique you are using, you can mix this with stuff like milk caps that may not even need to be shredded. But you have to ask if you can process waste plastic into ready-to-use material for less than $1 per pound; and if not, then you need to know you have a market where you can charge more for the perceived value of using your own shred. IMHO, the point of uncertainty lies not in sourcing recycled plastic, but in proving a market and a viable production model for supplying it.

That's exactly the problem but i'm not planning on ONLY sourcing my material from shredding it. I'm planning on using plastic bags and melting them into sheets. then cutting the sheets to fit my furniture. The frames for the furniture would be either recycled metal OR produced from shred. So yes "proving a market and a viable production model" is exactly what I'm trying to prove to someone who has actually done recycling in the past. Albeit he did it with electronics. Where I'm seeing a market is with low-income families that are having to make do and cannot afford to buy transportation, furniture, stable housing. Making these out of recycled plastic I think could be a viable solution than keeping people impoverished and forever living under financial uncertainty.

4:55 PM

Mostly because I think it could be affordable. Proving affordability in this market. Now that is a whole other conundrum. But I think it could be dont by offering something akin to the recycling center but in turn get EITHER the products made from the plastic, cash, or something that would be worth cash. IE gift certificates.

4:56 PM

I mean something similar to the metal recycling center but for plastic. (excluding thermosets)

4:58 PM

In my model people could either purchase the items, trade in for the items or rent to own them.

Your goal is worthy! My caution is that I fear that even with free plastic, unless you also have free labor, it is really hard (maybe impossible?) to make low-cost products with Precious Plastics tools. So the business plan relies on doing things that can command a premium, either through the story (recycling local materials that would otherwise go to landfill, etc.) or by the nature of the material (patterns and visual interest that is impossible or very difficult to achieve with traditional mass-scale plastics manufacturing). I would be delighted to learn my concern is unfounded!

Well that's why I was building all the machines one at a time at the local makerspace. However, I live in big city where there are local industrial auctions that I could utilize to help build my inventory of machines as well.

5:05 PM

locally of course

5:10 PM

Also the rental space is $50 per 10 square feet which from what I understand is very good. I'm leaning toward asking him to be my mentor. (even though he is questioning the economic viability). I think he could easily lead me in the right direction on so many different aspects of the business. Asking questions I hadn't even thought to ask yet because I haven't faced all the obstacles yet.

5:11 PM

Heres what i do know

5:12 PM

The panini presses are cheap $5 used at a thrift store

5:12 PM

teflon $5 per set of sheets

5:12 PM

grilling gloves $5

5:13 PM

per person

5:13 PM

memberhsip dues for the makerspace $40

What's the cost of labor?

rental space for the maker space $50-$150 per month

5:16 PM

I'm currently my only employee and I'm not paying myself until things are more viable but in estimating a fair and livable wage in milwaukee would likely around $12 per hour

5:17 PM

my future costs would be for parts for finishing the blade assembly

5:18 PM

maintenance for the shredder

5:18 PM

building or buying an extruder

5:18 PM

build or buy a compression system

5:19 PM

set up for melting the bags together

5:19 PM

making or buying the molds

5:20 PM

Electricity and other utilities would be included in the costs of the rental

Imagine your only cost was your labor. See how long it takes you to make something, how much you can sell it for...and then, how much gross profit simply over the cost of labor you have from that sale to devote to overhead (things like filing sales taxes as well as your rent, equipment maintenance, etc.) and capital investments (machines, molds, etc.). As a wild stab in the air, I'd guess you need output of at least $100 worth of saleable goods per hour.

Finally employee payroll

Keep in mind that if you sell through any retail outlets, you should assume they get a 50% cut ("keystone" is what retailers call that discount). If you do the sales yourself, you have to factor in the time and cost of sales. (You do anyway, setting up relationships with retailers, but then in a perfect world they continue to pay dividends.)

That's the benefit of the makerspace that I am attending. The person I'm trying to convince that this is economically feasible has the connections to the type of people who would be willing to be custom made furniture pieces from skilled craftsman such as much of the items that could be found in the marketplace of precious plastic(especially the furniture) He's scouting for marketable talent. So if I'm able to get prototypes in front of him the rest will take care of itself.

5:24 PM

willing to buy* custom made furniture

5:27 PM

I've put a lot of time and research in learning the HOW to make the products and the machinery necessary to do so. However he's asking a lot of questions about the production cost analysis end that are harder to break down and explain since I haven't yet tackled what the cost will be. Also, could I streamline the process so that it would be less labor intensive.

Your biggest factor will be labor. Raw material is cheap; capital investment (machines, molds) can be amortized over whatever number of widgets you can make. It's the unit labor cost that is hard to pin down until you've actually been making a specific thing, and that's the most inflexible element of the business plan.

1

He already has some of the machines that would be necessary such as a CNC, vacuum former, which will make the transition much easier once I have my shredder, mould designs and prototypes finished.

JohnNephew

Your biggest factor will be labor. Raw material is cheap; capital investment (machines, molds) can be amortized over whatever number of widgets you can make. It's the unit labor cost that is hard to pin down until you've actually been making a specific thing, and that's the most inflexible element of the business plan.

Im on this front right now as well

1

5:33 PM

I talked with a faith based group to get recently released persons from the system a job. A major work in progress tbf. (edited)

5:34 PM

Win / win if it works

I'm also in the process of learning how to use all the specialized equipment he does have. Then thinking of ways I could apply them towards plastic recycling. Such as I could weld frames together from recycled metal. Then add recycled plastic to them.

5:36 PM

I was leaning more towards employing the homeless population. That are marginalized and ignored treated as criminal and drug addicts(even thought most are not) Apparently its a crime in this country to be poor. At least that is how the majority of people treat the poor here.

1

Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)

I was leaning more towards employing the homeless population. That are marginalized and ignored treated as criminal and drug addicts(even thought most are not) Apparently its a crime in this country to be poor. At least that is how the majority of people treat the poor here.

Same here totally agree

5:37 PM

And homeless "counts" are a joke in MO

5:38 PM

They only do it one day of the year

yes because they only count the people they can FIND which are proportionally higher chances those would be drug addicts or alcoholics. THey don't count families living with friends or relatives. Or those living in hotels or motels. Or those living in rv parks cuz they can't afford traditional rentals. they also don't count all the people sleeping at hospitals or in their cars. The list could go on and on they are completely missing ALL the WORKING homeless.

Ok so that's an exaggeration but if they don't walk in a homeless shelter or sleep under a bridge they must not be homeless right?(note the sarcasm)

We are going to have an event in August showing the public what we are doing with plastics recycling at the Replay Workshop. We will have assorted things of our own for sale, from raw material (shredded plastic, blocks/ blanks, sheets) through finished goods. We could also show (and sell) examples of what other Precious Plastic workspaces around the USA are producing. If you are interested, please drop me a line!

JohnNephew

We are going to have an event in August showing the public what we are doing with plastics recycling at the Replay Workshop. We will have assorted things of our own for sale, from raw material (shredded plastic, blocks/ blanks, sheets) through finished goods. We could also show (and sell) examples of what other Precious Plastic workspaces around the USA are producing. If you are interested, please drop me a line!

I want a link to the videos

Videos?

JohnNephew

We are going to have an event in August showing the public what we are doing with plastics recycling at the Replay Workshop. We will have assorted things of our own for sale, from raw material (shredded plastic, blocks/ blanks, sheets) through finished goods. We could also show (and sell) examples of what other Precious Plastic workspaces around the USA are producing. If you are interested, please drop me a line!

I may not have been explicit... I am interested in buying Precious Plastics wares to resell at this local event, if anyone out there offers wholesale terms on products they manufacture.

Hi, I'm new here. Is there a spot to read up on on accessible entry points for patricipating in precious plastic from a recycling / collection point of view. As I understand it, municipal recycling often isn't great when it comes to plastics. Or, maybe even just a way to find out if my municipal recycling is good so I can just continue to make use of it.

I recommend finding your municipalities recycling site! (edited)

9:57 PM

recently my friend in school didn't know if they took a specific product she wanted to properly recycle so she simply went on their site and emailed them and they replied after a few days!

9:57 PM

you might also be able to ask them about their rates of recycling how much are they getting that someone likely wish-cycled and didn't follow their guidelines...

As any prospective builder in the US knows, the machine plans included at preciousplastic.com were contrived for a metric world. This means folks implementing these plans in the States either opt for more expensive metric materials, or adapt the plans to imperial units. For those who have dedicated time and resources to fabricating PP machines in the States, no small amount of personal stake has been wagered. While adapting plans and testing the results are an order of magnitude less work than the original development, it is still work. The notion of giving away work in order to lower the entry barrier for prospective competitors might naturally give pause. That said, we're all here because of the open-sourced vision of Precious Plastics. I suggest the mission and ethos of the PP movement would be advanced in the States were we to develop imperial-unit Download Kits with appropriately sourced BOM. I don't have much appetite for "good" ideas other people should implement. While I don't *really * want to take on this task, I reckon it needs to be done, and will do what I am able. For any positioned to share imperial plans who are inclined to do so, I'll give my time to gather and format documents, along with maintaining build notes and fielding questions from perspective builders needing clarification, and relaying the kits for inclusion at the Precious Plastics Download and How-To pages. What do you say? (edited)

Likely the reason it isn't yet on there is that imperial units aren't superior and the metric system is way more accessible, and the reason any americans haven't pushed to put it on the website is because of capitalism likely. The best place to bring this up is likely just the one army server since the people that have control of the site are mainly there. I'm sure they'll have a better answer.

Liri (They/He)

Likely the reason it isn't yet on there is that imperial units aren't superior and the metric system is way more accessible, and the reason any americans haven't pushed to put it on the website is because of capitalism likely. The best place to bring this up is likely just the one army server since the people that have control of the site are mainly there. I'm sure they'll have a better answer.

THIS is the place to discuss development that is pertinent to the US alone. The folks running the One Army server have their own to-do list- they certainly shouldn't be expected to come up with answers for us. If sharing imperial plans is realized, it will be because we made it happen.

i wasn't saying they should pull up the plans for you I'm saying the can probably tell you why the imperial system plans/kits haven't been put on the website

I'm not here to explore a negative. (edited)

yup I can tell what you're here for

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

As any prospective builder in the US knows, the machine plans included at preciousplastic.com were contrived for a metric world. This means folks implementing these plans in the States either opt for more expensive metric materials, or adapt the plans to imperial units. For those who have dedicated time and resources to fabricating PP machines in the States, no small amount of personal stake has been wagered. While adapting plans and testing the results are an order of magnitude less work than the original development, it is still work. The notion of giving away work in order to lower the entry barrier for prospective competitors might naturally give pause. That said, we're all here because of the open-sourced vision of Precious Plastics. I suggest the mission and ethos of the PP movement would be advanced in the States were we to develop imperial-unit Download Kits with appropriately sourced BOM. I don't have much appetite for "good" ideas other people should implement. While I don't *really * want to take on this task, I reckon it needs to be done, and will do what I am able. For any positioned to share imperial plans who are inclined to do so, I'll give my time to gather and format documents, along with maintaining build notes and fielding questions from perspective builders needing clarification, and relaying the kits for inclusion at the Precious Plastics Download and How-To pages. What do you say? (edited)

I'd be happy to help with the converted/adapted files that we've developed, but it is hard to develop a full kit and set of documents like the PP team did for publication. We've been working with several college groups to get things organized and vetted, but the undertaking to put it all together into something repeatable is quite large and costly, and has taken years of incremental work. Many times our energy is completely devoted to fulfillment, because the Pro machines are difficult to build and take a variety of tools and skills that many folks don't have access to, as we've learned with several groups who've tried or are currently working on it. (edited)

1

CitSciWorkshop

I'd be happy to help with the converted/adapted files that we've developed, but it is hard to develop a full kit and set of documents like the PP team did for publication. We've been working with several college groups to get things organized and vetted, but the undertaking to put it all together into something repeatable is quite large and costly, and has taken years of incremental work. Many times our energy is completely devoted to fulfillment, because the Pro machines are difficult to build and take a variety of tools and skills that many folks don't have access to, as we've learned with several groups who've tried or are currently working on it. (edited)

I appreciate your circumstance- there are only so many hours in the day, and feeding the business has to come first. It may be that I don't apprehend the size of the task. Might this be tackled in pieces? Gross mechanicals/cut files first, then off-the-shelf components, electronics, wiring, and (if applicable) logic systems? We could eat the elephant one bite at a time- or at least the first few bites, with indication of where to chew next. While it would be great to stack the deck as much as possible for success, we don't have to solve ALL the challenges builders are going to face. I'm actually really GLAD you don't have much time to spare- you being busy is a very good sign the US has a healthy appetite for these developments. If you are amenable, make those files available, and I'll communicate with the folks hosting the Kits what additional material, if any, they might require for inclusion with the existing kits, focusing on cut plans first, and tap other folks in the community to assist as needed. (This feels a bit like suggesting a party be held at someone else's house... then inviting myself to it. :/ )

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

I appreciate your circumstance- there are only so many hours in the day, and feeding the business has to come first. It may be that I don't apprehend the size of the task. Might this be tackled in pieces? Gross mechanicals/cut files first, then off-the-shelf components, electronics, wiring, and (if applicable) logic systems? We could eat the elephant one bite at a time- or at least the first few bites, with indication of where to chew next. While it would be great to stack the deck as much as possible for success, we don't have to solve ALL the challenges builders are going to face. I'm actually really GLAD you don't have much time to spare- you being busy is a very good sign the US has a healthy appetite for these developments. If you are amenable, make those files available, and I'll communicate with the folks hosting the Kits what additional material, if any, they might require for inclusion with the existing kits, focusing on cut plans first, and tap other folks in the community to assist as needed. (This feels a bit like suggesting a party be held at someone else's house... then inviting myself to it. :/ )

Like I said, we're moving along a plan that involves a few different groups who are helping develop the resources. Im currently auditing files to go to U Alberta to a group who are helping to develop CAD models. I think once we have that point we'll be able to separate all of the files out and implement the 2D drawings as in the folders where each part is listed separately.

9:49 PM

I would be really helpful to have someone auditing boxes to check, like equivalent documents and organization.

1

Understood. Thanks for your efforts.

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

Understood. Thanks for your efforts.

Would that be something you'd enjoy doing? Helping to organize resources as they come available?

CitSciWorkshop

Would that be something you'd enjoy doing? Helping to organize resources as they come available?

If I brought value and reduce the burden, ya, I would be willing to take on that task for the common good. If you have a need, within my capacity, I will be glad to help.

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

As any prospective builder in the US knows, the machine plans included at preciousplastic.com were contrived for a metric world. This means folks implementing these plans in the States either opt for more expensive metric materials, or adapt the plans to imperial units. For those who have dedicated time and resources to fabricating PP machines in the States, no small amount of personal stake has been wagered. While adapting plans and testing the results are an order of magnitude less work than the original development, it is still work. The notion of giving away work in order to lower the entry barrier for prospective competitors might naturally give pause. That said, we're all here because of the open-sourced vision of Precious Plastics. I suggest the mission and ethos of the PP movement would be advanced in the States were we to develop imperial-unit Download Kits with appropriately sourced BOM. I don't have much appetite for "good" ideas other people should implement. While I don't *really * want to take on this task, I reckon it needs to be done, and will do what I am able. For any positioned to share imperial plans who are inclined to do so, I'll give my time to gather and format documents, along with maintaining build notes and fielding questions from perspective builders needing clarification, and relaying the kits for inclusion at the Precious Plastics Download and How-To pages. What do you say? (edited)

I remember talks of imperial conversions 3-4 years ago? I'm sure they're around here somewhere, or in an archive. Alternately, if you are buying parts, or having parts made, or making parts yourself, a unit is a unit whether it be inch, millimeter, or cumquat.

NJ90210

I remember talks of imperial conversions 3-4 years ago? I'm sure they're around here somewhere, or in an archive. Alternately, if you are buying parts, or having parts made, or making parts yourself, a unit is a unit whether it be inch, millimeter, or cumquat.

Though I'd much prefer to work in metric, in the US, its a matter of material access and cost. Many suppliers typically don't stock steel plate in metric, or charge prohibitively more for it. Same for plan-matching components. It's not that it can't be worked around- it is just another barrier to entry. Unnecessary, I reckoned. (edited)

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

Though I'd much prefer to work in metric, in the US, its a matter of material access and cost. Many suppliers typically don't stock steel plate in metric, or charge prohibitively more for it. Same for plan-matching components. It's not that it can't be worked around- it is just another barrier to entry. Unnecessary, I reckoned. (edited)

Completely, I agree. Many such problems with other u.s. Makers. Have you explored the archives?

6:33 PM

https://davehakkens.nl/community/forums/index.html

Forums Archive - Dave Hakkens

6:34 PM

Hmmm...

6:35 PM

Link should work even though the preview pooped out

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

Though I'd much prefer to work in metric, in the US, its a matter of material access and cost. Many suppliers typically don't stock steel plate in metric, or charge prohibitively more for it. Same for plan-matching components. It's not that it can't be worked around- it is just another barrier to entry. Unnecessary, I reckoned. (edited)

I found that staying in metric, and adjusting for the smallest possible offset to fit North American material equivalents was the best way forward for our own work. Even then, with the machine looking the same, the entire DNA of it was changed. Small things always pop up. There are many things that didn't have an equivalent and at those points we research the available market based on the specifications callouts.

1

CitSciWorkshop

I found that staying in metric, and adjusting for the smallest possible offset to fit North American material equivalents was the best way forward for our own work. Even then, with the machine looking the same, the entire DNA of it was changed. Small things always pop up. There are many things that didn't have an equivalent and at those points we research the available market based on the specifications callouts.

I just spent the better part of 2 days attempting to source a spring- Corresponding with vendors. Calling vendors. Sifting through incomplete specs, verifying. Product development is a full time job. So is supply and sourcing. And fabrication. It's amazing anything ever gets to market! (edited)

when building my injector I literally just converted the metric to imperial on google

10:51 PM

and it all fit together still

Yeah, the injection isn't too bad, the tolerances in the lasercut parts for the shredders, extruder, for example, motors, electronic components etc. are all a bit tough to chew through.

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

I just spent the better part of 2 days attempting to source a spring- Corresponding with vendors. Calling vendors. Sifting through incomplete specs, verifying. Product development is a full time job. So is supply and sourcing. And fabrication. It's amazing anything ever gets to market! (edited)

Which spring? Have you considered making your own?

NJ90210

Which spring? Have you considered making your own?

I'm inclined to try and make everything; I end up being a tool maker- or, in this case, I would be "a maker of tools to make the tools". (I require springs that will continue to perform at 450 f, deliver around 400 lbs of force at their longevity compression point, 1" diameter, up to 3 inches long, accepting a half inch shaft, allowing me to apply only a few tens of pounds of torque to compress. I've got a few die compression spring candidates below 10 USD, a few below 20; needing 6, I'll be better off buying 'em. However, if I read that you decided to make some springs yourself on principle, I will be all sorts of envious!) Today was spent leaning into Fusion360, drafting a press mold for 80lb billets. This first iteration clocked in at a hefty 216lb- without the acme screws, various nuts and bolts, and the aforementioned springs. I'll have a few more goes at it, maybe run some simulations to check if my structures are close to the mark. Even if the full mold ended up weighing closer to 200lbs than 3, I'll have to design a loading mechanism for the oven, and a handling cart. The top, bottom, and sides of the mold all unbolt, allowing access to the billet- so at least de-molding won't pose an inordinate challenge. The oven will be at the same level as the shop table, band saw, and CNC mill- I don't want to make a habit of needing to dead lift 80 pounds of warm plastic. Right- you were just talking about springs.

Apparently, I needed to unload. (edited)

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

I'm inclined to try and make everything; I end up being a tool maker- or, in this case, I would be "a maker of tools to make the tools". (I require springs that will continue to perform at 450 f, deliver around 400 lbs of force at their longevity compression point, 1" diameter, up to 3 inches long, accepting a half inch shaft, allowing me to apply only a few tens of pounds of torque to compress. I've got a few die compression spring candidates below 10 USD, a few below 20; needing 6, I'll be better off buying 'em. However, if I read that you decided to make some springs yourself on principle, I will be all sorts of envious!) Today was spent leaning into Fusion360, drafting a press mold for 80lb billets. This first iteration clocked in at a hefty 216lb- without the acme screws, various nuts and bolts, and the aforementioned springs. I'll have a few more goes at it, maybe run some simulations to check if my structures are close to the mark. Even if the full mold ended up weighing closer to 200lbs than 3, I'll have to design a loading mechanism for the oven, and a handling cart. The top, bottom, and sides of the mold all unbolt, allowing access to the billet- so at least de-molding won't pose an inordinate challenge. The oven will be at the same level as the shop table, band saw, and CNC mill- I don't want to make a habit of needing to dead lift 80 pounds of warm plastic. Right- you were just talking about springs.

Apparently, I needed to unload. (edited)

Ok. So... What gauge wire do you need, and what size mandrel do you need to twist it around... Then what size cheater bar do you need to bend that monstrosity?

2:20 AM

As for carrying 80# sheets, maybe adapt a pallet Jack?

2:21 AM

Or, a drywall lift?

2:22 AM

Or two teenagers with gloves?

NJ90210

Or two teenagers with gloves?

Oh, to be young again...

1

Hi everyone I am just starting out in an area that does not have other Precious Plastic work spaces yet, so my best guess would be to start a small shredder and collection point and then help others develop production ventures. Have any of you had a similar starting out experience like that? Also, the reason I am posting is to ask if it would be easier to start by focusing on one specific plastic like Type 2, or alternatively, collect/clean/shred more types of plastic to offer a wide variety? Whichever I do I want it to get more people involved and building workspaces..

1

Drew W

Hi everyone I am just starting out in an area that does not have other Precious Plastic work spaces yet, so my best guess would be to start a small shredder and collection point and then help others develop production ventures. Have any of you had a similar starting out experience like that? Also, the reason I am posting is to ask if it would be easier to start by focusing on one specific plastic like Type 2, or alternatively, collect/clean/shred more types of plastic to offer a wide variety? Whichever I do I want it to get more people involved and building workspaces..

There's a concept in entrepreneurship called "minimum viable product." My spin on Precious Plastic is education, so for me, that means focusing on ONE type of plastic that's common in schools. In contrast, if you're a collection point, perhaps it makes sense to collect more than one type of plastic. In any case, try to identify a market so you know what kind of plastic shreds you can sell, and do that before you invest much money.

1

Drew W

Hi everyone I am just starting out in an area that does not have other Precious Plastic work spaces yet, so my best guess would be to start a small shredder and collection point and then help others develop production ventures. Have any of you had a similar starting out experience like that? Also, the reason I am posting is to ask if it would be easier to start by focusing on one specific plastic like Type 2, or alternatively, collect/clean/shred more types of plastic to offer a wide variety? Whichever I do I want it to get more people involved and building workspaces..

I would recommend starting with one type of plastic (HDPE is what I would do). You’ll learn a lot just by getting your process set up and reduce the number of variables while you learn. It will also be less overwhelming if you restrict what you accept and give people really clear guidelines about what you take. Our group did the opposite of this advice when we started and I have horror stories

1

rbercich

I would recommend starting with one type of plastic (HDPE is what I would do). You’ll learn a lot just by getting your process set up and reduce the number of variables while you learn. It will also be less overwhelming if you restrict what you accept and give people really clear guidelines about what you take. Our group did the opposite of this advice when we started and I have horror stories

I enjoy a good horror story- show us stubbing your toe so we don't have to.

Exactly. We (myself included) were overly optimistic. We had a lot of blind spots and incorrect assumptions about how people recycle. We just told people to bring us their plastic and we were inundated with all types and a lot of it was truly gross. We were overwhelmed for a long time and had to rewrite and reiterate our guidelines many times. Better to start small and then say “Now we’re able to take this, too!” rather than starting big and then gradually restricting what you can take. It’s amazing how quickly some people feel entitled to a free service and how rude they can be when aspects of that free service change.

3

Just my 2 cents .. why not pay for the recyclables? I am thinking of offering $0.01 per water bottle cash but to get paid they have to be clean

2

rbercich

Exactly. We (myself included) were overly optimistic. We had a lot of blind spots and incorrect assumptions about how people recycle. We just told people to bring us their plastic and we were inundated with all types and a lot of it was truly gross. We were overwhelmed for a long time and had to rewrite and reiterate our guidelines many times. Better to start small and then say “Now we’re able to take this, too!” rather than starting big and then gradually restricting what you can take. It’s amazing how quickly some people feel entitled to a free service and how rude they can be when aspects of that free service change.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I like the idea of starting with a small clean material input and expanding from there

DominicanPapi

Just my 2 cents .. why not pay for the recyclables? I am thinking of offering $0.01 per water bottle cash but to get paid they have to be clean

I was considering something similar! Like if I got a client or household that was really good at cleaning and de-labeling their plastic, then every time I picked it up and weighed it I could add points to their account. When they get enough points I could give them a catalog of the products that are made with that plastic and they get a free item twice a year or something. That way, I can help the whole net work of people making products in my area, or have extra items in the catalog that come from the bazaar. What people decide to claim for their points could also help me decide which products to develop more (edited)

Great minds think alike. I thought cash because it easy. A point system and an account would add extra work. But the idea is sound I wasn’t thinking along the lines of a catalog of products but would work .. I was thinking more after a certain amount $5-$10 then they could redeem a e-gift card or something.

1

you could also try a punch card, it would be simpler then an account

True but if I had a dollar for every punch card that I have with a just a few punches in it from the same place .. I think it needs to be something seamless for the person donating

sorry i don't understand what you wrote

4:31 PM

can you explain it differently

So I have like 5 punch cards for this one sandwich spot .. I never remember to take the card when I go .. so I just get a new one .. I think that an account would just be simpler but more work

ohhh so i actually think this can be solved by the store managing their own cards, especially in the beginning your workspace is likely not that large and it's based on community

4:40 PM

if you kept all the cards with names on them people don't have to worry abt it they can just bring the plastic...

True

and maybe expand when you have more resources

4:43 PM

there's a business I see on my feed that does this, and my martial arts gym does it but not for punch cards but for keeping track of how many classes away you are from being eligible to take the next belt test...

1

Drew W

I was considering something similar! Like if I got a client or household that was really good at cleaning and de-labeling their plastic, then every time I picked it up and weighed it I could add points to their account. When they get enough points I could give them a catalog of the products that are made with that plastic and they get a free item twice a year or something. That way, I can help the whole net work of people making products in my area, or have extra items in the catalog that come from the bazaar. What people decide to claim for their points could also help me decide which products to develop more (edited)

Take a page from the used books industry: offer credit applicable up to 50% of a purchase- this guarantees that every item going out means money coming in. Otherwise, you may be a victim of your own success, with outstanding liabilities that don't generate sustaining income! (Example: the used book store stacked high with exchanged books, and most of those leaving 'sold' with cashed-in credit.) This would be a commodity business model with a negative feed-back loop. (edited)

2

Great point

I am considering starting a non-profit shredder workspace! I think as a non-profit it could be helped by volunteers in the cleaning sorting stage since it is so labor intensive.

4:11 PM

I live close to a few universities and I think it would be a good idea to foster Student Collection Point Precious Plastic groups. Parallel to that, I would like to build up a community of social entrepreneurs that own and operate machines for end product production.

Drew W

I live close to a few universities and I think it would be a good idea to foster Student Collection Point Precious Plastic groups. Parallel to that, I would like to build up a community of social entrepreneurs that own and operate machines for end product production.

I am currently a university student and would be happy to help and/or demo any ideas you come up with. I’ve been looking for ways to get the plastic recycling going here

1

My thoughts were that every step before you get to plastic chips deal with the social issue of plastic waste, and that should be addressed in a social way. The purpose of the collection/shredding being in the public domain is because it helps with a public problem. After the chips are picked up by a producer space, it can be for profit, because people are taking on a risk and gamble that their item they want to make and market will find success. I would want to set up these groups such that a portion of the $ goes back to the non-profit to help pay interns and train the next generation of people using the Precious Plastic model

willsonsl

I am currently a university student and would be happy to help and/or demo any ideas you come up with. I’ve been looking for ways to get the plastic recycling going here

heck yea! feel free to message me!

I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this but there is a plastic recycling company in Oklahoma that is auctioning off equipment (including some precious plastic builds) and processed reclaimed plastic. The auction is available online and starts at 8 am central tomorrow. https://www.proxibid.com/Dakil-Auctioneers-Inc/PALE-BLUE-PLASTICS/event-catalog/246376

Dakil Auctioneers Inc. Auction Catalog - PALE BLUE PLASTICS Online ...

METAL FABRICATIONPLASTIC PROCESSINGWOODWORKING*INDUSTRIAL PARTS

PSPlastic

I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this but there is a plastic recycling company in Oklahoma that is auctioning off equipment (including some precious plastic builds) and processed reclaimed plastic. The auction is available online and starts at 8 am central tomorrow. https://www.proxibid.com/Dakil-Auctioneers-Inc/PALE-BLUE-PLASTICS/event-catalog/246376

If any in Texas are participating, message me if interested in coordinating transportation.

1

Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone knew if the Shredder, Sheetpress, Extruder, and Injector V4.x machines use 1 or 3-phase power supply

DaPerales

Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone knew if the Shredder, Sheetpress, Extruder, and Injector V4.x machines use 1 or 3-phase power supply

Ours use single phase.

I'm looking for the cheapest extruder I can find.

I wish I could help you with that, but it going to be a while before I can make those.

Uplifted

I'm looking for the cheapest extruder I can find.

Glue guns are available at most dollar stores. I know that's probably not helpful, but what are you wanting to extrude and what shapes are you starting with?

Filament.

Uplifted

Filament.

Your answer is so forthcoming. Unfortunately, I don't have enough information to help.

1

Boring.

You could try a extruder head for a 3d printer. But you would be better off making your own.

"A Plastic Drop", the most recent creation of renown Toronto Sculptor who calls himself "yogijogi" first posted his sculpture on our Discord Precious Plastic Page. He has taken his art to reflect our world problems and is actively helping and creating SOLUTIONS! Art installations like this get people talking and high-lites the Plastic issues we are facing. All the plastic used was fished out of the water by volunteers cleaning our world. Beautiful art, but the message is crystal clear... thank you for taking your art passion into the whelm of plastic pollution - #jogimakhani and thank you for allowing us to share the images of your creation and assisting you in shredding the Plastic for your project, we were glad to help! Join our Discord Community Server where we engage to discuss community recycling ideas, recycling machinery, home brews, plastic art and much more. Be part of the solution in Canada and join us if in Canada or as guest: https://discord.gg/3PuZa4JFcd Assure to get logged in as a Precious Plastic Canada member or visitor. This Art is globally relevant! Hop onto our server and lets talk about it! (edited)

1

3

Im looking to start small with an injection molding business does anyone have any recommendations on what has worked best for them on a local scale. (edited)

PP does not work as a for profit business with US wages/cost of living

honestly… yeah

1:17 AM

you need to pair it with something else

1:17 AM

source: injection workspace for 4? years

1:18 AM

You are pretty guaranteed tho to do well at farmers markets as like 90% of the general public has not heard of precious plastic

1:18 AM

I never sell out but I always break even on tables (edited)

Inspired Plastics

PP does not work as a for profit business with US wages/cost of living

I reckon the investment necessary for manufacturing at a sustainable scale is significant, and many either vastly underestimate or exchange a viable business plan for hope and transient enthusiasm. What's your story?

I will DM you.

Has anyone set up a local collection point if so do you have any advice?

2

i really liked the how to article advice: target a particular single use item to capture rather than asking for any plastic whatsoever. If you are wanting to do an HDPE2 based project, don't ask the community for HDPE2... ...

...instead find out which products used locally are made from HDPE2

4:21 AM

https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/collect-more-of-one-plastic-type

Collect more of one Plastic Type!

Want to collect more of a certain type of plastic for a specific project? Find out how we do it here

4:21 AM

https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/rescue-a-single-use-product

Rescue a single-use product

Single-use products do still get used a lot. In this how-to, we show you in a few steps on how to collect these products, so you are able to import them into the Precious Plastic Universe. It's also a good way to create awareness and promote your Collection Point if you have one. And by being focused on the collection of one certain product yo...

I'm working on a new way to recycle plastic bags I was melting them in a square tube with a slider at the bottom, I think I successfully melted the bags but the beam is now stuck in the pipe; any suggestions on how I should get it out?

1

try freezing the tube

Jack Apotsos

I'm working on a new way to recycle plastic bags I was melting them in a square tube with a slider at the bottom, I think I successfully melted the bags but the beam is now stuck in the pipe; any suggestions on how I should get it out?

Hammer

I got it out by using a clamp turns out it just needed constant pressure

Here is a fun thought, has anyone made a business card made with thin recycled plastic sheets? I think that would be a great unique way to market yourself and your business

1

Drew W

Here is a fun thought, has anyone made a business card made with thin recycled plastic sheets? I think that would be a great unique way to market yourself and your business

Metal stamp onto melted plastic bag structured fabric. Very punk.

1

So I want to start a facebook page for precious plastic in Milwaukee Wisconsin. I have a space in mind that I want to work at and some things that would be required. I have access to some tools as well. I would like to build a team here in Milwaukee.

Is there a recommended alternative for the shredder parts? Since the kits ship from the EU, I'm wondering if there's a cheaper US option

Naturah

Is there a recommended alternative for the shredder parts? Since the kits ship from the EU, I'm wondering if there's a cheaper US option

I have a friend in US , Alabama. Electromechanical Engineer who can manufacturer it for you

Naturah

Is there a recommended alternative for the shredder parts? Since the kits ship from the EU, I'm wondering if there's a cheaper US option

Were it me, I'd first identify the motor and gear box to be used, then import the cut files into my preferred CAD system as reference for building a model adapted to locally available material dimensions.

Are there any recommendations for good masks with filters that could make it safe to work with polystyrene or some of the more toxic plastic fumes? (edited)

The ABEK1 filters are suitable for PS. However with strong fumes like PS it's important to 1. Remove as many fumes from the system using a extractor. 2. Work in a well ventilated space and 3. Wear a full face mask (not a half mask) that prevents absorbing the fumes through the eyes.

1

Polystyrene kicks out a ton of carbon monoxide. 3M recommends that you use a supplied air respirator when you're working around carbon monoxide. 3M Respirator Selection Guide: https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/639110O/3m-respirator-selection-guide.pdf

1

Rory

The ABEK1 filters are suitable for PS. However with strong fumes like PS it's important to 1. Remove as many fumes from the system using a extractor. 2. Work in a well ventilated space and 3. Wear a full face mask (not a half mask) that prevents absorbing the fumes through the eyes.

ABEK1 is like the recommended filter to use for recycling HDPE and PP

Erik72

Polystyrene kicks out a ton of carbon monoxide. 3M recommends that you use a supplied air respirator when you're working around carbon monoxide. 3M Respirator Selection Guide: https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/639110O/3m-respirator-selection-guide.pdf

As per the link Styrene is considered requiring an OV (Organic Vapor mask) an ABEK1 filters out Organic Vapors. But of course the safest is supplied air mask.

Rory

As per the link Styrene is considered requiring an OV (Organic Vapor mask) an ABEK1 filters out Organic Vapors. But of course the safest is supplied air mask.

Yes, that is for the styrene itself. But when you melt polystyrene it also off-gasses other compounds, including carbon monoxide.

Erik72

Yes, that is for the styrene itself. But when you melt polystyrene it also off-gasses other compounds, including carbon monoxide.

Unfortunately this is the case when burning all types of plastic and is not limited to PS. Thats why its always recommended to work in a well ventilated area, with several layers of protection and melt the plastic at the lowest possible temperature for the shortest amount of time.

2

Absolutely! I could be wrong, but it's my understanding that polystyrene off-gasses when you merely melt it, it doesn't need to get to the burning point like other plastics?

Erik72

Absolutely! I could be wrong, but it's my understanding that polystyrene off-gasses when you merely melt it, it doesn't need to get to the burning point like other plastics?

Not sure, but I would say all plastics in off gas when heated. Even more so with home made machines. The difference in temperature between the outside of the barrel and the inside of the barrel is significant. Thats why its really hard to recycle PET with PP machines. They are not accurate enough and any variablity of the temperature away from the melt point risks off gassing.

1

Has anyone ever tried to do an injection or extrusion into a silicone mold reinforced with metal or fiberglass? I am looking to make molds for PP injection, but I need to use silicone. I can always make a metal cast of the silicone mold (a mold of a mold sort of thing), but that seems a bit much. Just wondering! Thanks for reading!

Yes we have, that works well, use vacuum or tapping technique to get the air bubbles out. (edited)

9:33 PM

Question: How many of you build machines, maybe are a registered company building machines and do you allow these machines then to be Precious Plastic USA endorsed machines? Does anyone ask for that? (edited)

How funny! I was just muted on the Canada server for asking a similar question :lol.

9:34 PM

I don't think there's a monarch running this server.

Actually the conversation was amongs the Canadian members and exactly the reason the new question eposted here. I dont like the Monarch reference it seems very disrespectful on all accounts. Anyway I just came back as I wanted to give away some Precious Plastic Decals we have an abundance of due to all the Patrion donations we have made to Precious Plastic in the past inspiring us to create full designs in imperial units and North American models of the machines as we understand that it is what we need to recycle plastic.some decals, but I will keep them for the Monarchs that migrate. We are running our server differently as we realize that things that work in Europe need to be different in North America. I don't hold a grudge, all good after all I spend many many months workin in the US to support operations of manufacturing plants, so I get your reaction, just was not the place.

Mirco

Actually the conversation was amongs the Canadian members and exactly the reason the new question eposted here. I dont like the Monarch reference it seems very disrespectful on all accounts. Anyway I just came back as I wanted to give away some Precious Plastic Decals we have an abundance of due to all the Patrion donations we have made to Precious Plastic in the past inspiring us to create full designs in imperial units and North American models of the machines as we understand that it is what we need to recycle plastic.some decals, but I will keep them for the Monarchs that migrate. We are running our server differently as we realize that things that work in Europe need to be different in North America. I don't hold a grudge, all good after all I spend many many months workin in the US to support operations of manufacturing plants, so I get your reaction, just was not the place.

"I dont like the Monarch reference it seems very disrespectful on all accounts." A topical reference to an imperious act, sounds like to me. "Off with his head!", indeed! (Really, though- this isn't the place to air grievances, make accusations, or justify exclusion. Just play nice, folks. Before all else, be kind.) (edited)

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Giving away some of these to some desrving Precious Plastic Enthusiasts (will mail them) yes they are the Real badges and stickers we were sent per the Precious Plastic Canada and our member Patrion contributions to the Precious Plastic Foundation. Just hop on our server and showcase the most awesome thing you have done but do note that if it turns into advertising it should only be in our designated channel. While you are there give us some feedback on our rules and realize we are acting on our own as Precious Plastic Canada rather than a Precious Plastic entity. We are also looking for some collaboration on some of the machines we are now fine tuning which are drawn in imperial units for materials you can easily buy in Canada and USA. Send me a DM for a guest invite we need some positive activity in our server. (edited)

Mirco

Giving away some of these to some desrving Precious Plastic Enthusiasts (will mail them) yes they are the Real badges and stickers we were sent per the Precious Plastic Canada and our member Patrion contributions to the Precious Plastic Foundation. Just hop on our server and showcase the most awesome thing you have done but do note that if it turns into advertising it should only be in our designated channel. While you are there give us some feedback on our rules and realize we are acting on our own as Precious Plastic Canada rather than a Precious Plastic entity. We are also looking for some collaboration on some of the machines we are now fine tuning which are drawn in imperial units for materials you can easily buy in Canada and USA. Send me a DM for a guest invite we need some positive activity in our server. (edited)

"We are also looking for some collaboration on some of the machines we are now fine tuning which are drawn in imperial units for materials you can easily buy in Canada and USA." I reckon such an announcement would have more value were "collaboration" made explicitly clear. "...we are acting on our own as Precious Plastic Canada rather than a Precious Plastic entity." What, by your estimation, does it mean to be a "Precious Plastic entity"? (edited)

Mirco

Actually the conversation was amongs the Canadian members and exactly the reason the new question eposted here. I dont like the Monarch reference it seems very disrespectful on all accounts. Anyway I just came back as I wanted to give away some Precious Plastic Decals we have an abundance of due to all the Patrion donations we have made to Precious Plastic in the past inspiring us to create full designs in imperial units and North American models of the machines as we understand that it is what we need to recycle plastic.some decals, but I will keep them for the Monarchs that migrate. We are running our server differently as we realize that things that work in Europe need to be different in North America. I don't hold a grudge, all good after all I spend many many months workin in the US to support operations of manufacturing plants, so I get your reaction, just was not the place.

What happened to the question I was responding to?

NJ90210

What happened to the question I was responding to?

It WAS kinda a non-sequitur question, wasn't it? I mean, who is "Precious Plastic USA"? Why would such a hypothetical entity's endorsement mean anything? It's not like the myriad of PP branded endeavors are structurally affiliated, or adhering to a common code- this is a loose association of folks sharing similar values and ambitions.

Christopher - Unmake Plastic

It WAS kinda a non-sequitur question, wasn't it? I mean, who is "Precious Plastic USA"? Why would such a hypothetical entity's endorsement mean anything? It's not like the myriad of PP branded endeavors are structurally affiliated, or adhering to a common code- this is a loose association of folks sharing similar values and ambitions.

Yeah, just crazy stuff. I'll happily chat with you DM if you are interested.

I see, so similarily you are "on your own" with your server, so there is no support from PP Europe apart from providing a channel on the one army discord, Just like for us? Not that we would ask for any support. But one individual started this server. Was that someone in the USA or from the European side? I am just asking as Precious Plastic is referring to themselves as a global movement but really are focussed on the other side of the pond right? I mean we are all inspired and thats cool but why is there this disconnect? Or is there? Would we not benefit from more North American collaboration? (edited)

Mirco

I see, so similarily you are "on your own" with your server, so there is no support from PP Europe apart from providing a channel on the one army discord, Just like for us? Not that we would ask for any support. But one individual started this server. Was that someone in the USA or from the European side? I am just asking as Precious Plastic is referring to themselves as a global movement but really are focussed on the other side of the pond right? I mean we are all inspired and thats cool but why is there this disconnect? Or is there? Would we not benefit from more North American collaboration? (edited)

I am going to disabuse without the slightest intent to demean: you are talking about tools. The "Precious Plastic" banner is a tool, open sourced, provided by its creators for anyone to pick up and fly.... just as you have done. WHO is "Precious Plastic"? Anyone that says they are. "Precious Plastic is referring to themselves as a global movement but really are focussed on the other side of the pond right?" "Other side" of WHICH pond? The Java Sea? The Bali Sea? The Indian Ocean? The Caribbean? Last time I checked, the Precious Plastic fungus ring has spread far and wide- some say even to the second largest country on the planet! Let me help you tune your receiver in, because you're not quite on station: THERE IS NO "THEM", ONLY "US". The agent responsible for building our communities is US. We can choose to do that, or not. We get what we build. Why are there not CAD and BOM files tailored to the insane system of measures employed in North America? Because WE haven't made and shared them! There ARE folks who have done the very hard work of sourcing the peculiar materials favored here, and translated designs to suit- but they seem to have forsaken the open-source license and ethos of the movement, infected with competition rather than collaboration. While not a uniquely North American fault, the self-made pathos sure seems more common here. In any case, our recourse is to lead by example- the only thing preventing collaboration is us. An illustration of who Precious Plastic is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a985oxQdBXA (For the confused, Discord places all attachments and link previews at the bottom of posts; proximity to text in the post body is not an indicator of connection- for example, the text immediately preceding this parenthetical remark relates to the associated link, and NOT the following image, which was referenced by text in the first paragraph.) (edited)

JoBlo Movie Clips

SPARTACUS Clip - "I Am Spartacus!" (1960) Kirk Douglas

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Let us set the record straight with the clarity of a general's strategy: Canada, the northern ally, geographically above the United States, stands grand as the world's second-largest landmass. This fact, well known in Canada, deserves more recognition. We, the Canadians, extend respect and eagerness for commerce and collaboration with our American neighbors. The 'pond' that lies between our great North American lands - the US, Canada and spanning to Europe and beyond- is none other than the mighty Atlantic, a mere ripple in the face of the inspiration of the original technological prowess, echoing the transformative spirit of the Industrial Revolution. Take heed, for the flag that adorns our message is not the work of untrained hands, but the precise craft of a skilled tool and die maker as well as many other makers. Its unique font speaks of innovation and distinctiveness. This design, proudly Canadian Precious Plastic, is safeguarded by the shields of international copyright law. _>>>>It must be retracted from this space, in respect of our legal rights and creative sovereignty as its message might be misrepresented or misunderstood. You are acting like a chief, what battles have you won? We have already crafted the designs with skill and care, prototyped and have made working machines to take to a yet higher level before mass production of these recycling machines. If all are chiefs, no one is a warrior, we need strong worriers.

On a more constructive note, we've noticed some remarkable innovations and discussions here. However, if anyone feels that the current content is becoming more derogatory than productive, we invite you to join the Canadian server. Our focus is on state-of-the-art recycling techniques, reducing the amount of plastic that goes to landfill and we maintain a respectful, collaborative environment. We believe many of you could significantly contribute to and benefit from the advanced methods we've been developing. In time we will open source the designs. Feel free to send me a DM for an invite. Lastly, it seems there might be some misconceptions about our server and what we do. We're more than happy to collaborate. After all, we're all in this for the greater good of environmental sustainability. Let's use our energy and creativity for positive impact! Thank you.

@Christopher - Unmake Plastic Your message definitely struck a chord, particularly the part about tuning into the right frequency. It made me wonder if perhaps the issue isn't so much with my receiver as it is with the transmission. Are you even in the US or is this an Atlantic transmission? Maybe there's a bit of static on the line? On a more serious note, I'm genuinely interested in learning about your role and experience in this movement, especially regarding CAD and BOM files for North American recycling projects. Could you share some details about your background or the initiatives you've been a part of? It would be great to get a clearer signal on the expertise and perspectives you bring to this potentially vital conversation or just unplug.

Mirco

On a more constructive note, we've noticed some remarkable innovations and discussions here. However, if anyone feels that the current content is becoming more derogatory than productive, we invite you to join the Canadian server. Our focus is on state-of-the-art recycling techniques, reducing the amount of plastic that goes to landfill and we maintain a respectful, collaborative environment. We believe many of you could significantly contribute to and benefit from the advanced methods we've been developing. In time we will open source the designs. Feel free to send me a DM for an invite. Lastly, it seems there might be some misconceptions about our server and what we do. We're more than happy to collaborate. After all, we're all in this for the greater good of environmental sustainability. Let's use our energy and creativity for positive impact! Thank you.

However, if anyone feels that the current content is becoming more derogatory than productive, we invite you to join the Canadian server. This is vaguely evocative of organized crime- smash some windows, then offer protection. At the very least, a contrived exploitation. Feel free to send me a DM for an invite... Lastly, it seems there might be some misconceptions about our server and what we do That describes an insular- not open -community. I would be loath to silo off efforts even more than they are now. The only reason we are having this discussion here today is due to open sharing and a free market of ideas. In the past, rather than "DM me", ADMIN Mirco just posted this link- https://discord.gg/3PuZa4JFcd Visiting that space, one is greeted with the same us-them, exclusive adversarial tenor that has infused posts from ADMIN Mirco here, of late. For 3 years now, "ADMIN Mirco" has been posting about making locally-sourced shredder plans open-source- a laudable aim that seems, unfortunately, to not have materialized. I have no interest in contributing to a group that fails on the open-sourced ethos that has made the Precious Plastic mission such a success. I'm genuinely interested in learning about your role and experience... Could you share some details about your background or the initiatives you've been a part of? It would be great to get a clearer signal on the expertise and perspectives you bring to this potentially vital conversation or just unplug. No. I will not participate in an attempt to turn an exchange of ideas into a contest of personalities. Anyone suggesting that participants prove themselves or leave is not acting in good faith to build community. (edited)

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The explanation was clear, we are out of funds to put into the project, we have FULL imperial plans for all machines completed and built and could not release them because we have not recovered the debt incurred. You are not paying attention about what we are. Did not tell you to leave, I am telling you to unplug your receiver if you are not being constructive in this matter. I know you are supportive with ideas and direction but you are not making decisions for this US or the Canadian movement, speak for yourself. Appreciate your candor. My invitation wasn't about creating silos, but offering a space for those seeking a different approach. Open sharing and a free market of ideas are precisely what we stand for – hence the invite for direct dialogue. Regarding the open-sourced ethos, it’s a journey, not just a destination. We’re all working towards the same goal, albeit with different paths and paces. Dismissing efforts because they haven't yet reached fruition seems a bit premature, don't you think? Let's keep the focus on what brings us together: innovation and progress in plastic recycling. Differing opinions are the crux of a vibrant community, but let's ensure they're constructive, not divisive. After all, it's the planet we're trying to save, not our egos. BTW I am video calling you, are you man enough to pick up the call?

Could you both just please stop? This is a USA server, & this sounds like a Canadian dispute. I hope both of you continue your conversations in the appropriate forum, & that you sort out your differences. p.s. this is probably the first time I have ever seen the claim that you need to recover costs as part of being released as open source. The open source concept is usually the opposite of that.

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Ok, we did not building a $5 electric toothbrush, we likely have over $50g incl labour in this and given over a $1000 to the Precious Plastic Patrion. Stop Stopping the progression. Getting this to open source is exctly what we are trying to do and you are preventing it. Just video called @Christopher - Unmake Plastic to resolve this issue he did not take my video call, nor state what on earth it is that he does on this server and why he was interjecting in the post. This stops now, it is not at all a dispute, I have no idea what right anyone has to stop me from addressing the American hard working Plastic Problem solvers to collaborate.

Goblin_1_Shredder_Kit_R1_Operation_Manual_1.docx

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Mirco

Ok, we did not building a $5 electric toothbrush, we likely have over $50g incl labour in this and given over a $1000 to the Precious Plastic Patrion. Stop Stopping the progression. Getting this to open source is exctly what we are trying to do and you are preventing it. Just video called @Christopher - Unmake Plastic to resolve this issue he did not take my video call, nor state what on earth it is that he does on this server and why he was interjecting in the post. This stops now, it is not at all a dispute, I have no idea what right anyone has to stop me from addressing the American hard working Plastic Problem solvers to collaborate.

I wasn't trying to stop anything, I hope you do progress to open source. But what you stated is not a tenant of the open source concept. If you want to reclaim costs before you release as open source, that's fine. If you never want to release as open source, that is also fine. The only point is, if you have not shared, it is not open source. I hope you find collaborators. I hope you resolve this Canadian feud. But again, can you please stop?

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It is a North American Issue in terms of the machines being designed in Imperial units, who the heck can afford to buy 6mm sheet? It not a US or Canadian Issue. STOP. (edited)

5:55 PM

Some designs we are working on and have completed and are in service, mostly North American Spec materials and powerful motors / drives. (edited)

6:00 PM

No Words Required (edited)

Mirco

It is a North American Issue in terms of the machines being designed in Imperial units, who the heck can afford to buy 6mm sheet? It not a US or Canadian Issue. STOP. (edited)

You are correct, design of the machines is a shared point between Canada and the United States. I hope you get to the point where you can release your conversions as open source. What I am asking you to stop, is this feud that you seem to be having on the Canadian server, I don't know what precipitated it, I don't know why you dragged it over here, but it's ugly and I do not wish to see it.

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There is no Feud in the Canadian Server, I posted a simple question here. The server belongs to us in Canada, in fact no one in Precious Plastic created it, it is our own, we are on our own but looking to collaborate. (edited)

An currently building an extrusion pro machine at less than €1600 and will be able to sell it at €2500 max , after realizing my extruder at a very less price equally

Is this server for USA and Canada or just USA? Is it open for anyone in the world? Is it inclusive?

Mirco

Is this server for USA and Canada or just USA? Is it open for anyone in the world? Is it inclusive?

If you look at the label of the server, you'll notice it is for USA. That means conversation should have relevance to the USA, but I believe it's open to anyone who is willing to work in the spirit of Precious Plastics. That's why I sent you an invite link when you requested one.

That is not what you just said in a DM - STOP!

Mirco

That is not what you just said in a DM - STOP!

That's not exactly what I said, but in context, close enough

Square hopper Extruders with screw pinch point - safety extension on the hopper to keep digits clear...USA and Canada, save your fingers - this drawing from `21, we have come a long way since. US and Metric units, imperial material - Who thinks Canada is metric when it comes to tools and machinery has no idea. You may use and share this idea with Credit to Canstamp Precision, but Precious Plastic Canada and Canstamp Precision really dont care if it helps.... (edited)

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7:10 PM

Mirco

Square hopper Extruders with screw pinch point - safety extension on the hopper to keep digits clear...USA and Canada, save your fingers - this drawing from `21, we have come a long way since. US and Metric units, imperial material - Who thinks Canada is metric when it comes to tools and machinery has no idea. You may use and share this idea with Credit to Canstamp Precision, but Precious Plastic Canada and Canstamp Precision really dont care if it helps.... (edited)

In this drawing, are the measurements in [brackets] metric or imperial?

Brackets in Inches, it suits our design, so you may have to adjust slightly for the OD tube diameter.

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