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Precious Plastic USA
YOUR WORK SPACES / shredder-workspaces
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CitSciWorkshop 12/3/2020 4:12 AM
Hello! For the last year we've been developing the Shredder Pro in US Imperial units for compatibility to domestic material. We're pretty happy with the results and are ready to start collecting our works into a form that we can publish for the PP community, and we are still working on that large task. If people are interested in reviewing our work and helping us get it publication ready, please fill out our form here: https://bit.ly/USShredderProBetaDev (edited)
Shredder Pro Imperial Beta
Enter your name and information to sign up for the beta.
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Mirco 12/3/2020 4:30 AM
Ok that's great, we just started a few weeks ago with our Industrial reasonable cost shredder build based on V4 with metric to US conversions with the help of donation of time and materials by our local machine shop which is fully onboard to support Precious Plastic and to supply the Canadian and US Market very soon. We have also had financial support from some of our members and have field testing planned. Thank You all. Once all complete we'll be sharing our project details and build plans. πŸ˜€ (edited)
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pauldufour 12/10/2020 7:03 PM
Awesome work @CitSciWorkshop ! Definitely interested in helping out. Currently in the process of building a V4 shredder as well as adapting a smaller version for a client. Would love to figure out how we can work together!
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xerdu 12/26/2020 1:05 AM
@pauldufour we made some fixes and downsizing, files should be out there in the next days but not sure it's easy to convert to imperial. 3d preview : https://plastic-hub.com/products/shredder2021/resources/edrawings.html calculations : https://plastic-hub.com/products/shredder2021/resources/specs.md
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-- osr-support -- 12/30/2020 8:41 PM
Hey, imperial version is in progress and should be ready for download in the next weeks. I think we addressed all usability and other problems (natural or not) we found during testing v4 shredder. Material should be around 1800$ - not sure though we can find this gearbox/motor config in the states. If somebody knows a good gearbox supplier (with downloadable CAD) - that you could help us with the conversion. The Hoppers can be flipped back and can be detached from each other. The sieve is height adjustable and lots more solid. There will be also a grinder addon for underneath - to ensure flake sizes - which is very important to some of the power users. See you around, send us message if you have suggestions or you could help sourcing some of the parts. updated 3d model : https://plastic-hub.com/products/shredder2021/resources/edrawings.html happy new year, happy shredding πŸ™‚
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-- osr-support -- 1/6/2021 6:47 PM
And here with the base and bin completed πŸ™‚ Metric Source : https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/tree/master/machines/shredder/obelix2021 We're adding some more sensors as last to this very revision-A Tests with hard stuff as cellulose acetate and e-waste will happen this days as well. Input is very welcome.
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-- osr-support -- 1/24/2021 3:59 PM
Hi, we're little late but we found finally a new CAD Ninja in the US who can work soonish on the imperial conversion. Not sure when it's done, can take some time before he's up to speed. ------------------------------------------------------------------- For anyone who needs guaranteed small flake size, we finished and tested a new grinder - was a sort of follow up work - using the v3 & v4 shredder over the years and users wanted it also for 3D print using PET, near dust size . Only problem it's damn loud :-). It's straight forward and pretty easy to build, material is around 500 - 900$. Laser files and BOM is included in the zip file. Source : https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/tree/master/machines/grinder/idefix Public Version: https://plastic-hub.com/products/idefix.html Happy shredding, and grinding πŸ™‚
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CitSciWorkshop 2/5/2021 6:06 PM
Hi all, I have a set of conversions for Imperial Shredder Pro, materials and design edits to adapt to the odd sizes of steel we have commonly available in US and North America. If anyone would like to help me sort and arrange documentation, please PM me and I'll invite you to our working group.
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Palomino Plastic 2/6/2021 3:33 AM
I would be very interested to help in any way possible.
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Palomino Plastic
I would be very interested to help in any way possible.
CitSciWorkshop 2/7/2021 1:21 AM
Invite sent!
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-- osr-support -- 3/3/2021 8:07 PM
2nd test run, Obelix - v4 followup design. https://youtu.be/cv2Ichmph68
Plastic Hub
Obelix 2021 Test
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itsgeorge 3/7/2021 11:06 PM
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...
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One Army #updates SERVER 3/10/2021 12:07 PM
Today we release our Useful button! Use it wise πŸ™ 
https://www.onearmy.earth/news/useful-button (edited)
Trying to make the web more useful | Precious Plastic
We've released the Useful button to help people create and boost useful content online
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+ We also added a search in the how-to’s. (You can also search for specific workspaces)
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itsgeorge 3/11/2021 7:38 PM
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 πŸ˜€
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.
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-- osr-support -- 3/11/2021 7:56 PM
@itsgeorge sounds alright, here's a calculator : https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/blob/master/tools/CircuitBreakerSizeCalculator.xlsx Most of the PP machines we've built tripped at 10-20A breakers, nicely. And yes, using this as gate is perfect for Reverse/Forward - be aware there should a mechanic protection or digital delay between the contactors (instant direction change). Here a budget setup - but with perfect auto-reverse and no creepy 5$ Amazon crap πŸ™‚ (edited)
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-- osr-support --
@itsgeorge sounds alright, here's a calculator : https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/blob/master/tools/CircuitBreakerSizeCalculator.xlsx Most of the PP machines we've built tripped at 10-20A breakers, nicely. And yes, using this as gate is perfect for Reverse/Forward - be aware there should a mechanic protection or digital delay between the contactors (instant direction change). Here a budget setup - but with perfect auto-reverse and no creepy 5$ Amazon crap πŸ™‚ (edited)
itsgeorge 3/11/2021 10:50 PM
How do I go about doing the digital delay or mechanical protection? What does this do? Right now I have cable coming into box this switch (might be the amazon crap you were talking about) and the overload protector I just ordered and linked to above. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IZ5ZFYC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
10:51 PM
links and names to devices or a schematic would be much appreciated!
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-- osr-support -- 3/11/2021 11:05 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqgXVIi0jw8&ab_channel=AutomationDirect.com There is much about on Youtube, ´motor direction contactor´. When reversing or switching one of the phases to change direction - fast, there´s a slight possibility of a short circuit without protection (rather easy to hit). In a 380V case it´s significant enough you may walk to the building´s main fuse πŸ™‚ (typically 40A or 64A). The mechanical protection prevents that 2 contactors are on at the same time. The digital delay however is controlled by software on the PLC or Arduino - that´s what I do πŸ™‚ Let me sketch this on a diagram over weekend, was overdue anyways πŸ™‚ (edited)
AutomationDirect.com
Tech Tip: Learn How To Properly Reverse the Direction of a Three Ph...
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-- osr-support --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqgXVIi0jw8&ab_channel=AutomationDirect.com There is much about on Youtube, ´motor direction contactor´. When reversing or switching one of the phases to change direction - fast, there´s a slight possibility of a short circuit without protection (rather easy to hit). In a 380V case it´s significant enough you may walk to the building´s main fuse πŸ™‚ (typically 40A or 64A). The mechanical protection prevents that 2 contactors are on at the same time. The digital delay however is controlled by software on the PLC or Arduino - that´s what I do πŸ™‚ Let me sketch this on a diagram over weekend, was overdue anyways πŸ™‚ (edited)
itsgeorge 3/12/2021 12:54 AM
Wow this is a really really informative and concise video. Going to need some time to read and fully understand. So you think the 2 contacters with overload and mechanical protection is the way to go? (I really don't know how to code arduino so digital method is out of reach for now). You think I should skip the cam rotary switch I have linked above entirely? Not a super big deal it was only $25ish. (edited)
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-- osr-support -- 3/12/2021 10:34 AM
'So you think the 2 contactors with overload and mechanical protection is the way to go' : yes - if you don't use a VFD - then this is the minimum you should have, despite you could do this with the cam switch alone too. from a wiring perspective this makes things also easier and cleaner but also makes the system safer. Skip the cam rotary switch : no - because this one you gonna use to control the contactors. The Arduino is just there for auto-reverse but also adding some extra safety, for instance after power loss, it won't start the motor - regardless it's still set to forward/reverse. It basically controls the contactors, but safely with a delay. Anyway, I will sketch it over the weekend. This are are components you want : 2x NO Contactors, 1x CAM switch ( doesn't need to be high power thanks to the contactors), 1 x Main switch, 1x motor protection (thermal & magnetic). 1x Main breaker, 20-30A. Optional : 1x LED (AC). (edited)
10:37 AM
Be warned, I am not an electrician but I learned from them πŸ™‚
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itsgeorge 3/12/2021 2:07 PM
Wow thank you so much for helping me out. Looking forward to the sketch πŸ™Œ
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-- osr-support -- 3/12/2021 6:30 PM
@itsgeorge - the sketch is rather for our design and the contactor's layout we use might differ from yours . I'd recommend to mess a little with one contactor and a multimeter to see how things work - be prepared to have some shorts πŸ™‚ After that however you can do the rest on the go :-). There are hundreds of ways doing this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21cInloqB6g&ab_channel=AboutElectricity. Often it's more important to understand only what has to be done and how to do it - the rest is doing. Trying to copy someone else's schematics won't teach you much though - as said, the components you might have differ a lot. (edited)
AboutElectricity
How to wire Forward Reverse motor control.
6:36 PM
A contactor is basically nothing more than a big switch. There are typically 3 phases you'd like switch : L1, L2, L3 - that are often the big terminals (upper side and lower side). To activate the flow or switch, you have 2 additional and smaller terminals, typically labelled with A1 & A2. You have to energize those 2 with N(Neutral=blue) and a Live (L1, normally brown here in the EU), this will activate a NO (normally open) contactor; on a NC (normally closed) it will interrupt the flow (L1/L2/L3). I hope this makes sense. So all you need to do is to interrupt the A2 or A1 line with a real hand switch, typically the Live side (brown). (edited)
6:37 PM
don't burn the house down πŸ™‚
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-- osr-support -- 3/14/2021 9:50 AM
@itsgeorge , here you go πŸ™‚
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-- osr-support -- 3/14/2021 10:30 AM
And here with Arduino & Current Sensor (Auto-Reverse)
Obelix2021M.svg
1.12 MB
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-- osr-support --
And here with Arduino & Current Sensor (Auto-Reverse)
itsgeorge 3/15/2021 12:15 AM
Thank you for all the resources and taking the time to help. I really owe you one. Since we last talked I downloaded a really nice ebook from automation direct that goes over motor controls and what each component does with diagrams. Will be back if I run into anything else I can't figure out. Thanks again. πŸ‘
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-- osr-support --
@itsgeorge - the sketch is rather for our design and the contactor's layout we use might differ from yours . I'd recommend to mess a little with one contactor and a multimeter to see how things work - be prepared to have some shorts πŸ™‚ After that however you can do the rest on the go :-). There are hundreds of ways doing this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21cInloqB6g&ab_channel=AboutElectricity. Often it's more important to understand only what has to be done and how to do it - the rest is doing. Trying to copy someone else's schematics won't teach you much though - as said, the components you might have differ a lot. (edited)
itsgeorge 3/15/2021 12:17 AM
And this dude's youtube channel is niiiiiiice. πŸ’―
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itsgeorge 3/18/2021 1:58 PM
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 πŸ™‚ (edited)
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Palomino Plastic 3/18/2021 4:00 PM
Where are you located?
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-- osr-support -- 3/18/2021 5:29 PM
@itsgeorge - there is a mini howto : https://library.precious-plastic.org/howto/shredder/hexbar/index.html | but works best with an adjustable 4 jaw chuck | if the lathe spindle is too small, you can create a sort of 4 chuck for the tail stock as well :
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Hexbar
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
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Palomino Plastic
Where are you located?
itsgeorge 3/18/2021 5:30 PM
I live in eastern Pennsylvania
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-- osr-support --
@itsgeorge - there is a mini howto : https://library.precious-plastic.org/howto/shredder/hexbar/index.html | but works best with an adjustable 4 jaw chuck | if the lathe spindle is too small, you can create a sort of 4 chuck for the tail stock as well :
itsgeorge 3/18/2021 5:45 PM
In picture 4 I see you bore out a channel in the shaft, Picture 5 you change bits to do what exactly? Not sure whats happening in picture 6. In the end is the set screw from the L - Jaw coupling just going to fasten into the divot/trench/channel (not sure what the lingo is) or do you place a rectangular piece into the divot and then fasten the set screw from the coupling onto rectangular insert. Just wanted some know how before I go asking prices from local machinists in the area.
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-- osr-support -- 3/18/2021 5:59 PM
5: is keyway milling 6: is just a short cut to overcome nominal errors from the laser cut - lazy me πŸ™‚ about the rest: I am afraid I don't understand the question. It's actually straightforward thing, those hexbars come ready to go for 60$ in the bazar
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itsgeorge 3/18/2021 6:11 PM
Okay I think I get it. Get the measurements off my coupling and get a key and machine shaft accordingly. Keyway Size (W x D) 3/16 x 3/32 in Length thru Bore 1.75 in / 44.45 mm
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-- osr-support -- 3/18/2021 6:50 PM
keyways can be tricky and have some impact on durability, check the charts, especially about depths : https://hallite.com/au/hallite-transeals/transmission-products/keyway-chart/ (edited)
Tim Aylott
Keyway Chart - Hallite
Standard dimensions for keys and their grooves.
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-- osr-support -- 3/21/2021 8:43 PM
Here again in real - ladies & gentlemen, the first opensource vending shredder in the smallest variant possible. The PP version is just some clicks away (ppv3, ppv3.4, ppv4.5-obelix πŸ™‚ another test vid : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgafKdxUxXQ&ab_channel=PlasticHub The actual and full reverse vending machine is still a full year away - but at the end it's just more sensors, a conveyor belt for scanning, etc...
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Plastic Hub
Asterix Proto
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Wumangklan 3/23/2021 3:39 PM
Are a lot of the shredder workspaces overflowing with shredded plastic? I've heard/read that a lot of places have too much of it. If anyone is looking to dump some please reach out? Thanks!
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Wumangklan
Are a lot of the shredder workspaces overflowing with shredded plastic? I've heard/read that a lot of places have too much of it. If anyone is looking to dump some please reach out? Thanks!
X37Adventures 3/23/2021 3:52 PM
We have some #1 PET that we want to move along.
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Wumangklan 3/23/2021 3:54 PM
Where are you out of?
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Wumangklan
Where are you out of?
X37Adventures 3/23/2021 3:54 PM
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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Wumangklan 3/23/2021 4:09 PM
Awesome. I will reach out in the future to set it up.
4:09 PM
I have to do some re working of the shop I have right now so once we are all said and done I'll reach back out
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PPCapiSpain 3/25/2021 8:25 PM
A cylinder for that? It doesn't seem very practical or durable, does it?
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ごみ 子 3/26/2021 9:26 AM
Hi guys, great job with Shredders...they look great...let me know if you ever need gearboxes to increase torque in your shredder...www.aundg.com you can view our different gearboxes.
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PPCapiSpain 3/26/2021 2:45 PM
A home made shredder V2.1
2:45 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2JVOR2DvgI
impresiones3D Reciclando de plasticos
La Autentica Trituradora de Precious Plastic -V.2.1-
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-- osr-support -- 3/26/2021 6:09 PM
The AUTENTIC - V.2.1 Forever πŸ™‚, so you mean forever ever ? πŸ™‚ (edited)
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One Army #updates SERVER 4/1/2021 5:00 PM
We are LIVE in 2 Minutes. Bring on your questions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOIEVG9A8eg
One Army
Monthly News #50 LIVE
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Ibra 4/1/2021 6:10 PM
Messed it lol
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Liri (They/He) 4/1/2021 7:27 PM
pretty sure you can watch the recording of it πŸ™‚
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Wumangklan 4/12/2021 2:25 AM
Anyone have any experience with a 120v shredder? Does it often get seized up because of lack of power?
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Wumangklan
Anyone have any experience with a 120v shredder? Does it often get seized up because of lack of power?
Liri (They/He) 4/12/2021 2:29 AM
I would try to ask this in the general Precious Plastic Discord, if you haven't already, as they have more people with more experience...
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-- osr-support -- 4/18/2021 3:10 PM
Ladies and gentlemen, I am about to finalize the so called 'universal shredder control' which includes key features as 1. auto-reverse 2. auto-plunge 3. auto-shred (suspend / resume) - using a sensor to detect hopper loaded - utilized for full-automated vending setup I am taking into account various setups : 1. With or without VFD 2. binary current sensor 3. analog current sensor (enables to determine IDLE, SHREDDING and JAMMED), OmronMX2 series has this built-in As for the shredding modes 1. Manual - with auto-reverse 2. Auto - with auto-plunger 3. Ping-Pong (thanks to the hint from another user) - using a POT dial to adjust the interval 4. Adaptive Ping-Pong (determines the interval on the fly) If I forgot anything let me know, now is the time πŸ™‚ The system itself supports anything Arduino compatible. The auto-plunger is currently ported to all supported v3ish and v4ish machines. In the picture below the first revision - took about 1.5 years to get here πŸ™‚ Components/Firmware will be published here : https://github.com/plastic-hub/pp-next/tree/master/machines/shredder and soon as easy zip files in the new PP library (unofficial).
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πŸ˜€ 1
3:11 PM
Or here the v3.3 - XL version, makes shredding a real pleasant experience πŸ˜‰
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One Army #updates SERVER 4/19/2021 4:02 PM
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.
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4:04 PM
More information about the project: https://www.onearmy.earth/news/launching-fixing-fashion (edited)
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One Army #updates SERVER 4/20/2021 11:04 AM
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
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Wumangklan 4/29/2021 1:22 AM
I know I posted a while back about people looking to offload some shredded plastic. Anyone out there looking to dump some?
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Evil Trees 5/1/2021 7:37 PM
I'm looking to build a shredder but haven't been able to get anything done with any local machine shops I have even offered nice amount of $ and still can't get it done so I'm like ok then hack saw here I come lol but any suggestions to get materials I need to build one by hand I live in California??
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One Army #updates SERVER 5/3/2021 2:11 PM
Monthly news #51 - Ocean bricks made in hawai https://youtu.be/ztojbINhesA
One Army
Launching our new project #fixingfashion
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TEglen 5/3/2021 8:36 PM
https://www.plasticasu.org/s/stories/experiments-with-pla-shredding So we did some PLA shredding for our campus labs, and learned a lot about glass transformation of PLA in a shredder in Arizona. Has anybody else done large quantities of PLA shred? The chunks that it was reforming under the blades are super problematic.
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Evil Trees
I'm looking to build a shredder but haven't been able to get anything done with any local machine shops I have even offered nice amount of $ and still can't get it done so I'm like ok then hack saw here I come lol but any suggestions to get materials I need to build one by hand I live in California??
TEglen 5/3/2021 8:37 PM
Hey @Evil Trees check out our North America part supply list. Those users will also have advice on how to get building. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qSNUukWd7m4Fu_FIUrrukIoTWbmztkehp8v1GCE4RR8/edit#gid=0
PP USA part list
Shredder 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...
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Nargrax 5/3/2021 8:47 PM
Also @Evil Trees , we built ours with a wood frame like a sawhorse and it's pretty sturdy. Our parts are also listed on the sheet under deadpool
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One Army #updates SERVER 5/4/2021 1:48 PM
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.
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itsgeorge 5/14/2021 6:36 PM
Hey everyone quick wiring question. I'm on the last step and I can't seem to get my shredder to reverse! I am pretty sure everything is wired correctly. I have a forward and reverse contactor that reverses polarity between L1 and L2. But when I run it it only goes forward. The motor wiring schematic shows that in order to reverse one must switch T5 and T8. But my forward and reverse contacts essentially only switch L1 and L2. I ended up switching T5 and T8 and the motor reverses, but only reverse. I even put the schematic back in the original position (T5; T1; L1) (T8;T4;L2) and then manually switched L1 and L2 and it still only goes forward. What can I do?
6:36 PM
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itsgeorge 5/18/2021 9:22 PM
Got my little v2 shredder up and running. Thanks to everyone for helping me along the way! πŸ’› Onto the extruder! πŸ˜€
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πŸ€– 1
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MystroPolymeric 5/18/2021 9:25 PM
πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘
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-- osr-support -- 5/19/2021 9:10 PM
------------------------------------------- Update : we're through with the CAD (https://plastic-hub.com/products/shredder/obelix/resources/edrawings_4kw.html) for the 4kW (32cm chamber) adaptation for Obelix (v4 followup design). I think that's pretty much all what can be done at 4kW, efficiency, safety, input/output wise. Last tests happen this days, especially with the auto-plunger but the zip & laser files should be around this week as well. The 2kW version however turned out awesome (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMCXjePnTV1/) and is pretty much the most requested product since a while here, increasingly small SMEs - especially the vending config. However, there is another guy working on CNC lathe'd blades (porn) providing insane tolerances, able to cut folia - cutting for real instead of tearing, apparently with much lower energy input. godspeed πŸ˜‰ source (mirror) : https://github.com/osr-plastic/pp-next/tree/main/machines/shredder/obelix2021 (edited)
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-- osr-support -- 5/22/2021 8:48 PM
ok, done πŸ˜› http://precious-plastic.org/archives/obelix.zip. The auto-plunger documentation/firmware isn't very sexy yet but getting there ... I am using currently draw.io to make simple to understand schematics; still have to learn how to apply ISO/ANSI norms to that. There is also some tests & evaluation going on by other PP vendors before I release revision-B. ps: this machine is for advanced folks, near 250KG in steel and 2 days for wiring it up.
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One Army #updates SERVER 5/27/2021 9:16 PM
Quick question. Would you like to vote on decisions for Discord using polls? (like this) πŸ”₯ = YESS Finally!!! πŸ‘ = Sounds good.
 πŸ€– = Mwa kinda busy 🧐 = Skeptical it gives a good result πŸ‘Ž = No. (edited)
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William B 5/28/2021 2:53 AM
Sure
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One Army #updates SERVER 6/2/2021 11:46 AM
[Original Message Deleted] (edited)
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itsgeorge
Got my little v2 shredder up and running. Thanks to everyone for helping me along the way! πŸ’› Onto the extruder! πŸ˜€
NikoWilliams 6/6/2021 12:11 AM
Is this the pro? did you weld everything yourself?
12:15 AM
So what is the best shredder design. I know there is the basic Shredder and Shredder pro form PP but I've seen a lot of interesting variations? Is there a database someone collecting all the alternative designs and pro & cons compared to the original?
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NikoWilliams
So what is the best shredder design. I know there is the basic Shredder and Shredder pro form PP but I've seen a lot of interesting variations? Is there a database someone collecting all the alternative designs and pro & cons compared to the original?
itsgeorge 6/6/2021 2:35 AM
It is the basic but does the job
πŸ‘ 2
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NikoWilliams
So what is the best shredder design. I know there is the basic Shredder and Shredder pro form PP but I've seen a lot of interesting variations? Is there a database someone collecting all the alternative designs and pro & cons compared to the original?
itsgeorge 6/6/2021 2:36 AM
https://community.preciousplastic.com/academy/build/shredderpro
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PPCapiSpain 6/6/2021 11:20 AM
So what is the best shredder design. I know there is the basic Shredder and Shredder pro form PP but I've seen a lot of interesting variations? Is there a database someone collecting all the alternative designs and pro & cons compared to the original?
@NikoWilliams v4 pro is better than v2.1, but v4pro is much heavier and much more expensive. v2.1 works fine. If you are going to start recycling, I recommend V2.1 to you
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NikoWilliams
So what is the best shredder design. I know there is the basic Shredder and Shredder pro form PP but I've seen a lot of interesting variations? Is there a database someone collecting all the alternative designs and pro & cons compared to the original?
-- osr-support -- 6/6/2021 1:24 PM
'is there a database someone collecting all the alternative designs and pro & cons compared to the original' not really - yet; something like a library is in progress since long, outlining all the designs. but here in short (only OS variants): PP Shedder v3 (or v2.1) as seen above : works ok but can be really tedious to use - good point : works with sieve - due it's nature of single axis (similar to grinders)
  • > there are upgrades: stronger axle, auto-plungers, auto-reverse. Unfortunately, you need at least 2-3kW to make this design work ok - due to it's cutting circumference - designed for house-hold waste.
PP Shedder v4 : works ok without sieve - but depending on the input there are quite some issues, build wise, stability and extensibility ( CAD is a mess). Using it without sieve leaves you with lots of re-shredding but also pretty irregular flake sizes - which you may need for quality injection/extrusion. Putting on the sieve creates a lot congestions till a point it destroys the shredder. Ok for hobbyist PlasticHub - Obelix : basically PPv4 follow up design which fixed all the issues so far, also requires less power as well is relatively easier to make. There is a 2kW and 4kW version. PlasticHub - Idefix (https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/shredder/shredder-fully-built/shredder-v3.1-and-hopper/) : that's a classic grinder, OpenSource - which you could use as PPv4 post processor - in case you need things fast and good All in all - it really depends on your input and desired output (also throughput) - if it comes to shredding - at this scales, there isn't exactly one-catch-all machine .. There are a few more designs coming up πŸ™‚ (edited)
1:27 PM
the auto-plunger & auto-reverse addons for PPv3 is around the corner btw πŸ™‚
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anniep 6/27/2021 12:03 AM
Hello. I am getting my shredder workspace set up in Michigan and I bought a shredder off the bazaar from the UK. The seller was awesome and she gave me some suggestions regarding how to motorize. I’m still a little confused and was hoping someone could make a recommendation as this is very new to me and I am still learning. She said to buy a coupling and a motor with a gearbox and/ or a hoist. If I buy a hoist is that the same as buying a motor with a gearbox? She said I should be able to easily find these on Amazon or EBay but I’m a little lost on exactly what I will need. This is what I bought: https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/shredder/shredder-kits/the-21-shredder-with-safety-hopper.-8mm-stainless-sieve-fully-built-or-5mm-sieve-fully-built..-clone/
The 21 Shredder with Safety Hopper. 32mm hex Stainless steel shaft ...
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anniep
Hello. I am getting my shredder workspace set up in Michigan and I bought a shredder off the bazaar from the UK. The seller was awesome and she gave me some suggestions regarding how to motorize. I’m still a little confused and was hoping someone could make a recommendation as this is very new to me and I am still learning. She said to buy a coupling and a motor with a gearbox and/ or a hoist. If I buy a hoist is that the same as buying a motor with a gearbox? She said I should be able to easily find these on Amazon or EBay but I’m a little lost on exactly what I will need. This is what I bought: https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/shredder/shredder-kits/the-21-shredder-with-safety-hopper.-8mm-stainless-sieve-fully-built-or-5mm-sieve-fully-built..-clone/
CitSciWorkshop 6/27/2021 12:24 AM
Hi, yes you should be able to find a motor and gearbox relatively easily. If you search suppliers like Amazon, eBay, surplus center, for a 2hp 56c face motor, and a 56c face 30:1 gearbox you should be good to go. I can help with more detail as well if needed.
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anniep 6/27/2021 12:31 AM
Thank you @CitSciWorkshop, I really appreciate the info!
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CitSciWorkshop 6/27/2021 12:48 AM
No problem. Once you get those parts you can measure the shaft sizes and much them up with couplers.
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One Army #updates SERVER 7/5/2021 4:48 PM
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)
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One Army #updates SERVER 8/1/2021 5:55 PM
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!
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itsgeorge 8/6/2021 1:29 AM
So my shredder shaft just snapped all I can do now is replace the shaft and hopefully I can build the v4 in the future. Old shaft was 4130-Normalized but I am looking for something that has better shear strength. I can get hexbars in: 4140/4142-Cold Finish 304/304L-Annealed Cold Finish 303-Annealed Cold Finish 316/316L-Annealed Cold Finish Any suggestions for a new shaft that might be stronger and is relatively easy to machine?
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PPCapiSpain 9/19/2021 10:44 PM
V3.3 πŸ˜‰
10:44 PM
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CitSciWorkshop 9/20/2021 12:27 AM
Pretty solid. How is the build experience? Pretty smooth?
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InspiredMechanic 9/22/2021 3:30 AM
Anyone have recommendations on dealing with static charge of the plastic when shredding? I’m trying to figure out how to keep things a bit cleaner.
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adamj537 9/22/2021 3:31 AM
@PPCapiSpain what is shredder v3.3? Is there source somewhere?
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InspiredMechanic
Anyone have recommendations on dealing with static charge of the plastic when shredding? I’m trying to figure out how to keep things a bit cleaner.
Ben 9/22/2021 4:41 AM
A good ground, running water through the shredder while it's shredding, and/or some sort of vacuum/blower system helps with that.
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PPCapiSpain 9/23/2021 8:29 PM
@CitSciWorkshop the top and the down sheet is a very good idea...is very solid. The biulding experience is very satisfactory.
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richrd 9/28/2021 6:22 PM
Does anyone have any recommendations for a laser cutting company to laser cut parts for the shredder.
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adamj537 9/28/2021 6:32 PM
I think @CitSciWorkshop does that!
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richrd 9/28/2021 6:33 PM
Ok thanks
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CitSciWorkshop 9/28/2021 6:35 PM
We do, and dedicated to Precious Plastic items, so people don't have to wait in line or ask for odd quotes from retail laser cutting outfits.
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richrd 9/28/2021 6:36 PM
Thanks, it looks like a great price
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One Army #updates SERVER 10/1/2021 10:58 PM
Last Monthly News @everyone πŸ™ https://youtu.be/i-sMkxu7wuU What do you think?
One Army
The last Monthly News?
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ViV Games 10/3/2021 11:54 PM
Where can I get some of the shredder blades?
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Solus 10/11/2021 5:09 AM
Does anyone have a shredder workspace in Alabama?
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WookieMonster 10/11/2021 8:26 PM
Does anyone have a bicycle powered shredder? Trying to find potential blue prints!
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adamj537 10/11/2021 8:31 PM
@WookieMonster I've seen plans for two versions (my organization also has interest in bicycle power).
8:31 PM
https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/make-the-plstico-fantstico-recycling-bicycle-shredder
8:32 PM
https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/build-a-bicycle-powered-shredder
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adamj537
@WookieMonster I've seen plans for two versions (my organization also has interest in bicycle power).
WookieMonster 10/11/2021 8:32 PM
Thank you so much!
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Green Ellipsis 10/30/2021 4:28 AM
Anyone have experience using a pullstruder? I soon will, and any lessons learned or collaborations would be most welcome. We'll be using Josh N Bee's new Recreator 3D pullstruder (https://www.facebook.com/groups/recreator3d/) as well as a brand new kit version of Roman's PETBOT pullstruder, which is in the Precious Plastic Bazar (https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/extruder/extruder-fully-built/petbot-machine/) You can read more details about my plan in #florida https://discord.com/channels/664714297913376769/664715361119240241/903831163926368306
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Machines :: Extruder :: Extruder Fully Built :: PETBOT MACHINE
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Plasteeq 1/29/2022 8:46 PM
I'm noticing thru build improvements on the shredder/frame that many are accounting for a more stable build. Based on any real world experience with your shredder, if you we're to take a bird's eye view of your frame, what would be your ideal dims on length and width of the steel frame?
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One Army #updates SERVER 2/4/2022 10:55 AM
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
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One Army #updates SERVER 2/9/2022 12:18 PM
Hi Community! New Discord channel 🀘 πŸ₯³ #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 πŸ”₯ up this place!
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One Army #updates SERVER 2/16/2022 12:52 PM
Hi @Precious Plastic! We put together a summary of the data behind the Bazar from 2021 to help out our beloved #deleted-channel πŸŽ‰ 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 πŸ€‘ 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! πŸ’° 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.
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One Army #updates SERVER 2/18/2022 12:48 PM
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.
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adamj537 3/12/2022 5:07 PM
Does anyone know what kind of clearance there is between shredder blades in the precious plastic machines?
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adamj537
Does anyone know what kind of clearance there is between shredder blades in the precious plastic machines?
CitSciWorkshop 3/12/2022 6:38 PM
I believe the original drawings have a 0.25mm dimension there.
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adamj537 3/24/2022 1:42 PM
I'm mentoring a college recycling team that hopes to make a shredder. We wondered about the design's suitability for PET bottles. Google says PET bottles can be as thin as 0.25 mm, so that could certainly get caught between the shredder blades, yes?
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adamj537
I'm mentoring a college recycling team that hopes to make a shredder. We wondered about the design's suitability for PET bottles. Google says PET bottles can be as thin as 0.25 mm, so that could certainly get caught between the shredder blades, yes?
Lena 4/7/2022 4:06 AM
Adam, the shredder I have (almost identical to the blueprints provided by precious plastics) is suitable for PET bottles. What is more important is that you meet the correct torque requirements for the motor/shaft system. PET is strong and to shred it takes a lot more "umph" than the other thermoplastics in my experience.
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/1/2023 5:36 PM
So my main question is what are the blades made of?
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)
So my main question is what are the blades made of?
adamj537 2/1/2023 5:37 PM
Is this a question for me?
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/1/2023 5:40 PM
In general I’m thinking about a variation on the design.
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)
So my main question is what are the blades made of?
CitSciWorkshop 2/1/2023 7:33 PM
If you're in the US the most available equivalent to the HARDOX steel specified is AR500
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/1/2023 7:57 PM
Ok so I have further question. About the design. All the variations I’ve seen the blades spin horizontal add are basically shaped similar to a saw blade. But what if instead each blade was cone shaped and spun horizontal ly but each blade sat inside a cylinder. Each individual tooth spinning independently of each other. Would that be possible and would that shred uniformly without heating?
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/3/2023 4:21 AM
Sorry I meant aligned horizontal but spinning vertically
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)
Sorry I meant aligned horizontal but spinning vertically
adamj537 2/3/2023 4:53 AM
Perhaps a sketch would help?
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/3/2023 4:56 AM
I was thinking the blades could look something like this
4:57 AM
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5:00 AM
But several of them arranged like this
5:01 AM
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5:02 AM
Obviously it would have to be bigger and deeper
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CountryBum 2/3/2023 6:00 PM
a hammer mill would work better.
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/3/2023 7:24 PM
I could see why you’d say that lol. I just thought it might address the problem of plastic getting jammed or flying back out the wrong way. Plus I was looking at different crushing styles and wondering what would be the best way to minimize the size/cost for home use. Some people won’t get with the program unless they see the benefits for themselves. I think people are missing the bigger picture when it comes to projects like precious plastic or any nonprofit that helps the environment. Those that actually benefit the environment are generally not economically beneficial. There is no money to be made in at least most cases. But this is different. It can easily be a economically sustainable and profitable with the right equipment. The only hindrance I see is getting investors to see the profitability. Meaning showcasing the awesome products that can be made across multiple different platforms. Also marketable home based and industrial machines.
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi)
Obviously it would have to be bigger and deeper
adamj537 2/3/2023 9:08 PM
Not a mechanical engineer, but I have a question: What would the mechanical linkage look like to get the blades to spin? Potential for a lot of complexity (and friction).
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 2/3/2023 9:14 PM
I am not either that’s why I was asking but there is something similar Already but it shreds meat. But the first picture i showed cuts wood. I was thinking of a curve down the side with a blade in it. But I was thinking the benefit would be having a barrel type design with holes in the bottom so the chopped pieces only fell out when they were the right size but could continue to be feed from the opposite side
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 3/25/2023 11:59 PM
The upgraded version of the machines is very similar to what I was trying to describe. Only difference is they added a compacting feature. That and I would have made the spinning part 3 separate spinning parts. But essentially it is a hammer mill type design or at least very similar to it. I just didn’t realize the technical name for it.
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Caustic 3/30/2023 1:53 AM
hi, I am really trying to get a basic 2.1 shredder built, found a local So cal water cutter company but having trouble getting the materials sourced. trouble finding sheets of 3 and 5mm since all amazon, home depot and lowes are imperial and ugh.... and leads or tips?
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Caustic 3/30/2023 9:48 PM
ok, so it looks like i would need just under 4x4 sq ft for 5mm and 6mm and double that for the 3mm (4ft x 8ft) - can anyone confirm a bill of materials for the basic (latest) shredder?
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ivancito3pete 4/9/2023 5:52 AM
Hello, can someone help me by sending me this 3d model? I have the plans but I need the 3d file
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ivancito3pete
Hello, can someone help me by sending me this 3d model? I have the plans but I need the 3d file
Caustic 4/10/2023 6:27 PM
https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/shredder-21
Shredder 2.1
We’ve gathered a lot of feedback on the shredder from our community and made a small upgrade which makes it a bit easier to build, swap the mesh and chop plastic.
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Alexandra Morrison(aka Lexi) 5/7/2023 5:50 PM
So I’m working on building my own shredder. I have the stand. No problem I have access to a bunch of motors. Unfortunately most are the wrong type. For instance I have a industrial model 3 phase motor 1800 rpm 60 hz 208/460 v. I have a properly wired 3-phase power source I don’t have a suitable contactor or motor starter or a properly sized overload protector to protect your motor
5:50 PM
My motor
5:54 PM
I’m collecting all the pieces for the gear reducer. I have access to a full welding are with supplies. Diagrams to put all the pieces together.
5:54 PM
Area
5:56 PM
I guess my problem is finding the proper motor and electrical aspects of it are still a little new to me. I just want to do right the first time.
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Drew W 8/14/2023 1:34 AM
I really want to make a go of starting a recycling ecosystem in my area by making a shredder space, so I am doing my due diligence on market research. Does anyone know of data showing how much money a lb of plastic costs to clean and shred? I want to see if I could make a viable business but I would like to see if other models work and how much plastic should be sold at whatever price to make it all sustainable
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Mr.B 9/29/2023 7:09 PM
What shredders is everybody using? How did you make it/ where did you buy it and how much did it cost?
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Mr.B
What shredders is everybody using? How did you make it/ where did you buy it and how much did it cost?
Christopher - Unmake Plastic 10/2/2023 4:28 PM
I've got a 2hp Chinese granulator, bought at the auction of equipment from Pale Blue Plastics in Oklahoma City; with transportation expenses, set me back around $500. (edited)
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Inspired Plastics 10/6/2023 1:17 AM
I have a 5hp Chinese shredder. I bought it just before the pandemic for $2.5k, now it lists for 4 $4k
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HAL_9000 10/6/2023 2:24 AM
Cargo Shipping went nutz! Think it was gas sanctions/ prices (edited)
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 4:22 PM
Is plastic bag shredding a viable idea, the thought just occurred to me and it makes sense since they would be easy to collect. Also would plastic bags require a cheap or expensive shredder since they are thin but they may jamb
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 5:57 PM
Haaa I tried the ironing method and this would definitely shred. What’s the market for shredded plastic is it hard to find businesses through precious plastic
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adamj537 10/15/2023 6:06 PM
@bubba has some experience repurposing plastic bags. He uses an iron to fuse them together in layers of 4 I think to form larger items like gardening bags. You can also take a bunch of plastic bags, sandwich them between two pieces tins, place them in the oven until they fuse together (do not allow them to totally melt), and then they will form a plate that can be shredded conventionally.
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Jack Apotsos
Haaa I tried the ironing method and this would definitely shred. What’s the market for shredded plastic is it hard to find businesses through precious plastic
adamj537 10/15/2023 6:09 PM
There's a chemistry professor at my local university who is a specialist on microplastics, and she's advising a student design team focused on recycling. She told the team that in the US, there are really only a few types of plastic that are economically viable to recycle in the traditional sense (to reuse for the same purpose as the original material).
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 6:18 PM
But plastic bags are made out of HDPE most of the time so wouldnt they be good to recycle?
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Erik72 10/15/2023 6:49 PM
Most of the bags I see are LDPE
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 6:51 PM
Shopping bags are typically either HDPE or LDPE. I don't bother shredding them; I like to mix them in with shred in the Foreman Grill/panini press, to get colored veins/layers. I also stuff them right into our benchtop injection molder, or heat them in a T-Shirt press, kneading and folding and re-folding. On the commercial side, our local waste authority now accepts these and other film plastics (such as stretchy pallet wrap), and they go to be made into plastic deck lumber.
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6:52 PM
I have some pen blanks made of heated/pressed/folded HDPE bags, I should see if I have a pic. It's cool because it's like woodgrain (appears quarter/rift-sawn on two sides, and flat-sawn on the other faces).
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 6:59 PM
do you not shred them since they have to be pressed first?
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 6:59 PM
Nope. No shredding.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:00 PM
But its possible to shred them when pressed correct
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:01 PM
Sure. It's also possible to convert shred into pellets, but it's better to avoid additional steps (and energy input) when possible.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:01 PM
I got this with only three bags
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7:03 PM
Just so I can get an idea how does shredding plastic bottles compare to bag
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:03 PM
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7:04 PM
These tiles are made of poly mailers and maybe some plastic packaging from toilet paper or paper towels (all LDPE), stuffed directly into the barrel of a benchtop injection molder. 3/16 inch thick.
7:05 PM
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:06 PM
Using plastic bags and pressing them like above to make a thicker plastic would it be possible to achieve the standers people want for any type of molding? Even if there's an extra step or two
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:06 PM
The brownish color in this block is HDPE grocery bags; the white is shredded medicine bottles and other HDPE. Bags and shred mixed together on a Foreman Grill, kneaded into a big lump, and then compressed in a steel mold before trimming down to clean surfaces on a table saw.
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7:07 PM
Are you thinking about selling it as a raw material for injection molding?
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:07 PM
Raw material
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:09 PM
I find straight shredded bags to be annoying. Light, thin, too much air, blech. If you have formed thicker bits and then shredded so that you have decent chunks, sure, that's the same as any other shred. (And still is more of a pain to work with than pellets.)
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:09 PM
Is it not practical if its possible to make products without shredding?
7:10 PM
How are pellets made differently then shreds?
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:10 PM
Factory recycling involves shredding, or maybe not when films are involved; heating, extruding, and pelletizing, either by strand cutting or by submerged round pellet creation.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:11 PM
Ok I understand
7:11 PM
Is the market smaller for shreds then pellets
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:12 PM
Definitely. But the pellet market is oriented around buyers of 5000+ lbs. per order. Pellets are really key for industrial machinery, because shredded flakes tend to clump up in a hopper and so require hands-on attention, where pellet-loaded injection machinery can run on its own for hours churning out many thousands of finished parts.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:14 PM
Ok I see; but since I don't have the money for the extra machinery needed for making pellets is it still profitable to make shreds?
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Jack Apotsos
Ok I see; but since I don't have the money for the extra machinery needed for making pellets is it still profitable to make shreds?
Christopher - Unmake Plastic 10/15/2023 7:16 PM
He can't tell you if you have a customer, what they will pay for your product, or your overhead costs- only you can do that. I advise NOT taking the Field of Dreams approach to business- "if you build it, they will come." Your customer will define your product. (edited)
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:18 PM
That's fair, I was just wondering if anyone has had success with making a shredding business
7:19 PM
also you mentioned that plastic bags have blech, dose that have to be cleaned out in order to have viable shreds or dose it just decrease the value
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Jack Apotsos
That's fair, I was just wondering if anyone has had success with making a shredding business
Christopher - Unmake Plastic 10/15/2023 7:20 PM
Where are you located?
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:20 PM
Florida
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Christopher - Unmake Plastic 10/15/2023 7:26 PM
Not local to me (Houston- so not a prospective customer).
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:30 PM
Sorry I meant "blech" like "yuck" as in I don't like working with shredded film/bag.
7:32 PM
We have been selling shredded plastic for $12 per kg. We do sell some, but not much, and I'm not sure if that even pays for the labor involved, let alone our overhead. The market for it is hobbyists and experimenters, like other Precious Plastics people, so there just isn't large volume demand. And if you get to large volumes, you are competing with industrial recycling, who will sell you 5,000 lbs of pellets for 55 or 65 cents per pound.
7:33 PM
And then you must consider shipping, which may cost more than what you are charging for the shred itself.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:33 PM
That's all really good to know
7:34 PM
It may be a good starting point for me even if the income is small since I'll be working a part time job and school
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:37 PM
How about the amount of space required to sort and maintain stock of dozens of variations? Multiple HDPE, PP and LDPE by however many colors you care to separate and offer individually. Keep in mind that you have to clean out your shredder when you switch colors or plastics, so you only want to do any shredding after you have some large quantity of a specific color+resin -- say, when you have 10 or 50 lbs of red HDPE, it's worth shredding it. So you need storage space to accumulate that amount, and to keep the shred available for packing up and shipping to customers.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:39 PM
I just ran the calculation and it would take about 160 bags to make one KG so space will definitely need to be accounted for.
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:39 PM
I think collecting and shredding is honestly a terrible starting point for a Precious Plastic business. Terrible margins, high overhead and investment, and a rough difficult ceiling on success defined by volume (you have to grow by growing the number of customers more than the order size, because customers who need a lot are not going to use shred, they're going to use much more predictable and inexpensive pellets from an industrial supplier).
7:41 PM
Collecting and shredding is great for education. I think a business is better built around actual products people want to buy. If you have that, then acquiring plastic to feed the machines is trivial in comparison, including just buying recycled plastic from someone else.\
7:43 PM
Also, the space you need for making a product for sale is actually much smaller than a shredding operation.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:45 PM
What makes the investment high? from what I was calculating it would be almost twice the price to make products when looking just at machinery and molds. (edited)
7:48 PM
Iv also experimented with 3D printing products made from recycled PET but it was much harder to find a product that people want, that's why I switched my mind set to looking for a material people need
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:48 PM
What are you expecting to spend on a shredder? We had a basic single-axis shredder and it was so painfully slow and required constant attention to press down bottles into the teeth, etc. Maybe 1kg per hour in output? So you're not covering the wages of a person to stand by the machine, let alone pay for your overhead or the investment in the machine itself. The Pro shredder was something like $8000 and lets us grind through a lot more material -- we do two passes, no screen, and I'm thinking about getting a secondary grinder (the kind used for regrinding sprues and waste in a plant) for about $3000 to get a consistent flake/regrind size.
7:50 PM
I figure that $12/kg is not making us any money, but it is part of outreach and market development/experiment. We make a lot more money reselling recycled pellets at $6.75 to $7.50 per kg. (As long as we bought 6000 lbs of pellets, we figured we'd address the conspicuous void in the market for smaller quantities of reycled pellets. And there we're finding customers who are buying say 10-40 kg at a time.)
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:52 PM
I was looking to get a used motor, 3D print some parts like the hopper, source the metal parts of the Bazar, and do the wiring my self with just stuff you can get at a store. (edited)
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:53 PM
Consider who lives within ten miles of you. How many of them would ever buy shredded plastic? How many of them would ever buy a consumer product made of recycled plastic? The answers are probably "zero" and "more than zero."
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:54 PM
That's a valid point but the risk of buying a mold that isn't successful is also there
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:54 PM
You can buy a t-shirt press on Amazon for under $200 including shipping, and use it to press sheets from straight up bags, and then cut those sheets with woodworking tools into ... ??? Hell, you could use a scroll saw to make christmas ornaments, or keychains. You could find a makerspace with a laser or CNC that could be used to cut any 2D shape in the universe.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:55 PM
Thats a good idea, I will looking into this
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:55 PM
You can buy a sandwich press or a George Foreman grill at a garage sale, estate sale, or thrift store for $5. (I've acquired like four of them at that price now.)
7:56 PM
You can use plywood and woodworking clamps to press together blocks of grill-melted plastic, either as a crude mold or as a blank that gives you solid HDPE that can be turned, machined, hand-carved.
7:57 PM
The maintenance on these things is much less than what you wind up doing with a shredder.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 7:59 PM
There would still be the marketing and selling of the product but I'll put some thought into possible product ideas.
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 7:59 PM
Find your local metal dealer and see what they have in their scrap bins. The one by us sells the offcuts and scraps of steel plate/bar/angle/pipe for 50 cents per pound; aluminum for $2 per pound. Find a cheap angle grinder, die grinder, drill press, etc., and make your own 2D molds.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 8:01 PM
I own a table saw, band saw, circulatory saw, ect so I guess if the shirt press managed to make plastic like wood it is definitely possible to make anything
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 8:01 PM
Shredded plastic still requires marketing and selling, but with a market that is much smaller and dispersed around the globe. Shipping, payment processing,... versus handing someone an object in person in exchange for cash.
8:02 PM
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 8:02 PM
Im going to try and make something just with bags an Iron and the bandsaw to see how things work
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 8:03 PM
Voila. Tabletop made of HDPE pressed in a sub-$200 t-shirt heat transfer press. Wooden legs and aprons made of pallet wood. Assembled with screws. (Pocket screws & glue holding legs/aprons; drywall screws going up through aprons to hold the plastic top.)
8:04 PM
Tools involved: t-shirt press, table saw, drill, pocket hole jig (and that's optional, there are so many ways to do the joinery).
8:04 PM
You could do this with straight HDPE grocery bags, no shredding.
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Jack Apotsos 10/15/2023 8:04 PM
Fairly simple, you have me convinced this may be a better cheaper idea
8:05 PM
Thank you for all the help and guidance
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JohnNephew 10/15/2023 8:06 PM
My pleasure!
8:13 PM
IMO, the genius of Precious Plastic is in the "precious" side... making things that people perceive as precious, as worth having, often by having the artisanal touch that is characteristically absent from mass produced plastic. Find your niche on the level of the end product people will pay a premium to own, and the questions of raw materials and supply will be trivial after that. And if you know what people are buying, that can guide your investment in whatever tools and materials make sense. (For example, we're putting a lot of focus on "making things from waste we KNOW was going to go into our LOCAL landfill if we didn't take it" -- so the shredder investments make sense as part of that marketing pitch, and I'm willing to know that I am paying more to make a product with our shred than I would spend on 100% recycled material from an industrial recycler. But in part we are making that marketing pitch because we have already invested in the shredder and setting up local supply of diverted materials. Not sure I'd do it the same if I went back a year and a half in time and started from scratch with my current knowledge & experience.)
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JohnNephew
Tools involved: t-shirt press, table saw, drill, pocket hole jig (and that's optional, there are so many ways to do the joinery).
Inspired Plastics 10/17/2023 3:18 AM
Nice even and smooth tabletop! Did that take a lot of work to finish it?
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JohnNephew
IMO, the genius of Precious Plastic is in the "precious" side... making things that people perceive as precious, as worth having, often by having the artisanal touch that is characteristically absent from mass produced plastic. Find your niche on the level of the end product people will pay a premium to own, and the questions of raw materials and supply will be trivial after that. And if you know what people are buying, that can guide your investment in whatever tools and materials make sense. (For example, we're putting a lot of focus on "making things from waste we KNOW was going to go into our LOCAL landfill if we didn't take it" -- so the shredder investments make sense as part of that marketing pitch, and I'm willing to know that I am paying more to make a product with our shred than I would spend on 100% recycled material from an industrial recycler. But in part we are making that marketing pitch because we have already invested in the shredder and setting up local supply of diverted materials. Not sure I'd do it the same if I went back a year and a half in time and started from scratch with my current knowledge & experience.)
Inspired Plastics 10/17/2023 3:19 AM
The marketing message is also that you are picking up the plastic that the industrial operations don’t pick up. They pick up and process the β€˜low lying fruit’ and leave the rest of the 95% of plastic .
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Inspired Plastics
Nice even and smooth tabletop! Did that take a lot of work to finish it?
JohnNephew 10/17/2023 3:47 AM
Nope. Just squared it up as all. The sheets come out smooth, pressed between aluminum sheets.
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Inspired Plastics 10/17/2023 3:49 AM
What did you use to stop them from sticking? I tried silicone spray, but they still stick. I have been using non stick sheets, but they give a texture (edited)
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Inspired Plastics
What did you use to stop them from sticking? I tried silicone spray, but they still stick. I have been using non stick sheets, but they give a texture (edited)
JohnNephew 10/17/2023 3:54 AM
We sometimes use a mold release spray, but often clean aluminum comes off pretty well by itself from HDPE. Agreed on texture from nonstick sheets or parchment paper.
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Inspired Plastics 10/17/2023 3:57 AM
What temp and how long? I have been trying pp most recently. @360. - but I may be cooking for too long or something.
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JohnNephew 10/17/2023 4:11 AM
I think we've been using a higher temp on PP. We leave it cooling in the press. (edited)
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CitSciWorkshop
We do, and dedicated to Precious Plastic items, so people don't have to wait in line or ask for odd quotes from retail laser cutting outfits.
JaynaRene 10/28/2023 3:38 AM
Awesome, where are you located?
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