A group of students with STEM products, including a machine that recycles plastic bottles into 3D printing materials (center)
Do it yourself
The 3D printing filament machine from plastic bottles, or simply put, the machine that recycles plastic bottles into 3D printing materials, was made by a group of 11th grade students including Truong Ngo Gia Bao, Le Hoang Bao Huy, Nguyen Dinh Minh Anh and Do Hoang Phuong Trang since March. Up to now, the machine has taken shape and is operating stably, and the group of students continues to "upgrade" the interface to make it more eye-catching.
Gia Bao, the team leader, shared that the motivation to start the project came from the fact that the need to use 3D printers in schools is increasing, especially for teaching or club activities on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). However, the price of 3D printing ink ranges from 250,000-300,000 VND, which is not suitable for many students' budgets.
Gia Bao (left) and Bao Huy complete the machine parts.
"At that time, we learned about a type of 3D printing ink that has the same properties as everyday plastic bottles, namely PET plastic. This discovery motivated us to find a way to recycle plastic bottles into qualified plastic filaments for 3D printing for STEM education, as well as help answer our questions when learning about the profession," Bao said.
To design the plastic bottle recycling machine, Bao said the team had to refer to the structure from open source code, and at the same time learn on YouTube how to use 3D modeling software and programming software. Then, the team drew the design, based on which they produced the machine components such as gears, kickstands, cutters..., programmed and assembled the motor with many control circuits to help the finished plastic fibers not be too brittle and have the right diameter...
Overview of the machine that recycles plastic bottles into 3D printing materials and finished 3D printed products
"The operating principle of the machine is quite simple. First, the user cuts the bottom of the plastic bottle flat and then continues to cut it diagonally into large fibers. Then, turn on the switch, adjust the appropriate temperature and put the large fibers into the heating head to process into small fibers. Finally, the user hooks the small fibers into the gear and lets the machine do it completely automatically," Bao explained, adding that 4 1.5-liter plastic bottles will produce plastic rolls to print 2 3D models measuring 15cm x 5cm.
According to the team members, the most difficult part of making the recycling machine was ensuring that the components "fit" the design. For example, the team designed and printed nearly twenty different gears over and over again to get the most stable final product for the machine. "Almost every step required a lot of trial and error to 'finalize' the complete structure," Bao confided.
The plastic bottles to be recycled will go through the heating head (black box, left cover) to be heat treated and form a filament suitable for 3D printers.
3D designed and printed gears help the machine draw plastic filaments into rolls
Remarkable achievement
Before making the plastic recycling machine, Gia Bao won first prize at the national level at the MakeX global robotics competition, then ranked 6th in the world round held in Guangzhou, China. In addition, the male student also won 7 city-level awards for robotics and other technology projects.
The members of the group are equally talented. Bao Huy won second prize in the city-level math competition and third prize in the city-level scientific research competition. Minh Anh won a bronze medal in the April Olympiad in natural sciences and third prize in the city-level science and technology competition. Phuong Trang won a gold medal in the April Olympiad in geography.
Incorporate into school curriculum
Not stopping at personal projects, the group of students also brought the 3D printing plastic recycling machine from plastic bottles into the activities of the STEM club at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School, where they are all key members. Here, new members can learn how to make and operate a technical product, and at the same time have more sources of materials to produce 3D printed products such as models for assembling electrical circuits, joints for robots, etc.
Phuong Trang (left) and Minh Anh are mainly responsible for content editing and image design.
Mr. Nguyen Van Ba, Vice Principal of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School, added that since the previous school year, STEM has been designed into a program for students to register for, with specialized teachers in charge and specific timetables and lesson plans. STEM club members like Gia Bao, therefore, have also become the core "force" to support teachers and peers in class.
According to Mr. Ba, to develop the STEM program and support students in scientific research and project implementation, the school not only invests in facilities but also seeks funding from universities and businesses. Student products such as a machine that recycles plastic into 3D printing materials are also included in the program for illustration and teaching purposes.
Through practical projects, many students have gained experience for their future studies.
Manufacturing, programming... are skills that can be trained for students right from when they are in school.
"Up to now, the school's program in particular and STEM activities in general have become a prestigious 'destination'. Students not only develop their specific abilities through related activities but also receive practical career guidance while still in school," Mr. Ba shared.
Sharing the same opinion, Bao Huy said that from "a person who knew nothing", he has gained more knowledge and experience in electrical circuits and programming, making him more ready for his passion of working in the aviation engineering industry. Minh Anh and Phuong Trang agreed that the recent working process has helped them discover their strengths, while also gaining experience in the industry.
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