Sustainable Solution for Waste SLS/MJF Material

Developing Sustainable Solutions for Prototype Manufacturing

AZ3D, a prototype manufacturing company based in Tucson, Arizona, sought to manage and repurpose their used MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) material in an environmentally friendly way. The nylon-based powder is notoriously difficult to dispose of and cannot be used again in the MJF/SLS process. It is therefore often necessary for companies to store large quantities of the waste powder for years without a better solution. 

AZ3D needed a method to recycle its MJF material without contributing to microplastic pollution. Traditional plastic pelletization companies rejected the material, leaving AZ3D with limited options. The goal was to find a way to transform this waste into usable filament for 3D printing. After 3 years of consistent research, Rocky Parkerton finally discovered 3devo. Our team was enthusiastic about the challenge and agreed to commence testing. 

Increasing Sustainability and Efficiency

• Sustainable Practices
  With an in-house filament extrusion system, AZ3D can now manage the large quantities of MJF/SLS powder waste ethically and prevent microplastic pollution. 
• Future Developments
  Thanks to 3devo's Co-Creation initiative, talks are underway for AZ3D and the 3devo R&D team to collaborate in the development of a closed system for processing material directly from the storage barrels to the extruder.