Chinese scientists tout infinitely recyclable 3D printer resin — can be broken down at the molecular level using a thermally reversible photo-click reaction
https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/chinese-scientists-develop-infinitely-recyclable-3d-printer-resin-can-be-broken-down-at-the-molecular-level-using-a-thermally-reversible-photo-click-reaction
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> The world of 3D printing has grown significantly over the years, and with that, **so has the waste generated from the hobby.** Thankfully, we have researchers like the team of scientists over at Zhejiang University who are working hard to reduce this waste and make 3D printing more sustainable as a whole.
> The team elaborated on the process, explaining that the resin is more easily recyclable thanks to what they call a thermally reversible photo-click reaction. This makes the resin infinitely recyclable as the molecular structure can be rebuilt each time as if the material were new. This lends to their ultimate goal of helping reduce resin waste when UV printing.
> An important factor in the recyclability of the resin is its structural integrity. There is reportedly **no compromise in performance when using the recycled resin as opposed to the original**, unprocessed batch. Professor Xie Tao confirmed that the resin is broken down **at the molecular level** and can then be reprinted.
> Resin printers work similarly to FDM printers in that they produce objects one layer at a time. With resin printing, beams of light are used to solidify layers of liquid resin that are stored in a small vat. The resin used by most UV printers today can be recycled sometimes, but not easily—especially in the way that this team has created.
> One benefit to the recyclable resin outside of its sustainable nature is its economic impact. The resin also contributes to the “circular economy” in 3D printing. It ensures makers have reliable material with the performance they need while providing a **reusability factor that reduces overall cost.**
Very interesting. As a 3D printing enthusiast one of the things I hate the most is having to deal with all the supports and extra stuff that comes off the prints when I’m processing a painted item. Furthermore, the supports needed use up resin so being able to recycle those pieces into printable resin would make the cost of printing things significantly cheaper.
To say that it’s just as durable, however, makes me suspicious. There are different types and versions of resins, some of which that are stronger than others. So which resins are these being compared to?