A Czech company has successfully 3D printed a towering model of the Eiffel Tower for a local Olympics event, utilizing recycled ocean waste as its primary material. The 14-meter-high structure, comprising 1,600 3D printed pieces reinforced with steel rods, stands as a testament to innovative sustainability practices.
Jan Hrebabecky, the visionary behind the project and owner of 3DDen printing farm, procured printing filament made from ocean waste, specifically sourced from the shores of Thailand. This environmentally-conscious approach not only repurposes plastic waste but also boasts excellent mechanical and chemical properties, along with remarkable UV resistance.
The journey from waste collection by Thai fishermen to the final 3D printed masterpiece involved meticulous sorting, cleaning, desalination, and drying processes. Hrebabecky’s team, equipped with specialized printers tailored for the unique material, successfully overcame challenges such as material crystallization.
The Eiffel Tower, weighing two tonnes and equivalent to 800,000 plastic bottles, will serve as a focal point for the Olympic festival, offering visitors an immersive experience of Olympic sports and environmental awareness.
The project underscores the potential of 3D printing in sustainable manufacturing, paving the way for future projects like Hrebabecky’s ambition to construct printed houses from recycled ocean waste.
Source: france24.com
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