Reduce the plastic waste of Kathmandu by recycling and then reusing for research and development for making filaments for 3D printers to make different products to support local innovators and aid agencies.
*Note: Originally NEP/SGP/OP6/Y3/STAR/CH/2018/09
A study of waste composition in 58 municipalities conducted by SWMRMC shows that about 8 percent solid waste is plastics which pose a huge threat to wildlife and our environment. Recycling plastic saves energy, valuable resources and helps to protect our environment. Similarly, different types of plastics such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), high densityPolyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and poly vinyl chloride (PVC), can alsobe recycled. These plastics have to be collected separately or sorted once it is collected. It isthen cleaned, and heated to form pellets, which are then used to make new plastics. The project aimed to recycle solid plastics to turn it into 3D printer filaments which would then be used to turn complex designs into products using 3D printers with the help of CAD designs and 3D scanning technology. The product would support the education and local industries by making complex shapes for demonstration and further replication using other industrial process like casting, injection moulding, etc. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process which slices computer aided design (CAD) and deposit materials layer to form a physical product.
The project concept was to use carry out action research to test the use of recycle plastic in the 3D printing process and produce different prototypes of product for commercial, social and educational purposes. This technology significantly contributes to circular economy for a number of reasons. First, recycled plastic can be used as raw material to produce different prototypes. Second, it is an additive manufacturing process and no waste is generated as compared to subtractive manufacturing. It also consumes less energy. Third, it is an ideal solution to produce broken parts thereby increasing the lifespan of the product. Rather than buying a whole set of new equipment, it can be made functional with custom spare part. Fourth feature is 3D printing is Just-in-time production i.e. print when required or after receiving an order. As such, there is no requirement to produce in large volume and store it for later use. Thus it not only helps in reducing the waste but also reduces cost of storage.
The project was implemented by Robotic Association of Nepal (RAN). From the very beginning of the project, RAN partnered with Zener Technologies and develop business module to produce different prototypes of products and link with various business and academic institutions. The project also partnered with Field Ready org. for capacity building and information dissemination.
The project concept was to use carry out action research to test the use of recycle plastic in the 3D printing process and produce different prototypes of product for commercial, social and educational purposes. This technology significantly contributes to circular economy for a number of reasons. First, recycled plastic can be used as raw material to produce different prototypes. Second, it is an additive manufacturing process and no waste is generated as compared to subtractive manufacturing. It also consumes less energy. Third, it is an ideal solution to produce broken parts thereby increasing the lifespan of the product. Rather than buying a whole set of new equipment, it can be made functional with custom spare part. Fourth feature is 3D printing is Just-in-time production i.e. print when required or after receiving an order. As such, there is no requirement to produce in large volume and store it for later use. Thus it not only helps in reducing the waste but also reduces cost of storage.
The project was implemented by Robotic Association of Nepal (RAN). From the very beginning of the project, RAN partnered with Zener Technologies and develop business module to produce different prototypes of products and link with various business and academic institutions. The project also partnered with Field Ready org. for capacity building and information dissemination.
Loading map...
Project Snapshot
Grantee:
Robotics Association of Nepal
Country:
Nepal
Area Of Work:
Chemicals
Grant Amount:
US$ 16,289.00
Co-Financing Cash:
Co-Financing in-Kind:
US$ 13,500.00
Project Number:
NEP/SGP/OP5/STAR/CH/2018/09 - recoded
Status:
Satisfactorily Completed
Project Characteristics and Results
Replication of project activities
Kathmandu University School of Engineering has adopted this digital additive manufacturing process and established an advanced lab which is also open to local communities and other researchers for humanitarian projects. Apart form this, Balaju School of Engineering and Technology (BSET), a CTEVT (Center for Technical Education and Vocational Training) affiliated recognized engineering school has also established advanced 3D technology lab to facilitate student projects and conduct research activities. They are working on integrating this technology into their curriculum.
+ View more
SGP Country office contact
Mr. Vivek Dhar Sharma
Phone:
00977-1-5550119
Fax:
00977-1-5530269
Email:
Address
UNDP, P.O. Box 107
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Visit the Nepal Country Page