Sustainability Through the Years
Helping to shape our environment
Sustainable Approach
To 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a production technique that typically uses a combination of plastic and metal powders. All 3D printing projects, from furniture to body parts, start with a graphic design that is then turned into a physical product. Despite the environmental drawbacks of 3D printing, such as excessive energy consumption and the production of toxic by-products,our companies are finding a balance between new technologies and environmentally friendly materials.As additive manufacturing (AM) becomes increasingly popular, more and more Chinese 3D printing companies are re-examining their production methods to find out how to use more sustainable materials while maintaining cost savings and efficiency. In response to environmental regulations, Wonder Tech has now set sustainability goals to guide their work: to maintain a circular economy and to reuse as many materials and products as possible. Ending the cycle of plastic waste and trash items ending up in landfills, oceans and incinerators.
Key Levers
To Achieve Our Objectives
This commitment to environmentally friendly practices that reduce CO2 emissions by minimising the transport of materials leads to successful, viable solutions. Here are some of the ways Wonder Tech contributes to sustainable development.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Most plastic products end up in the world’s oceans and one way to combat this pollution is to reduce plastic waste. Because 3D printing uses a layer-by-layer application method, only a minimal amount of material is used and no trimming is required. Unlike reduced material processing methods, 3D printing leaves hollow spaces in between or in designs where no material needs to be removed or wasted. As a result, less plastic is consumed and less waste is discarded.
Using biodegradable materials
Biodegradable raw materials are now used in 3D printing processes. One common substance is a biodegradable plant polymer called PLA, which is usually made from corn but can also include wood, soy, algae or seaweed. Recent advances in water-based polymers are incorporating other natural ingredients such as cellulose and calcium carbonate. Another uses biocomposites to combine agricultural waste and renewable resources for manufacturing, serving a variety of industries, from packaging to automotive, material handling, household goods and furniture.
Recycling plastics
Another option to promote sustainability in additive manufacturing is to recycle discarded plastic items or reuse plastic waste from factories. One way to do this is to create new polymer filaments which are stronger than the original polymer fibres. There are now machines that can reuse clean and shredded thermoplastics. Small pieces are then passed through an extruder to produce new recycled filament.
Reduced emissions
Often, products need to be transported to other facilities for packaging or other final applications. If a manufacturer can complete the production process in one facility, the need to transport materials can be reduced – fewer truck or aeroplane trips, less emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. In addition, remote access makes it easier to transfer 3D designs via email, eliminating the need for road trips.
Protecting ecosystems
Natural coral reefs around the world are deteriorating due to global warming and with the help of 3D printing it is possible to create plastic coral reefs. Artificial reefs are installed next to natural reefs to encourage coral regeneration and the restoration of the reef’s natural inhabitants. The recycling of additive manufacturing also helps to eliminate plastic waste from the oceans. Collecting discarded fishing nets, for example, which trap and kill aquatic species, and then recycling these nets to make new 3D printed plastic products.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing technology, will continue to evolve and eventually join or replace traditional material processing tools. In the meantime, researchers are looking for more solutions to make 3D printing an economical and sustainable process. As material production methods are shifting to reduce, reuse and recycle, companies can comply with environmental regulations and offer high-quality, environmentally friendly products.
