Let’s face it, we live in a world where everything’s getting 3D printed: from shoes to chairs, and, if you’re lucky, even the occasional pizza slice. But have you ever thought about using your day-to-day junk as 3D printing filament? That’s right, folks – your trash could be your treasure. Here’s a funny rundown of common household items that could (in theory, of course) be melted down and converted into 3D printer filament:
1. Old Plastic Milk Bottles
If you’re feeling ambitious and nostalgic for that childhood moment when you turned your milk carton into a rocket ship, you’re in luck. Milk bottles are made from PET plastic, which, after a good rinse, could be shredded into lovely filament. You could make… a miniature plastic cow? A milk jug sculpture to commemorate your daily intake? Or maybe just a nice, sturdy paperweight.
Pro Tip: If you ever wonder what your future home could look like, it’s probably going to be made entirely of recycled milk bottles. Modern architecture, here we come.
2. Plastic Cutlery
You know those plastic forks that you get at fast food joints and parties you didn’t want to attend? It’s time to put those sad little spoons and knives to better use. They could be melted down and extruded into a filament to print something useful like… more forks! It’s like a never-ending cycle.
Pro Tip: Make sure you don’t accidentally print a fork that’s just a more expensive plastic fork. We’ve all been there.
3. The Plastic Lid to That Coffee Cup
Have you ever tossed out that plastic lid that’s somehow still clinging onto your life as you drink your coffee (and then immediately regret the coffee as the caffeine kicks in)? The plastic in those lids, usually polypropylene, could be recycled into filament. Imagine printing out a replacement lid for your coffee mug. Never fear your lost lid again!
Pro Tip: If you decide to print a coffee cup lid, remember to actually fill it with coffee afterward. It’s embarrassing when your 3D-printed bottle looks just like your real one, but it’s entirely useless.
4. Old Tupperware
Ah, Tupperware. The place where all the lost socks and mismatched lids go to die. But what if you could turn those forgotten plastic containers into a masterpiece instead of letting them rot in the bottom of the cupboard? You could fashion your next vase, a phone stand, or – let’s be real – just another Tupperware container to store even more leftovers. You’re helping the planet, one storage container at a time.
Pro Tip: Just don’t use the one with that mysterious spaghetti stain. We’ve all been there. Trust us.
5. Shampoo Bottles
If you’re like me, you’ve accumulated more empty shampoo and conditioner bottles than you care to admit. They’re often made of HDPE plastic, which is a perfect candidate for filament production. You could print a shampoo bottle that’s way too complicated for your needs, or maybe a tiny replica of your shampoo bottle to remind you of your personal hygiene goals.
Pro Tip: If you decide to print a shampoo bottle, remember to actually fill it with shampoo afterward. It’s embarrassing when your 3D-printed bottle looks just like your real one, but it’s entirely useless.
6. Plastic Bags
We all have that one drawer (or two, or three) filled with plastic bags from every store we’ve ever visited. But before you toss them in the trash, why not turn them into filament? It’s actually a thing, and it could result in some really unique prints, like a waterproof bag or, you know, more bags. Because you can never have too many plastic bags.
Pro Tip: If you 3D print too many bags, you might get stuck in a loop. Be careful, or you’ll need a 3D-printed bag to store all your 3D-printed bags.
7. Old Credit Cards
You’ve probably got a few expired credit cards hiding in your wallet, just waiting for their time to shine. Instead of keeping them for an emergency that will never happen (seriously, you can’t charge a pizza to your expired card), turn them into 3D printer filament. You could print a custom wallet, a mini credit card holder, or – let’s be real – a beautiful stack of mini credit cards that will only work if your printer’s fancy enough.
Pro Tip: Just be careful not to use your current credit cards. They might frown upon you printing out more credit cards. The bank may get involved.
8. Old DVDs
Remember when you thought DVDs were the future? If you’re sitting on a pile of old movies no one’s ever going to watch again (including that weird season of a show you bought on a whim), those discs could be used for filament. Who knew that your movie night leftovers could turn into a new keychain? Or a DVD-inspired paperclip holder? Ah, the possibilities!
Pro Tip: You could make a custom movie collection holder. But, let’s face it, if you really need one, you might need to step into the future.
9. Plastic Toothbrush Handles
Okay, hear me out. Those toothbrush handles you’ve been tossing out every few months? They could be the perfect addition to your filament collection. Your next toothbrush holder could be created using… well, another toothbrush. This is recycling taken to the next level, folks.
Pro Tip: Just remember, if you’re 3D printing a toothbrush, don’t use it. Or do. But be prepared for some confused looks when people ask why your toothbrush looks like a DIY project.
10. Old Video Game Controllers
Ah, the video game controllers that have become obsolete faster than your skills on a Saturday night. These plastic gadgets could easily be repurposed for a 3D printer filament feast. It’s time to upgrade your controllers into something more important: like a 3D-printed figurine of your favorite character. Finally, a use for that broken Xbox controller!
Pro Tip: If you decide to print more controllers… you might find yourself in a strange cycle where you 3D print your old controllers, then break them, then print more controllers, and then break those too. Just an idea.
11. Old Soda and Water Bottles (500ml, 2L)
Yes, those soda and water bottles you’ve been tossing out every week? They’re made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a perfect material for filament production! After a good rinse, you can shred them and extrude them into filament to print… a new bottle? Or maybe just an endless cycle of recycled bottles.
Pro Tip: If you’re thinking of printing a bottle, make sure it’s not full of leftover soda or water (unless you want to print the world’s most exciting can holder). Also, be mindful of the cap—those are usually made from a different type of plastic, so just toss those aside!
So there you have it: your household junk, reimagined as 3D printing filament. You might not need to use all of it, but it’s a fun way to see what’s hiding in your cupboards. And hey, if you accidentally make a life-size replica of your trash can, you’ll have definitely recycled in style.
Happy 3D printing, folks!
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