Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
A 3D printed plastic boat made by grinding up used milk jugs
The day of the Derby when the team showed up with the printed boat, “the
boat required some explaining,” Mark Ganter said. After some discussion with
the Derby race committee, it was agreed that the printed boat could race in the
age 14 and up group. After getting last-minute permission from Derby judges,
ive minutes before the race, students Matt Rogge and Adam Commons loaded
the boat into the water. Matt Rogge paddled his way to a second place inish
in the 14+ age group.
The 3D printed boat was an environmentally exciting project because it
proved that recycled milk jugs can be re-used and 3D printed into substan-
tial and usable objects. Plastic milk jugs are made of HDPE (high-density
polyethylene) plastic, a widely used and recyclable type of petroleum ther-
moplastic. Most plastic doesn't get recycled, however. According to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, across all types of plastics, recycling rates
average about 13 percent, much lower than that for garbage made of glass,
steel, aluminum, and paper.
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Plant-based plastics may provide a greener alternative to petroleum-based
plastic. When I asked Mark about available greener printing plastics, he
