UTA Libraries Partners with SIGMA Lab to Recycle 3D Printing Materials

The UTA Libraries FabLab is partnering with Dr. Emma Yang from The Sustainable and Intelligent Manufacturing (SIGMA) Laboratory in the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, & Systems Engineering to recycle scrap 3D printing materials.

The partnership will support Dr. Yang’s research about the environmental impact of 3D printing as well as advance the Libraries’ initiative to operate more sustainably.

“The FabLab is always looking for ways to shrink our footprint,” said FabLab Director Katie Peery. “We are excited to work with Dr. Yang to find new methods of recycling and reusing 3D printing materials.”

Two boxes have been set up in the FabLab—one for ABS filament and one for PLA filament—where students can deposit scrap support material, failed and abandoned prints, and unused feedstock. These materials will be collected periodically by Dr. Yang for the study.

“Having this chance to partner with the Fablab on the recycling program has truly been my honor,” Dr. Yang said. “I am always interested in transforming research results into real-life applications. I would be so proud if one day, the FabLab could use our recycled materials in their printing while achieving similar print quality and mechanical properties.”

Dr. Yang says the partnership will benefit everyone involved—but especially UTA students.

“This collaboration will provide chances for involved students to participate in the fundamental research as well as the process where the research results are actually used in real-life applications,” Dr. Yang said. “I hope that, through this collaboration, our students will be even more willing to participate in research projects across campus and bring their important perspectives to world-changing work.”

Those interested in participating in the recycling program can email Dr. Emma Yang at yiran.yang@uta.edu.