Published 11/20/2024

WASP Develops Sustainable Solutions for Additive Manufacturing

Formnext 2024: Italy-based Wasp has developed technological solutions for additive manufacturing (AM) which are centered on sustainability, precision and creative freedom. This includes printing 100% recycled plastic directly from shreds, dynamically controlling pellet coloring and testing advanced geopolymer materials for reduced CO2 emissions.

Edited by: Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

3D Printing Recycling Station

WASP’s Rigenera 3D printing recycling station can print directly from recycled in-house shredded plastics that are compatible with all extruders in the WASP HDP line. Source (all images): WASP

WASP’s Rigenera 3D printing recycling station is a circular recycling system for plastic materials developed as the company focused on how to reuse large 3D printed parts. This extrusion system is capable of printing directly from recycled in-house shredded plastics that are compatible with all extruders in the WASP HDP line.

The recycling station is where disposed objects, faulty pieces and waste materials are collected, shredded and reprinted into new, functional products, giving new life to waste. The system consists of a series of tools that, when used together, enable manufacturers to manage the entire recycling process from start to finish.

Tools include:

Bins for waste and defective parts
Chain saw
Plastic shredder
Dehumidifier
WASP HDP Printer/Extruder on Robotic arm with Cerebro

Controlled Multicolor Pellet Extrusion System

WASP's Controlled Multicolor Pellet Extrusion System

The Metamorfosi controlled multicolor pellet extrusion system is capable of dynamically controlling and modifying the position, quantity and hue of color during the printing process. It is designed to enable precise control through an app that manages the dosing of pigments within the melting chamber. Utilizing the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black) enables the generation of a full spectrum of color ranges while the machine is printing. This method also enables real-time adjustments and blending of hues, which can result in dynamic and vibrant outputs.

The Metamorfosi is compatible with WASP’s AiBuild 3D printing software to enhance the precision and efficiency in 3D printing thanks to the integration with its advanced slicing software. This hybrid software enables 3D printing and CNC machining together in one secure platform. With centralized control of machines to reduce lead times, cuts costs and eliminate inefficiencies, it drives precision, speed and quality throughout production.

Large Scale High-Definition Printing From Plastic Granules

The Power WASP 45 HDP is a large-scale fused granulate fabrication (FGF) 3D printer designed to print at 45 degrees, enabling the creation of complex geometries and perform retractions. It is well suited for customized technical prints tailored for the nautical sector, offering precision and durability for marine applications. This 45-degree approach reduces the need for supports, as layers naturally self-support, which minimizes material use and enhances surface quality. Additionally, it distributes cooling stresses more evenly across prints, thereby reducing shrinkage and warping, and achieving faster heat dissipation.

Large-Scale Pellet Extruder for Robotic Arm 3D Printing

The WASP Extruder HDP XXL is an FGF extruder for large-scale applications. It features High-Definition Pellet (HDP) technology, which enables direct printing from thermoplastic pellets. Designed to be used with robotic arms, it works in conjunction with Cerebro, the integration system for robotic arms and WASP’s extruders. The extruder is compatible with the Rigenera extrusion system, which enables printing directly from 100% in-house recycled plastic shreds. Unlike traditional extruders, it can process various sizes of plastic by removing metal impurities.