Development of a 3D printer–scanner hybrid from e-waste

Once the operational life of electronics component is over, it becomes part of electronic waste (e-waste). Afterwards, it is either dumped in landfills or recycled for metallic constituents. Landfills, in long run, are proven hazardous. Recycling approach also leaves a significant energy footprint on environment. This article presents a brief insight into the harmful impacts of the e-waste. Primary aim of this work is to justify the importance of adjusting new technology according to the conventional one so that the working components from the obsolete technology can be utilized optimally. Prototype of compact 3D printer and 3D scanner combo is presented here, as one of the solution. The main components of this system, namely stepper motors, power supply, and metallic supporting structure, are salvaged from e-waste. Interfacing and control codes (novel aspects of the work) are developed for automation. Performance of this printer is compared with a commercial 3D printer. Prototype is found suitable (even performing at par) for samples (wall thickness of 0.1mm\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$0.1mm$$\end{document}). The inter-convertibility act will become necessary when new technologies like 5G, electric vehicle take over and existing one will become obsolete leaving significant e-waste to dispose. It is expected that this philosophy, if integrated at industrial level by encouraging protocols for product development and manpower training, would reduce the burden on the environment.