PLA+FORM

PLAT+FORM is a student-led initiative dedicated to repurposing unwanted 3D printed prototypes donated by our graduating cohort into tabletop coasters. We hope to give these pre-loved prints a second lease of life and a more permanent place in our homes.    

Why PLA+FORM?
3D printing enables designers to produce and test 3D models much more efficiently and effectively than ever before. However, it is also a process that produces a lot of waste as design involves many rounds of iterations. Thus, a group of us decided to make something out of the unwanted 3D prints in our design studio that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

The Process PLA Recycling:
PLA 3D printed prototypes were broken into smaller pieces before putting them into the oven. Under a consistent temperature slightly below its melting point, the PLA bits fuse with one another to form a flat PLA sheet. Finally, the sheets are laser cut into coasters, followed by a light sanding to achieve a smooth finishing.