HeroX Challenge Research

Problem Defined

• It is known that plastic waste is a global problem that continues to not receive much attention. We continue to produce non-biodegradable plastic today.
• 3D Printing housing infrastructure using a large printer(4'x4'x8')

Research and Potential Ideas

• Engineering Effort
  • 3D Printer Size
  • Building Printer Hardware
  • Further research into other materials to use for printing (Geo-Polymers)
• Revenue/Business Model
  • $100K Incentive
  • Precious Plastics Business Case Study
• Collaborative Effort
• City Engineering Code Reform and Certification
• Marketing/Sponsor/Outreach Efforts
• Sourcing Plastic Resources
  • Starting a Recycling Facility in a City/Town
  • Buy others waste for a price
  • Composition of the plastics

Questions/Alternatives

• Plastic forms for construction, an example would be rammed earth structures
• Chemical engineering before final plastic product?
• https://nefhousebuilder.com/insulated-concrete-forms/ - Research into insulated concrete forms
• Producing filament spools from the waste plastic?
• Risk of fire or high heat melting the structure?

Action Items

• High Temperature 3D Printer Industry Standards