Recycling symbol with plastic identification

Why does it matter?

It is important to stamp and identify each plastic object made in the CP3 lab space and in other labs at Concordia, this is to allow recycling facilities to easily sort and recycle the objects in the future. Aside from the identification aspect, it serves as proof of the labor-intensive process required to recycle and re-purpose discarded plastics and is a testament to the Concordia community’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Including the appropriate plastic identification before 3D printing is done by adding the required information within the Slicer software, which will directly add the recycling symbol and sorting number to the surface of the plastic object as it is 3D printed.

Steps:

1. Download and install the latest version of Prusa Slicer. https://www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/
2. Open your design in Prusa Slicer.

1. Open the Shape gallery.
2. Select the symbol and number that matches the plastic type that you are using and click “Add to bed”.

You can download more recycling symbols from CP3’s repository. https://www.prusaprinters.org/social/205623-cp3/about

1. The printer will draw the plastic number on the first layer. Caution! Make sure the number is mirrored!

1. Now export your G-code and you are ready to print your part that will be well identified with the plastic type.