3D printed improved PET bottle stripper

In many countries, disposing of PET bottles has caused a major problem. Recycling these bottles proves a difficult challenge. This Bottle Stripper turns PET bottles into long strips that can be used to weave baskets, use as fishing line, use as a type of rope, or possibly even as 3D printer filament. This design spools the strips automatically as it operates.

Bill of Materials

  1. 1 -
  2. 1 -
  3. 1 -
  4. 2 -
  5. 1 -
  6. 1 -
  7. 1 -
  8. 2 -
  9. 6 - M3X10mm Bolts
  10. 8 - M3X16mm Bolts
  11. 14 - M3 Nuts
  12. 10-20 - M3 Washers
  13. Many - Standard Utility Blades

Tools needed

  • Athena Delta RepRap or equivalent 3D printer
  • PLA or ABS plastic filament
  • .STL Slicer program (Cura/Slic3r/etc.)
  • Appropriate driver for chosen bolts

Skills and knowledge needed

  • Proficient knowledge in 3D printer operation
  • Basic mechanical assembly skills

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

  1. Download files listed above
  2. Print specified number of parts
  3. Clean parts as needed with a razor blade
  4. Assemble parts as shown in the Completed Assembly photo above.
    1. Use 10mm bolts to clamp razor blade and spool rod
    2. Use 16mm bolts to secure parts to base (add washers as needed if bolts stick too far past bottom of the base)

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Cutting slots may need trimming before use
  • Bottles tend to begin to cut into plastic stripper over time. May need to replace with metal substitute.

Cost savings

  • ~252grams plastic filament - ~$7.32USD @ $29USD/kg
  • $1.89 in hardware from McMaster.com
  • 50 pack of utility blades $9.58 on Amazon
  • Total cost ~$18.79
  • No commercial equivalent can be found (other self made solutions, but no detailed drawings found)
  • Savings is in time from self-spooling action

Additional Files

Below is are the.SCAD files used to create this device.

References

  1. Utility Knife Blade Inventor model. Converted into.STL for use in OpenSCAD: https://grabcad.com/library/standard-utility-knife-blade
  2. http://www.utsumi.com.br/pet/English/filetador/index.html
  3. http://web.archive.org/web/20160222000558/http://www.livedebris.org:80/Photos/Art%20photos/Tutorials/bottle%20cutter%20tutorial.pdf
  4. https://www.appropedia.org/PET_Bottle_Shredder
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