An Investigation on the Possibility of Retrofitting 3D Printers from Local Scrap E-Waste in Nigeria

Paul Amaechi Ako, Chukwuemeka Onyedinma Anyaoha, Ndudim Henry Ononiwu, Eveth Nkeiruka Nwobodo-Anyadiegwu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing procedure, with capability of producing desired materials under computer control. While the technology is fast gaining global momentum, the cost is still prohibitive, especially in low-income economies. This places substantial hindrance to its enormous benefits of good aesthetic finish and precision of throughputs, among others. Development of 3D printers from Electrical/Electronic-waste can improve environmental sustainability. This study attempts to utilize the ubiquitous electrical and electronic waste materials prevalent in Nigeria to fabricate a cost-effective 3D printing demonstration unit, which can be used to introduce students to additive manufacturing. Using an experimental research approach, the study was divided into three different phases, which include: scrap gathering, sorting, characterization and specification; fabrication and assembly as well as programming and calibration. The results show that E-waste scraps, which constitute menacing waste management issues, can convert to wealth through deployment in 3D printer fabrication and utilization.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationScience, Engineering Management and Information Technology - 2nd International Conference, SEMIT 2023, Proceedings
EditorsA. Mirzazadeh, Zohreh Molamohamadi, Babek Erdebilli, Efran Babaee Tirkolaee, Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages172-183
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9783031722868
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event2nd International Conference on Science, Engineering Management and Information Technology, SEMIT 2023 - Ankara, Turkey
Duration: 14 Sept 202315 Sept 2023

Publication series

NameCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Volume2199 CCIS
ISSN (Print)1865-0929
ISSN (Electronic)1865-0937

Conference

Conference2nd International Conference on Science, Engineering Management and Information Technology, SEMIT 2023
Country/TerritoryTurkey
CityAnkara
Period14/09/2315/09/23

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • characterization
  • desired result
  • E-waste
  • retrofitting
  • waste management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • General Mathematics

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