3D printed shaving stuff

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

Whilst I marvel at the technology and really like some of the razors, the Stolls for example, I worry about the increase of plastic objects in our already stressed world. Landfill and ocean dump waiting to happen? Or has recycling reached the point where we can 3D print from recycled plastic? Or indeed, recycle the printed objects at the end of their useful life?

I’m not trying to be contentious or knock anyone’s efforts as the creativity here is truly to be admired, however I have said concern and would value an educated response to build my knowledge. Please and thank you.

Graeme (who’s not gairdning as Matron won’t let me out in the rain - some nonsense about age and arthritis…s’all jobbies if you ask me!)

Print in PLA then. It is biodegradable (or compostable depending on definition), although it will take 80 years to completely break down.

Is PLA Really Biodegradable or Sustainable?

The sustainability of using PLA has been one of its more enduring selling points, whether as a 3D printing material or for other applications and industries. On the production side, this claim is bolstered by

3dinsider.com

OR: 3D printing in metal is becoming a thing...

 

[SlimGem]

Whilst I marvel at the technology and really like some of the razors, the Stolls for example, I worry about the increase of plastic objects in our already stressed world. Landfill and ocean dump waiting to happen? Or has recycling reached the point where we can 3D print from recycled plastic? Or indeed, recycle the printed objects at the end of their useful life?

I’m not trying to be contentious or knock anyone’s efforts as the creativity here is truly to be admired, however I have said concern and would value an educated response to build my knowledge. Please and thank you.

Graeme (who’s not gairdning as Matron won’t let me out in the rain - some nonsense about age and arthritis…s’all jobbies if you ask me!)

Your comment about the stress on our planet is not only very valid and of high importance but perhaps it could be a topic that should have its own thread on this and other wet-shaving forums. I remember reading some comments years back about our small positive impact as vintage razor collectors who keep old razors going and possibly slow down the manufacturing of new disposable plastic razors and helping the environment in the process. I don't think there is enough data to justify those claims, but I'm sure all of us in the hobby have made a difference.

There are more resources on the web regarding 3d printing materials and waste. I've been 3d printing for many years and still learning, but in short, this is what I know. The printing media PLA, also known as polylactic acid, or polylactide is made from corn and is biodegradable. It is processed similarly the same way as petroleum-based polymers and converted into dextrose for its intended shelf life under normal conditions. What is neat about this material is that under normal conditions, it will not degrade, but it is biodegradable in a composting environment such as a compost bin, landfills, and the like. And of course, it can be recycled. There are other printing materials that are not so environmentally friendly such as ABS, but it is not a popular printing material due to the toxins it can release and can be difficult to use. Unfortunately, ABS is the most widely used material in manufacturing, including disposable razors. PLA is the material of choice for many in the hobby. Your comment is greatly appreciated, and I hope others can share their thoughts and knowledge as well.

 

[Northam Saint]

Whilst I marvel at the technology and really like some of the razors, the Stolls for example, I worry about the increase of plastic objects in our already stressed world. Landfill and ocean dump waiting to happen? Or has recycling reached the point where we can 3D print from recycled plastic? Or indeed, recycle the printed objects at the end of their useful life?

I’m not trying to be contentious or knock anyone’s efforts as the creativity here is truly to be admired, however I have said concern and would value an educated response to build my knowledge. Please and thank you.

Graeme (who’s not gairdning as Matron won’t let me out in the rain - some nonsense about age and arthritis…s’all jobbies if you ask me!)

You have a very good point. At present PLA, the only one I use, is recyclable, but not in the same way as say a plastic drinks bottle. This is to do with its lower melting point. It does biodegrade BUT over a very long period of times, but quicker under certain conditions. So it’s by no means a great option. But that said when you compare working life it’s better than daily domestic plastic waste.

 

[SlimGem]

Print in PLA then. It is biodegradable (or compostable depending on definition), although it will take 80 years to completely break down.

Is PLA Really Biodegradable or Sustainable?

The sustainability of using PLA has been one of its more enduring selling points, whether as a 3D printing material or for other applications and industries. On the production side, this claim is bolstered by

3dinsider.com

OR: 3D printing in metal is becoming a thing...

You beat me to it.

 

[SlimGem]

You have a very good point. At present PLA, the only one I use, is recyclable, but not in the same way as say a plastic drinks bottle. This is to do with its lower melting point. It does biodegrade BUT over a very long period of times, but quicker under certain conditions. So it’s by no means a great option. But that said when you compare working life it’s better than daily domestic plastic waste.

You beat me to it.

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

You beat me to it.

Only because I restricted myself to just two sentences

 

[Gairdner]

Thank you kindly for the informative responses, gents. Most educational and rest assured I have read and considered them thoroughly. PLA is clearly the best for our fair Mother Earth but I had no idea ABS was so bad.

Ok then you bunch of teasers, more pictures of razors and brush handles, please. Matron says pictures are better for me as those word things hurt my wee brain . Yes it is about that size too!

Anybody print blade cases or organisers? I’sa been trying to pop all my blades neatly into a drawer and it’s driving me potty (well pottier actually).

Ta muckle,
Graeme

 

[Northam Saint]

Thank you kindly for the informative responses, gents. Most educational and rest assured I have read and considered them thoroughly. PLA is clearly the best for our fair Mother Earth but I had no idea ABS was so bad.

Ok then you bunch of teasers, more pictures of razors and brush handles, please. Matron says pictures are better for me as those word things hurt my wee brain . Yes it is about that size too!

Anybody print blade cases or organisers? I’sa been trying to pop all my blades neatly into a drawer and it’s driving me potty (well pottier actually).

Ta muckle,
Graeme

I will take a look at blade cases and organisers. I’ve just set off mother bowl with a brush rest and after tomorrow lunchtime I’m away for a night. I’ll see what I can come up with.

 

[Gairdner]

Only because I restricted myself to just two sentences

IF ANYBODY IS LISTENING, I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE MY USERNAME UPSIDE DOWN LIKE ANDREAS, PLEASE. Oops, that’s shouting isn’t it? Matron says I mustn’t shout as it’s jolly bad form. Upside down is what, who and where I am but I don’t know why and when it happened. Pretty please with a PIF on top?

Yours hopefully,
Graeme the Gairdner

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

IF ANYBODY IS LISTENING, I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE MY USERNAME UPSIDE DOWN LIKE ANDREAS, PLEASE. Oops, that’s shouting isn’t it? Matron says I mustn’t shout as it’s jolly bad form. Upside down is what, who and where I am but I don’t know why and when it happened. Pretty please with a PIF on top?

Yours hopefully,
Graeme the Gairdner

There you go:
ɹǝupɹᴉɐפ

You can use scissors to cut it out and photocopy it.

 

[SlimGem]

Only because I restricted myself to just two sentences

Thank you kindly for the informative responses, gents. Most educational and rest assured I have read and considered them thoroughly. PLA is clearly the best for our fair Mother Earth but I had no idea ABS was so bad.

Ok then you bunch of teasers, more pictures of razors and brush handles, please. Matron says pictures are better for me as those word things hurt my wee brain . Yes it is about that size too!

Anybody print blade cases or organisers? I’sa been trying to pop all my blades neatly into a drawer and it’s driving me potty (well pottier actually).

Ta muckle,
Graeme

Here are links to my designs and @sɐǝɹpu∀
Plenty of pictures there.

www.thingiverse.com/rogerquin/designs
and
@sɐǝɹpu∀

razors.click - 3D Printed Designs

razors.click

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

IF ANYBODY IS LISTENING, I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE MY USERNAME UPSIDE DOWN LIKE ANDREAS, PLEASE. Oops, that’s shouting isn’t it? Matron says I mustn’t shout as it’s jolly bad form. Upside down is what, who and where I am but I don’t know why and when it happened. Pretty please with a PIF on top?

Yours hopefully,
Graeme the Gairdner

BTW: You really don't want an upside-down name.
Do you have any idea how difficult it was to find a keyboard with this layout (just to login) ???

 

[SlimGem]

BTW: You really don't want an upside-down name.
Do you have any idea how difficult it was to find a keyboard with this layout (just to login) ???

They are readily available on the other side of the equator.

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

They are readily available on the other side of the equator.

Not with a UK layout...

 

[Gairdner]

Loving the designs - the brushes are where I really see a marketable future. You can design just about any shape, print it, pop a knot in and watch the readies come flooding in. Two tone black and pale ivory in this shape please:

A bit taller and wider for one’s gardening mitts, with the ability to host a 26mm Cashmere knot. Black atop the pale ivory. Can you include a logo or writing or is this beyond current technology? I’m but a mere heathen in these matters. Ooh, a lovely shade of Heart of Midlothian maroon atop white, even? I know, I know, Captain Mainwaring and, “You’re getting into the realms of fantasy now, Jones.”