УДК 678.08
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-4-30
JEL classification: Q53, O33, Q57
Published: 19.12.2025
The article addresses the pressing issue of polymer waste accumulation resulting from the intensive development of additive manufacturing technologies (particularly FDM printing) and from processes in the light industry, such as garment, footwear, and leather goods manufacturing. It has been shown that this waste consists of technically valuable polymers, including ABS, PLA, PETG, EVA, and others, which can be effectively processed by mechanical shredding into specified particle sizes suitable for secondary use in extrusion, molding, or composite production. The study identifies the primary sources of polymer waste: defective and rejected products; support structures used in 3D printing (support, brim, raft); filament remnants; trimmings of sealing materials; sole fragments; heel counters; toe puffs; and multilayer components from discarded items. A classification of modern shredding equipment is provided, divided into laboratory, household/semi-industrial, and industrial shredders based on power, productivity, and design features. Attention in the article is given to the design, operating principle, and technical specifications of the compact Epo3D shredder, which was applied to shred ABS+ plastic waste generated during 3D printing. The configuration of the device components is clarified, including the hopper, rotary cutting shaft, screen, and collection container for the shredded material. Experimental results confirmed the device’s consistent, uniform operation, achieving particle sizes up to 0.5 mm. The use of Epo3D enables the creation of localized polymer recycling systems, which is an economically beneficial and environmentally sound solution for small-scale manufacturing and educational laboratories. Thus, the proposed technical approach contributes to reducing environmental impact, ensuring rational resource use, and establishing a closed-loop materials cycle within the light industry and 3D technology sectors.
Keywords: polymer shredder, mini shredder, waste recycling, 3D printing, polymers, secondary raw material, Epo3D, ABS+ shredding.
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Quote article, APA style
Polishchuk Andrii, Polishchuk Oleh, Skyba Mykola, Polishchuk Oleh. . Crusher of polymer materials: design, principle of operation, and prospects of application. The journal "Ukrainian Journal of Applied Economics and Technology". 2025 / #4. 160-163pp. https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-4-30
Quote article, MLA style
Polishchuk Andrii, Polishchuk Oleh, Skyba Mykola, Polishchuk Oleh. "Crusher of polymer materials: design, principle of operation, and prospects of application". The journal "Ukrainian Journal of Applied Economics and Technology". . https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-4-30