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ELH Tech (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Introduction
3D Printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), is Circular Ecosystem Goals
a revolutionary technology that creates objects by layering The initiative reuses waste powder to produce filament,
materials based on digital designs. It has applications in aligning with the principles of a circular economy. Recycling
industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, reduces landfill waste, offsets virgin polymer demand, and
and aerospace. Among the various 3D printing technologies, minimises the environmental impact of AM.
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is one of the most widely
used. FDM builds objects layer by layer using thermoplastic CO2 Reduction Formula
filament, which is heated, extruded through a nozzle, and The carbon footprint reduction is calculated as follows:
deposited onto a build platform. CO2 Savings (kg)= Waste Powder (kg) × [CO2 Emissions for
Virgin Polymer Production (kg CO2/kg) − CO2 Emissions for
Filament is the primary raw material for FDM printing, Recycling (kg CO2/kg)]
typically made of polymers such as PLA, ABS, or PA12. The
quality and properties of the filament directly impact the • Average emissions for virgin polymer production: 8.3 kg
strength, precision, and surface finish of 3D-printed parts. CO2 per kg of material (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
However, the process of producing filament traditionally relies •Average emissions for recycling: 3.5 kg CO2 per kg of
on virgin polymers, which are resource-intensive and generate material (Engineer Live, 2024).
significant carbon emissions.
Example Calculation
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), another 3D printing technology, For 500 kg of waste powder:
often results in a large amount of unused powder due to CO2 Savings=500×(8.3−3.5) =2,400kg CO2 annually
thermal degradation during the printing process. This Waste is
typically discarded, contributing to environmental challenges. Objectives
To address this, ELH Tech, a Singapore-based company
established in 2009 with a team of 15 employees, has • Create a circular ecosystem by repurposing SLS waste
collaborated with ITE College to create a circular ecosystem. powder into FDM filament.
This project focuses on converting SLS waste powder into FDM •Minimise environmental impact by reducing Waste and
filament, thereby reducing Waste, promoting sustainability, emissions.
and supporting the adoption of greener practices in the •Promote sustainable practices and reduce reliance on virgin
additive manufacturing sector. materials.

Environmental Review Environmental Aspects
SLS Waste and Impact •Waste Management: Preventing SLS powder from
contributing to landfill accumulation.
Up to 50% of powder used in SLS printing is discarded due to •Carbon Footprint Reduction: Cutting emissions by
thermal degradation (Feng et al., 2019). ELH Tech generates repurposing existing materials.
approximately 500 kg of waste powder annually, contributing •Sustainability: Encouraging recycling and circular economy
to landfill accumulation. practices in AM.

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