# DIY 3D Printing Filament

## Overview

http://youtu.be/H6tbZVsGuFk

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/018/790/medium800/hacks_spools.jpg?1407888122)

In this guide you'll learn about recycling failed prints to create DIY filament. Sustainable 3D printing saves you money and reduces waste.

Discarding your failed print may sound as easy as tossing them in the blue recycling bin, but most Recycling Centers don't accept failed prints since there is no manufacturing labels on them.

When 3D Printing becomes more than just a hobby, a whole lot of waste comes out of prototyping. Recycling bad prints helps lower the environmental impact on wasted plastic.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/018/791/medium800/hacks_filbot-hero.jpg?1407888156)

Filament extruders like the Filabot can recycle failed prints by crushing down small shredded pieces and allowing it to extrude out into recycled filament. You can make filament from standard, widely ­available plastic chips, or from recycled plastics from a variety of sources.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/018/769/medium800/hacks_tools.jpg?1407874284)

## Tools & Supplies

- [Filabot Extruder](http://filabot.com "Link: http://filabot.com")
- [Super Scissors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1599 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1599")
- [Hakko Precision Flat Pliers](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1368 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1368")
- [Fine Tip Curved Tweezers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/422 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/product/422")
- [Digital Caliper](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=caliper "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=caliper")
- Rubber Mallet
- [Electric Lawn Chipper](http://www.amazon.com/LawnMaster-FD1501-Electric-Chipper-Shredder/dp/B004352KE2/)
- [ESD Brush](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1209)
- [Tweezers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/421)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-3d-printing-filament/print-cost.md)

## Related Guides

- [Servo Boss](https://learn.adafruit.com/servo-boss.md)
- [3D Printed Truck Risers with NeoPixel LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-truck-risers-with-neopixel-leds.md)
- [Circuit Playground Express Rocket Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/cpx-rocket-lamp.md)
- [Portable 5in Monitor with HDMI](https://learn.adafruit.com/portable-5in-monitor-with-hdmi.md)
- [Busy Box Interruption Sign](https://learn.adafruit.com/busy-box-interruption-sign.md)
- [Twinkly Earwarmer Headband](https://learn.adafruit.com/twinkly-ear-warmer.md)
- [No-Solder LED Disco Tie with Bluetooth](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-solder-circuit-playground-bluetooth-disco-tie.md)
- [BLE Synth with the Feather nRF52840 and Circuit Playground Bluefruit](https://learn.adafruit.com/ble-synth-with-the-feather-nrf52840-and-circuit-playground-bluefruit.md)
- [QT Py RP2040 USB to Serial MIDI Friends](https://learn.adafruit.com/qt-py-rp2040-usb-to-serial-midi-friends.md)
- [Crickit Lab Shaker](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-lab-shaker.md)
- [Solder Dispenser Adabot Head](https://learn.adafruit.com/solder-dispenser-adabot-head.md)
- [PB Gherkin 30% keyboard with KMK, CircuitPython, & KB2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/pb-gherkhin-30-keyboard-with-kmk-circuitpython-kb2040.md)
- [How to 3D Print molds for custom Stamps @ustreasury](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-custom-stamps.md)
- [Arcade Button Control Box](https://learn.adafruit.com/arcade-button-control-box.md)
- [Leverless Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/leverless-controller.md)