Custom Built!
Waste Plastic Machines
I realized that in order to make my waste plastic sculptures, I needed to custom build the machines to help create the art. To date, I have hand-built 11 machines.
I started by building a Shredder, Extruder, and Injector — my primary tools — all of which I modified from open source plans through a global grass roots community called Precious Plastic.
The additional machines and tools that I built were conceived and created as specific needs developed.
Photo: Scott Varley - Video: Courtesy of KLCS TV.
Introducing The Machines:
Shredder
The Shredder grinds waste plastic into small flakes that are used in the other machines to create new things.
Extruder
The Extruder melts the waste plastic flakes using heating elements and a large compression screw powered by a multi speed motor.
Injector
The Injector melts recycled plastic flakes and injects them into custom made molds.
Sheet Press
The Sheet Press compresses shredded plastic into recycled sheets using a 20 ton hydraulic press. This machine can make 20” x 28” sheets.
Liquid Pendulum
A large vertical extruder with an X,Y& Z ceiling mounted track system. Allows for 10’ x 10’ recycled plastic constructions.
Squirt V1
Squirt V1 is a small hand-held injector to be used when smaller quantities of waste plastic are needed for quick material changes.
Tube Oven
Heats tube-style molds while they are being extruded. Helps to create a smooth surface on the exterior of the final product.
Little Squirt V2
Little Squirt V2 is a mini hand-held injector to be used when smaller quantities of waste plastic are needed for quick material changes.
“Pizza Oven”
The “Pizza Oven” compresses shredded plastic into recycled sheets using hand-powered screw system. This machine can make 12” x 36” sheets.
Rotocaster
The Rotocaster is used to form recycled thermoplastic where the molten material solidifies in and conforms to the shape of the inner surface of a heated, rapidly rotating container.
Hydraulic Injector
This hydraulic plastic injection molding machine melts plastic flakes and injects them into custom made molds under 7 tons of pressure.