WRENTHAM, MASS. (WHDH) - A 16-year-old from Wrentham won a $75,000 second place Regeneron Young Scientist Award for creating a desktop plastic recycling system.
Benjamin Davis says his user-friendly system can recycle 3D printer waste and other plastics by turning them into filaments for 3D printing. Up to 67 percent of the filament used in a typical 3D printing projects may end up as waste.
Using electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering methods, Benjamin combined pultrusion (push-through) and extrusion (pull-through) processes to make the process about 45% more efficient. His device is faster than other home recyclers and creates a higher quality product.
Its easy operation means nontechnical users can recycle and 3D print more efficiently and his design is an effective recycling machine that costs 90% less than commercial options.
Davis says he plans on studying engineering in college and wants to use his prize money to further his research.
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