PET Refill: A Low-Cost PET Bottle Filament Maker System for Sustainable 3D Printing

The rapid increase in plastic waste, particularly Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, has be- come a significant environmental concern worldwide. With the growing demand for sustainable and cost- effective manufacturing solutions, additive manufac- turing, commonly known as 3D printing, has emerged as a transformative technology. However, the cost and environmental impact of commercially available 3D printing filament remain major challenges. This paper presents the design and development of an IoT- compatible, low-cost, and efficient PET bottle recycling system that converts used PET bottles into usable 3D printer filament. The system integrates embedded electronics, mechanical design, and thermal control to create a compact filament-making unit. It utilizes an Arduino Nano microcontroller, a NEMA 17 stepper motor, an IRFZ44N MOSFET for temperature regula- tion, and a thermistor for precise heat sensing. Experi- mental results demonstrate that maintaining a steady temperature range between 240◦C to 260◦C optimally melts the PET material, which is then extruded into a consistent filament. This project not only promotes sustainability but also encourages the adoption of cir- cular economy practices in engineering applications.