Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is a process that builds objects layer by layer from digital designs. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often involves cutting away material, additive manufacturing uses only what’s needed — making it efficient, flexible, and accessible. It’s used across industries from aerospace and medicine to education and design. Makers can create custom parts, prototypes, or final-use products with less setup and faster turnaround. But while it reduces waste in some ways, it also creates new waste streams — like failed prints, support structures, and leftover filament. Understanding how additive manufacturing works helps us make better choices about how we design, print, and recover materials. In this lesson, you'll explore the basics of how it works, why it matters, and how it fits into a circular economy approach to sustainable making.










Introduction to Resource Recovery in Additive Manufacturing 

Quiz

Introduction to Resource Recovery in Additive Manufacturing

his short course introduces the fundamentals of resource recovery in 3D printing, with a focus on the environmental impacts of additive manufacturing and practical solutions for reclaiming plastic waste. Participants will explore the realities of 3D printing waste — from failed prints and support structures to purge lines and leftover filament — and learn how localised recycling models like Trash2Tech can turn waste into new, usable filament.The course is suitable for students, educators, hobbyists, makers, and professionals seeking to better understand sustainable practices in digital manufacturing. Content is delivered in a plain English format, supported by real-world examples, and concludes with a short multiple-choice quiz. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital certificate recognising their participation in the Microcredential in Resource Recovery in Additive Manufacturing.Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: – Identify the common sources of waste in 3D printing – Understand the steps and challenges involved in turning waste into filament – Recognise the role of resource recovery in supporting a circular economy – Describe how the Trash2Tech model supports local sustainability initiatives – Complete a knowledge quiz to demonstrate understandingAssessment Format: 10-question multiple-choice quiz (Minimum score of 80% required to receive certificate)Certificate: Digital certificate of completion issued by Rising Sun Critical Technology Services

Learn how 3D printing waste can be reclaimed and turned into new materials. This short course explores practical resource recovery in additive manufacturing and introduces the Trash2Tech model for local circular economy solutions.

Introduction to Resource Recovery in Additive Manufacturing.

Miranda Mears

Course content

Course Description

This Course Includes