Dresden, 12.12.2024: Under the motto "Biscuits and stars from the 3D printer", the Christmas print shop opened its doors not far from Bischofsplatz in Dresden as part of an event organised by the 4transferLab's 4transfer initiative. In addition to a festive atmosphere and technological demonstrations, the event offered insights into the future of sustainable production and the circular economy. Throughout the day, the 4transferLab invited around 200 schoolchildren to learn about the sustainable use of resources. The children, aged between 7 and 14, were able to immerse themselves in the world of the circular economy at various stations and learn about the role that 3D printing plays in this.
The event focussed on the innovative technology of 3D printing, which was brought to life in practical demonstrations. Two 3D printers from the SAMSax project's real-world laboratory were used in the 4transferLab. The first printer processed wood scraps into decorative wooden stars, while the second printer produced edible Christmas biscuits. Experts from the SAMSax project, including staff from the Chair of Additive Manufacturing at the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), explained which materials are normally used in sustainable 3D printing and the challenges associated with printing.
Circular economy as a model for the future: About SAMSax
The event was part of the Hecht Advent calendar, a neighbourhood initiative, and combined this local commitment with the forward-looking vision of the SAMSax real-world laboratory. The simul+ model project Sustainable Additive Manufacturing in Saxony, or SAMSax for short, aims to enable a sustainable and ecological turnaround in Saxony's industry. To this end, the Chair of Additive Manufacturing at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the Chair of Ergonomics and Innovation Management at TU Chemnitz and the Chair of Wood Technology and Fibre Materials Engineering at TU Dresden are focusing on the recycling of bio-based, natural and industrial waste materials and the reintegration of these into industrial production with the help of additive manufacturing processes.
So far, the processes, also known colloquially as "3D printing", have mainly used special plastics and resins, metals and ceramics. SAMSax explicitly uses natural or industrial waste materials. This allows organic waste from industry and agriculture, for example, to be recycled and turned into new workpieces and valuable items using additive manufacturing. This innovative and sustainable approach enables a continuous and consistent circular economy.
The circular economy is based on the principle of using materials and products for as long as possible by sharing, repairing, reusing or recycling them. The aim is to minimise waste and keep resources in the economic cycle, even when a product is at the end of its life. This extends the life cycle of raw materials and maximises their added value.
To date, over 30 different residual materials have already been received, recorded and analysed in the SAMSax real laboratory. The residues analysed include cotton lint, glass fibres, wood, denim dust, coffee grounds, paper dust, leather dust and many more - all in powder form. The technology is particularly suitable for customised products, sustainable packaging, restoration, prototypes and small series.
4transfer and TU Bergakademie Freiberg: pioneers in research and practice
TUBAF is one of four partners in the 4transfer innovation network, which has set itself the goal of promoting knowledge and technology transfer in Saxony, i.e. making research visible and bringing it into application. Other partners are the Berufsakademie Sachsen (from 2025 Duale Hochschule Sachsen), the University of Applied Sciences Meißen (FH) and training centre as well as the State Association of Cultural and Creative Industries Saxony (LVKKWS). 4transfer is funded by the federal-state initiative "Innovative University".
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Original message: https://www.4transfer-innovation.de/news/in-der-weihnachtsdruckerei-kekse-sterne-aus-dem-3d-drucker/