2026-27 Capstone

Printing Waste

What if the material that was removed during the Marble Plastics CNC manufacturing process could be a tool for an entirely different manufacturing process? Research has shown that HIPS recycling is possible, but it is not repeatable without consequences. The more times the scrap material is repeatedly processed, the more the quality of the material degrades over time. This route that Marble Plastics could explore suggests turning the scrap material into 3D printing filament rather than the sheets that they currently produce. This filament could then be sold to local businesses, designers, and educators to support prototyping or small products. This process creates a better relationship between the creators and the material, promoting sustainability. While this process seems like it would be a straightforward process, it is not without its limitations. Contamination, particle sizes, printability, and mechanical performance are all variables that need to be considered when discussing implementing this into Marble Plastics workflows.

References:

anitio, E. W., Lutfhyansyah, N. R., Efendi, B. M., Mardiyati, Y., & Steven, S. (2023). From Electronic Waste to 3D-Printed Product, How Multiple Recycling Affects High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Filament Performances. Materials, 16(9), 3412. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093412

Fabrix: A Sustainable Building Material.

When it comes to the issue of textile waste, the speed at which we accumulate this waste is often attributed to one tangible source: the invention of the synthetic textile. Synthetic textiles cost significantly less in materials and labor to produce. And we’ve become good at it too. The

It’s Not Your Fault: Designing the Connections Behind Sustainability.

You may not realize at first what this tabloid cover is really trying to get at. You might see the less than perfect graphic design, or perhaps the silly nature of the content itself. What do you think it responds to? In reality, this conjecture seems to be promoting some

Inflight Capabilities with Delta Airlines

There are many parallels to be drawn between the possibilities of entertainment systems in cars and airplanes. Many new advancements are being made in both industries but the push for airlines to improve their systems comes with extreme competition from other airlines and with the desire to uphold the needs

Music education and children's brain development

Music in general is an integral part to everyday life. More importantly, music being present in the everyday lives of children can have profound effects on their development as seen in this study from USC. Music instruction appears to accelerate brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of

References:

Read more

Fabrix: A Sustainable Building Material.

It’s Not Your Fault: Designing the Connections Behind Sustainability.

Inflight Capabilities with Delta Airlines

Music education and children's brain development