WASP presents sustainable innovations for 3D printing at Formnext

The Italian company WASP, known for its research and development in the field of additive manufacturing, is presenting a range of new technologies at Formnext 2024 that focus on sustainability and precision. The solutions on show range from recycling stations for plastics to color-dynamic extrusion systems and large-format printers for industrial applications. The aim is to address ecological and technical challenges in architecture, manufacturing and design.

One of the innovations is RIGENERA, a recycling station that enables defective or discarded plastic parts to be shredded and directly reused. In combination with the WASP HDP technology, the shredded materials can be used in new printing projects. The system includes tools such as a shredder, dehydrator and an HDP printing unit that works in conjunction with a robotic arm. This closed loop reduces waste and supports more sustainable production.

Another highlight is METAMORFOSI, a pellet extrusion system that can dynamically control the color composition during the printing process. By controlling cyan, magenta, yellow and black, color tones can be adjusted in real time, opening up new possibilities for complex designs. Integration with advanced software such as AiBuild also enables efficient production planning.

For large-format applications, WASP offers the Power WASP 45 HDP, a printer that works with a 45-degree printing angle. This design reduces material consumption and improves surface quality, making it particularly interesting for technical applications, such as in the nautical sector. This is complemented by the WASP HDP XXL extruder, which works directly with recycled plastic pellets and is compatible with robotic systems.

The focus is also on sustainable materials such as geopolymers. These generate up to 80% less CO₂ emissions than conventional cement. With its LDM technology, WASP demonstrates the possibility of efficiently processing geopolymers for architectural applications. One example is a column developed by WASP and Eindhoven University that not only fulfills structural functions, but also helps to promote plant growth and biodiversity.

WASP shows how 3D printing can open up innovative paths for sustainable manufacturing and architecture. Interested parties can experience the technologies at Formnext in Hall 11.0.