Greetings, I’m Philippe Daniel Millia, the CEO of Colossus Printers, a startup hailing from Belgium. At Colossus, we’ve embarked on a mission to change the way we think about waste and 3D printing. Our goal is to transform waste materials into functional and beautiful objects. Let me take you on a journey through our innovative work.
A Green Beginning
Our story begins about six years ago when I felt the urge to do something meaningful for the environment. The problem of plastic waste was glaringly evident, and I knew we had to take action. The idea struck me – what if we could turn plastic bottles into filaments and then print them into useful objects? This sparked our journey towards creating the world’s first 100% recycled PET filament, derived from discarded bottles.
As we progressed, we took a bold step by involving waste collectors in our endeavor. It was time to unravel the mysteries of recycling. Many people talk about recyclable materials, but not enough emphasize the importance of making materials actually recycled.
From Festivals to Furniture
Our journey was enriched with experiences working with festivals. We collected their waste and turned it into small, useful gadgets. It didn’t take long for them to challenge us with a bigger task – creating a chair. The problem was, when we approached the market for help, we received quotes of 150 hours of printing time and a hefty price tag of 8000 euros for a single chair. It was clear that something needed to change.
Our engineers stepped up to the challenge, designing a chair with a 5-millimeter nozzle using recycled PET mixed with 20% carbon. The result? A chair that can withstand an incredible 400 kilograms of weight, all thanks to the fine line of 3D printing.
The Beauty of Recycling
One of the standout features of our work is the variety of materials we employ. Take, for example, a chair made from PLA with 55% stone fill. It’s an eco-friendly choice that will naturally disintegrate over time if left in nature.
For applications requiring extra strength and stiffness, we opt for recycled PET with a 30% glass fiber infill. It allows for versatility in colors, context, and more.
Empowering Designers
Our partnership with designers is at the core of what we do. We aim to break down the barriers faced by designers by enabling them to not only design objects but to sell them as well. Traditional injection molding can be incredibly expensive, making it inaccessible to many designers. Our approach allows them to create one object at a time and sell it, providing a new level of flexibility.
Architectural Excellence
Our collaboration with Three F Studio, a renowned German architectural company, is a testament to what can be achieved. Using recycled PET, they’ve created smart facades with computational designs. These two-million-line-of-code panels deliver both aesthetics and functionality, supporting a wide range of architectural contexts.
Overcoming Challenges with Vision Miner
3D printing presents its fair share of challenges, especially when working with larger objects. To mitigate warping issues and enhance adhesion, we reached out to Vision Miner. Their remarkable adhesive solution proved to be a game-changer, enabling us to tackle large-scale projects more effectively. Now, it’s a vital part of our printing process, ensuring the quality and stability of our creations.
A World of Possibilities
We work with a diverse range of recycled materials, including Oceanics plastic, collected from the sea. Partnering with Mitsubishi Chemical, we transform this plastic into filaments that are not only sustainable but also strong and durable. From shoes to furniture, we’re pushing the limits of what recycled materials can do.
Our vision extends beyond eco-friendly filaments and unique 3D printing. We have engineered portable 3D printing containers, suitable for events like festivals. The flexibility of our containers and printers makes it possible to print on-site and leave the audience with sustainable, beautiful objects.
From Mathematical Geometry to Furniture
Mathematical geometry fuels our creative spirit. Our concept involves three different-sized pieces that fit together seamlessly. These pieces are both a cupboard and a chair, offering versatility and ease of assembly. Turn them into a bench, a podium, or any other structure, and watch them come to life in just 45 minutes.
One of our most stunning creations is a lamp, designed for reception desks and other contexts. It was printed within eight hours, showcasing the capabilities of our large-scale 3D printers.
Join the Movement
Our journey at Colossus Printers is fueled by passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to the environment. With a strong belief in the power of recycled materials, we’re proving that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. Our platform aims to connect independent designers, enabling them to create industries based on the waste generated in their communities.
We’re on a mission to reduce plastic pollution, one object at a time. The possibilities are vast, from cities and festivals to schools and beyond. With recycled materials, innovation, and a touch of creativity, we’re redefining 3D printing. Join us on this exciting journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our work, and a special thanks to Vision Miner for their invaluable support in overcoming printing challenges. Together, we can make a difference.