Recycled materials are often referred to by numbers, while number 6 is polystyrene foam, also referred to as Styrofoam or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Foam#6 includes packaging material, cups, utensils, food trays and foam peanuts. This type of foam can be easily recycled by using a compactor or a densifier. The first is a cooling system yielding dense foam logs, while the other is a thermal process manufacturing foam strands. The recycled foam can then be furthered recycled and utilized to create new materials and products, thus reduces landfills creating a more sustainable green environment
When recycling, we often give numbers to the materials recycled. Number 1 is soda and water bottles, number 2 is laundry detergent and other containers and number 4 is plastic bags. Then, there is also foam#6 which consists of packaging material for electronics and furniture, food trays and containers, foam cups, egg cartons, foam peanuts and medical coolers, all made of Styrofoam. This type of foam is also commonly referred to as polystyrene, expanded polystyrene or EPS foam.
Polystyrene is one of the most common forms of plastic. The material is a mixture of about 98% air and only 2% polystyrene; it is water and heat resistant, therefore it is an excellent insulator. Due to its popularity, the global demand for EPS and its production is increasing and therefore the need for recycling methods.
While the foam peanuts can be recycled by reusing it, all the other EPS materials need to go through a recycling process that reduces its volume. In order to recycle it, the material needs to be inspected and all other contaminants are removed. Then, the foam is fed into the recycling machines either for cold compaction or thermal densification. The foam can be compacted for volume reduction using a compactor, without using heat. The result is dense logs or bricks that achieve 98% volume reduction. If using the thermal method, the foam is fed to a densifier machine. The densifier uses heat and friction to melt the foam. The machine then uses pressure to push the material into small opening, then extruded as long narrow strands. As soon as the recycled foam is cooled it is cut into pellets which make it easier to be transported. The recycled foam is then shipped to other manufacturers for creating new plastic products.
Recycled foam Number 6 is a great source for creating new cost-effective materials and products. For instance, it can be utilized to create picture frames, pens and office supply, clothes hangers, curtain rods, outdoor furniture, CD cases, toys and pony packs for growing and transporting seeds and plants. It is used for creating interior and exterior architectural mouldings, ornamental home décor and SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels). Recycled EPS can also be mixed with wood or concrete to serve as excellent building insulation agent, since it is water, mold and decay resistant or it can be used to produce additional foam packaging material.
Using recyclable foam rather than the raw original material to create new products has many benefits. It saves natural resources, it reduces littering and pollution, it saves landfill space and uses less energy. Recycled foam has real value for manufacturers of new products willing to pay well for the recycled material. Recycling foam has become much easier and more efficient in recent years with the advances in technology; recycling equipment now reduce the volume of the foam by up to 95% its original size and requires much less labor than it used to in the past. Recycling basically results in reduction of landfills and creates a more sustainable green environment for us all.
Do You Really Need a 5-Axis CNC Router in Your Machine Shop?
A 3-axis CNC router involves movements of the cutting tool along x, y and z rotation, and is suitable for creating parts that are not too deep. A 5-axis router adds 2 additional axis movements and is able to machine a shape such as a cube from all 5 sides simultaneously, thus shortening set up and machining time. However, it requires a longer x-axis which can result in less stability and less accuracy and requires more attention from the operator. The answer to the question of which machine should we use lies in the manufacturing application needed. In some instances, a 3-D printer can either replace or work along the router.
Why Use Foam Material to Fabricate Dimensional Letters, Logo or Signs
When creating and fabricating dimensional letters, logo and signs, few material options are metals, plastics, acrylics, wood or foam. More companies are now turning to foam as a low-cost lightweight solution. The material can then be coated, painted, laminated and illuminated to create more effects on it and to resemble other materials. But, no matter what material is chosen, the letters, logo and signs are a good way to stand out and attract customers.
Why Should We Recycle EPS Foam?
Recycling foam is crucial for our future, both socially and economically. The recycled foam is used to create new materials, and the recycling process and the production of new materials from waste creates employment opportunities. Also, recycling foam diverts waste from already occupied landfills, and the reduction of waste preserves energy and helps sustain the environment. We need to keep it green and keep recycling.
