Whether we like it or not, 3D printing generates waste. Failed parts, material purges, supports that end up in the trash, prints that no longer meet expectations. For a long time, that plastic had no other destination than the trash. But the industry has been searching for years for a solution more in line with the sustainability principles many makers want to apply in their daily work: recovering that material, giving it a second life, and reintegrating it into the printing process as new filament.
That’s where filament recycling machines come in. They’re available as DIY kits for those who enjoy the process as much as the result, as well as ready-to-use commercial products. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your workspace, this selection will help you get started. We’ve gathered some of the most interesting options on the market, with very different profiles in terms of price, technical skill level required, and compatible materials, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. The machines are listed in no particular order.
Polyformer
Developed by California-based industrial designer Reiten Cheng, the Polyformer is a fully open-source, 3D-printed filament recycler that converts discarded PET bottles into 1.75mm filament compatible with standard FDM printers. The goal is straightforward: give independent makers an affordable path to working with reclaimed material instead of purchasing new plastic. The machine works by using a stacked-bearing slicing tool that strips a bottle into a continuous ribbon, which is then fed into a repurposed hotend that thermoforms it into finished filament. Built almost entirely from 3D-printed components and off-the-shelf hardware common to desktop 3D printers, it’s an accessible DIY project with a modular architecture that allows individual components to be swapped or modified as needed. Want to build one? The full details and build guide are available HERE.
Photo Credits: James Chou
ProtoCycler V3 from ReDecTec
The ProtoCycler V3 by ReDecTec is a desktop filament extrusion system designed for material experimentation and recycling. It features dual digital diameter feedback sensors and an AI-driven control system to monitor filament consistency when processing polymers and additives. A key feature is its patented MixFlow™ hardware, which melts plastic at lower temperatures than conventional systems; this expands the range of compatible plastics and, according to ReDecTec, reduces energy consumption by up to 75%. Additionally, the system includes an integrated grinder to process plastic waste into reusable filament in a single workflow. Due to ongoing supply chain and tariff constraints, ReDecTec is currently only producing these grinder-integrated configurations, making the V3 a self-contained option for operations looking to recycle and extrude materials all in one go!
Photo credits: ReDecTec
Creality’s Recycling System
Launched via a crowdfunding campaign last March, the Filament Maker M1 and the Shredder R1 represent Creality’s commitment to closing the material loop in desktop 3D printing. The system combines two machines: the R1, which shreds and dries waste, sprues, supports, and failed parts into particles of ≤4 mm, and the M1, which extrudes them into filament with a diameter tolerance of ±0.05 mm and a production rate of up to 1 kg/h. The extruder supports up to eight types of materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, PA, PC, TPU, and PET. Beyond recycling, this new system allows users to create custom filaments by mixing pellets with color masterbatch, fibers, or natural additives, facilitating experimentation with materials.
Photo Credits: Creality
Felfil Extrusion System
The Felfil Extrusion System is a complete desktop filament production setup, capable of handling everything from virgin granules to shredded recycled materials across three modular machines. The Shredder+ handles the front end, breaking down failed prints and plastic waste into particles ready for extrusion. The Felfil Evo then takes those particles and extrudes them into filament in either 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameters via interchangeable nozzles, with temperature and speed adjustable manually through an intuitive Arduino-based interface. The Spooler+ closes the loop, automatically winding the output filament while a 10-micron precision sensor continuously monitors and calibrates diameter in real time, with presets for common materials and a manual mode for experimental ones. The system also supports custom material development, allowing users to experiment with compounds, additives, and powders in batches as small as 50 grams. Each machine can also be purchased and operated independently. The full three-machine bundle is priced at €2,999; the Evo is available separately from €349 as a basic kit or €799 assembled, and the Shredder+ from €1,649 on its own.
The GP20 Shredder and Filament Maker TWO from 3devo
This combo from the Dutch company 3devo was designed as an accessible way to test, learn, and refine material ideas in-house. The GP20 Shredder reduces various forms of plastic waste, ranging from packaging and insulation to industrial components, into uniform flakes suitable for extrusion. Capable of processing a wide selection of polymers including PET, PP, PEEK, and PVC, the shredder is utilized by laboratories, research and development teams, and pilot-scale operations to establish a consistent material input for subsequent experimentation.
Complementing the shredding unit, the Filament Maker TWO represents the next iteration of the company’s extrusion technology, focusing on increased processing speed and reduced energy consumption compared to its predecessor. The system features controls for material sensing, heating, pulling, and spooling. This integrated automation is designed to maintain a stable filament output, and allows users to produce filament for testing, validation, and production.
The GP20 Shredder (left) and Filament Maker TWO (right) Credits: 3devo
The Noztek Pro Extruder
Noztek is a British company with over 12 years of experience in developing filament extrusion equipment for 3D printing. Within its product lineup, the Noztek Pro is positioned as the entry-level model, although it is also the most professional and expensive option on this list. From a technical standpoint, it is a desktop extruder with a single stainless steel extrusion barrel and manual temperature control, capable of processing 1.75 mm or 3 mm filament within a temperature range of 180 to 220 °C. Additionally, it can work with both pellets and shredded material, although it does not include a built-in shredder. Thanks to these features, the machine is particularly suited for universities, workshops, manufacturers, and research laboratories.
Photo Credits: Noztrek
ExtrudeX – DIY Filament Recycling Machine
The ExtrudeX is a fully open-source, 3D-printable DIY filament recycling machine developed by Creative3DP, designed to convert failed prints, purge lines, supports, and scrap material into fresh 1.75mm filament at home. The workflow is kept straightforward: waste is first shredded, then mixed with virgin pellets at a recommended 60/40 ratio, before being fed into a heated metal barrel powered by a high-torque DC gear motor and controlled filament puller. A cooling fan stabilizes the extrusion as the filament exits the barrel, while an optional digital diameter gauge can be attached to the puller for real-time monitoring during production. Every structural part can be printed at home, although a printer with a minimum 220 × 220 × 250mm build volume and PETG or ABS materials is required. The project is available as a digital download for €51.95, including STL files, wiring diagrams, video assembly tutorials, a full bill of materials with direct buying links, and one-on-one email support. The non-printable hardware costs approximately €210 when sourced from AliExpress, or around €275-€370 if purchased locally.
Sustainable Design Studio’s Plastic Bottle Recycler
The Filament Maker by Sustainable Design Studio is a unique machine on this list. It is specifically designed to convert discarded PET plastic bottles into 1.75 mm filament for 3D printers, without the need for pellets or an additional shredder. It measures just 34 × 16 cm and features a 40 W motor capable of producing up to 84 g of filament per hour. That’s enough for typical maker use. It’s available as a kit or fully assembled. The kit includes a bottle cutter and splicing tool, and the company provides detailed guides covering everything from bottle preparation to recommended print settings. One thing to keep in mind: it’s only compatible with PET, which limits its versatility compared to other extruders, but makes it the most straightforward option for anyone looking to recycle household containers.
Photo Credits: Sustainable Design
The ARTME 3D MK3S Desktop Filament Extruder
The MK3S is an extruder from the German company ARTME 3D, designed for experienced makers. Why? It is sold as a DIY kit for €839, which includes most of the tools and 500 g of PLA pellets, but does not include some 3D-printed parts, which the user must fabricate before beginning assembly. This process can take between 7 and 16 hours, depending on experience.
The machine processes PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, or TPU pellets, as well as 100% shredded recycled material, with a capacity of up to 400 g/h. It also includes two interchangeable spindles: one high-compression spindle for shredded material and one low-compression spindle for pellets. The winder is automatic, and the system stops automatically when the set length is reached. For those who need continuous operation, there is the MK3S+ variant, equipped with a metal planetary gear that allows for 24/7 operation.
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