SustainaPrint: A New 3D Printing Technique for Sustainable and Strong Objects

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL and Hasso Plattner Institute have developed SustainaPrint, a software and hardware toolkit that combines strong and weak filaments to create objects that are mostly eco-friendly while preserving structural integrity. The system uses finite element analysis simulations to identify areas of high stress and reinforces them with stronger material, reducing plastic use and promoting sustainability. SustainaPrint has been tested on various objects, including mechanical shapes and household items, and has shown promising results in recovering up to 70% of the strength of objects printed entirely with high-performance plastic.