MAKE YOUR GLASSES

In this project you'll learn how to recycle plastic film to make your own sunglasses.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer. This means that at relatively high temperatures it melts and, on cooling, hardens in a glass transition state. Unlike thermoset polymers, thermoplastics can be reused for creating other objects.

The objective of this work is to promote the recycling of products that aremanufactured with this material. Plastic film is used to wrap objects rang- ing from industrial machinery to food.

By promoting the “Do it Yourself” concept, the recycling process is much better and the environmental impact is greatly reduced. At the end, it is not about returning the plastic to the industry to be able to recycle it, the idea is too look for the best way to make a new product using tools that can be found at home.

To achieve the product we have focused on a professional production process and, at the same time, viable to be manufactured rudimentarily.

It is a stamping matrix manufactured basically with 4mm thick wood that can be laser cutted at any FabLab.

This production process allows a saving of ma- terial, as opposed to if the glasses were createddirectly with the laser cut starting from a flatLDPE surface. Fact that would generate much leafover material.

Use the .dxf file to cut the mold. You'll need a 4mm thick DM wood.

Also, we have focused on fabricating the matrix for later, do the trials placed in the laboratory: charpy and traction.

Each matrix has the corresponding measure- ments for each test. It is the same process as the first one: a stamp- ing matrix manufactured basically with 4mm thick wood that can be laser cutted at any FabLab. This production process allows a saving of ma- terial.

1. Roll plastic film with the drill.

2. Heat p the plastic and quickly cool it down.

3. Cut the plastic in small balls or cylinders (pellets).

4. Place the pellets in the mold.

5. Put the mold in the oven.

6. After 10-15 minutes remove it.

7. Press the mold with the top part of it.

8. Eject the parts out of the mold.

9. Sand the parts to get a nice finish.

You can use PELLETS 1 or PELLETS 2 both ways are correct.

1. Cut the film to the correct measure.

2. Make the brad and cut the ends.

3. Place it in the mold.

4. Put the mold in the oven.

5. After a while remove it and press with the top part of the mold.

6. Eject the parts from the mold.

7. Sand them for a better final result.

You can use PELLETS 1 or PELLETS 2 both ways are correct.

After producing each sam- ple, we have been carried out various tests in the laborato- ry, to know the technical and mechanical properties of eachsample. With all this, it is pos- sible to know what is closest toour final project objective.

The four essays carried out are: Charpy, Shore hardness, resilience and traction.

To assemble the components use a joint of an old sunglasses.

Using the .dxf file of the tool, cut a methacrylate lens.

As a result of the new comparison, the glasses that have been achievedare: much more flexible, softer andwith the capacity to absorb more impact energy.

Thanks to the generation and validation of nine samples through the different tests, it can be said that the objective of the work has been covered: Position the material created with respect to those already existing in the eyewear market.