Injection machine
The aim of this article is to explain how the plastic injection machine works, to detail Tri-Haut’s work on it, and to explain why it is a relevant solution for the project.
Operation of the injection moulding machine
The injection moulding machine is one of the low-tech plastic recycling machines. The Precious Plastic community has made the plans for this machine available in its databases, so you can build it yourself.
This machine is based on a simple principle: the crushed plastic is inserted into a tube. This tube is heated by electrical resistors until the plastic has completely melted. The material is then injected under pressure into a mould to form a plastic object.
Tri-Haut’s work on the injection machine
At the end of 2023, Tri-Haut was looking for a new solution for recycling plastics, having ruled out pyrolysis.
The injection moulding machine quickly proved to be an interesting choice, for a number of reasons :
- Ease of use. The machine is highly intuitive, quick to learn and secure. All these advantages make it one of the simplest Precious Plastic machines.
- Low power consumption. The association’s version of the injection moulding machine consumes 800 W. Given Pangboche’s low electricity availability, this was a key factor in the decision to buy the machine.
- Its economic benefits. The fact that we can produce a large number of figurines in a relatively short space of time, and then sell them, is a major advantage for the economic viability of the waste treatment centre.
These arguments led to the purchase of the machine from the French company « Les Recycleurs Fous ».
At the same time, Tri-haut contacted visual artist Johe Bruneau. He designed and made the mould for the injection machine.
The machine was delivered to Kathmandu in the presence of the Tri-Haut team.
From then on, the machine was tested, with a view to drawing up a protocol and recommendations for its use. This work led to the drafting of a report, in which the protocols for use are recorded, and to the production of a few dozen Yak figurines.
The future of the machine and development prospects
The injection machine will play a central role in the operation of the Pangboche waste processing centre.
First of all, the economic model is largely based on income from the sale of objects. For this reason, a second copy of the Yak mould will be produced, to secure production.
We are also looking into the possibility of producing other objects that would be useful to life at Pangboche. These new objects could be used either to welcome tourists to the lodges or for the everyday life of the local people. Consultation with a committee of Pangboche residents is planned, with the aim of expressing their needs for the manufacture of other objects.