Rapid prototyping, manufacturing and product development company, Laser Reproductions, is pleased to announce it became a member of an emerging group of companies dedicated to green business practices.
Recognizing that eco-conscious practices not only benefits the environment, but also reduces long-term business expenses, Laser Reproductions purchased a state-of-the-art recycling unit to minimize the amount of alcohol and other solvents used when cleaning prototypes produced by its stereolithography (SLA) machines.
Once used, the chemicals are transferred into the recycling unit, which extracts all of the impurities produced during the cleaning processes. The pure propylene glycol and alcohol that remains can then be re-used to clean another batch of prototypes. The cycle continues until the recycling unit is no longer able to produce pure chemicals. Paint thinner used to clean paint guns and finish prototypes in the company’s in-house model shop can also be recycled through the same process.
“It was a conscious decision, as a company, to stop and evaluate our industry’s impact on the environment, and then take action to adopt eco-friendly procedures,” said Bret Bordner, vice president of Laser Reproductions.
Laser Reproductions purchased 10 55-gallon drums of propylene glycol and alcohol each month to aid in the prototype production process. Like all companies using environmentally hazardous chemicals, federal and state regulations require proper disposal methods for each empty drum. Since contracting a certified waste removal service provider is costly, the company’s monthly drum removal expense was equal to its purchasing expense. Laser Reproductions was faced with the challenge of reducing operating expenses. The new recycling unit helped Laser Reproductions achieve just that.
In one year, the recycling unit has allowed Laser Reproductions to considerably decrease the number of drums purchased and disposed of per month. Thus, the unit has literary paid for itself and will continue to save the company and its customers money for years to come. In addition, Laser Reproductions is able to conserve valuable energy and resources while maintaining a high-level of productivity.