Make a recycling bin

- Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource

- Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
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SHEETPRESS

Creating a Recycling Bin with Reused Plastic Panels

Construct a recycling bin using reused plastic panels and standard aluminum tubes for a straightforward approach.

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Table of Contents

  1. 1

    Prepare materials

    Prepare materials as per the bin's dimensions and design.

    For this project:

    • 30x30 mm (1.18x1.18 in) aluminum tube, 935 mm (36.81 in), x8
    • 30x30 mm (1.18x1.18 in) aluminum tube, 316 mm (12.44 in), x8
    • 30x30 mm (1.18x1.18 in) aluminum tube, 300 mm (11.81 in), x12
    • Corner fixing clips, x50
    • Corner fixing plates, x50
    • Legs, x8
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    IMG_6961-18bc6db5050.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
    IMG_6957-18bc6dc06fc.JPG - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
  2. 2

    Assemble the frame

    Assemble the frame using corner fixing clips, leaving corners free for panel installation later.

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    IMG_6962-18bc6e67c98.JPG - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
    IMG_6966-18bc6e6a062.JPG - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
  3. 3

    Mount the panels

    After completing the frame, attach the panel using screws and corner fixing plates.

    We use 12 mm (0.47 inch) thick polypropylene sheets and employ CNC milling to achieve the required shapes.

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    IMG_7008-18bc6edb152.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
  4. 4

    Legs and doors

    Attach legs to the bin's bottom for stability on uneven floors.

    Finally, install the doors with hinges and add locks or magnets to secure them.

    IMG_7009-18bc6f0b357.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
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    IMG_7035-18bc6f13e12.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource

    IMG_7009-18bc6f0b357.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
    IMG_7031-18bc6f10fac.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource
    IMG_7035-18bc6f13e12.jpg - Plastic,Craft,Prototyping,Product Design,Opensource

Hardware

  • 30×30mm aluminum tubes (various lengths)
  • Polypropylene sheets (12mm thick)
  • Corner fixing clips and plates (x100 total)
  • Adjustable legs (x8)
  • Door hinges and magnetic locks

Tools

  • CNC milling machine (for panel shaping)
  • Electric screwdriver/drill
  • Measuring tape
  • Wrench set
  • Level tool

Software

  • CAD software (for panel design)
  • CAM software (for CNC programming)
  • Project planning templates

All materials listed are standard construction components available at Hong Kong hardware stores like Hung Fai Tong or FixShop. CNC services can be sourced from local prototyping workshops like ProtoTech HK.

References

Articles

YouTube

Open-source Designs

Papers