China3D printingNet October 24, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) is recycling PET bottles for manufacturing3D printingequipment. This process aims to reduce engineering and maintenance costs and have a more positive impact on the environment.
Ton Dortmans, Executive Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance (E&M) of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, explained: “We are continuously investing in sustainable and innovative products and processes.
For our customers, society and our own employees. We are very happy to be able to make useful products from scrap. “
Circular additive manufacturing process
KLM has set a goal of reducing waste by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2011). The airline is increasing the use of recyclable materials, one of which is PET. Previously, KLM purchased PET from external suppliers to support its E&M department. Now it is collecting empty PET bottles from the flight and sending them to the Dutch recycling company Morssinkhof Rymoplast. There, the plastic is replaced with high-quality plastic pellets, which are then converted into filaments by reflow.
From the beginning of the filament production process, Morssinkhof Rymoplast collects these bottles in tons from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol every year. According to KLM, its E&M department estimates that 1.5 kg of high-quality filaments are used every day. With KLM now supplying PET bottles as raw materials, the cost of this filament has dropped from 60 Euros/kg to only 17 Euros/kg.This also makes3D printingOperation becomes possible.

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Sustainable made from PET water bottles3D printingFilament. Image courtesy of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
KLM and3D printing
Used by KLM E&M3D printingMachine to speed up its repair and maintenance process. In the past, this included the development of plugs to prevent rim holes from being coated in the surface treatment of the Boeing 737. Before the stopper, a disposable protective tape will be used.KLM also created3D printingCover to help remove the overhead luggage on the Boeing 787, making it easier for one mechanic to complete the task instead of two mechanics.
Outside of the E&M department, KLM collaborated with Local Makers to create a customized micro3D printingHouse, as a gift for its business class customers.

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Customized for KLM3D printinghouses.Photos taken by local producers
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