Transforming 3D Print Scraps into Pixel Art

My project transforms leftover 3D print scraps into colorful pixel art portraits. Over the past two years, I have been storing my PLA scraps in bins, waiting for the right opportunity to upcycle them. 3D printing often produces extra pieces, failed prints, and support structures that usually go to waste. Instead of discarding them, I plan to grind the scraps then sort them by color to create unique, pixel style portraits.

Pixel art started in the late 1970s and 1980s when early computers and video games could only display simple blocky images due to limited technology. It became popular with arcade games and home consoles like the Atari 2600, NES, and Commodore 64, where small squares of color, called pixels, were used to create characters and backgrounds. As technology improved, pixel art became more detailed, especially during the 16-bit era, with games like Super Mario World and Pokémon. Even as modern games moved to high-definition graphics, pixel art remained popular, especially in indie games and digital art. Today, it is a well-loved style that mixes old-school charm with creative new ideas, influencing video games, animations, and handmade artwork.

Picture 1 Kids Playing with the NES in the 80’s

I plan to sort my collection of PLA scraps by color, so I can see what colors I have to work with for creating pixel-style portraits. To break down the larger pieces into smaller, more manageable fragments, I intend to use a blender or a similar shredding tool, allowing me to create a consistent material that can be easily rearranged. This method will help me achieve a more refined and cohesive look in my final designs.

In addition to repurposing my own filament scraps, I plan to reach out to the ITLL (Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory) and Idea Forge, two makerspaces that generate significant amounts of 3D printing waste. By collecting discarded filament from these spaces, I can expand the colors I can use and reduce overall material waste.

Picture 2 One of my Scrap Bins

My inspiration comes from makers who create LEGO minifigure shadow boxes using filament “poop,” These creators take colorful strands of leftover plastic and turn them into eye-catching backdrops that enhance the presentation of framed photos. Their ability to repurpose printing waste into something visually appealing encouraged me to think about new ways to use my own scraps. Instead of using a random assortment coils to create pictures, I can arrange PLA print pellets into a pixel art fashion.

Picture 3 Lego Minifigure “Poop” Picture

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_art?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://griffineducationenterprises.com/blogcontent/how-to-successfully-teach-pixel-art-in-your-classroom

Pictures:

Picture 1: https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/nintendo-nes-video-youtube-1988-nostalgia-bomb/

Picture 3: https://makerworld.com/en/models/408882#profileId-310757