Sofia Martinez
Plastic model kits are a popular hobby that involves assembling and painting replicas of various subjects, from military vehicles to science fiction characters. These kits are produced using a process called injection molding, where molten plastic is forced through a mold to create the desired shape. While this manufacturing method is efficient and cost-effective, it often results in leftover plastic called sprues. These sprues are the channels that the liquefied plastic travels through to form the model parts. Some modelers choose to recycle or repurpose these leftover sprues, such as by creating custom plastic putty or crafting new models and miniatures. Additionally, some companies, like Games Workshop, have initiated programs to recycle sprues and other plastic materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sprues |
| Description | The leftover plastic from models is called "sprues". They are the "channels" through which liquefied plastic travels to create the actual model parts. |
| Use | Sprues can be used to create new models or sculptures from scratch, a practice known as "kitbashing" or "model bashing". They can also be recycled into custom plastic putty or used to create terrain features for wargames and RPGs. |
| Recyclability | Sprues can be recycled, although not all model kits have a recycle symbol on the box. Some polystyrene recycling facilities may accept them. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic sprues
Sprues are an inevitable byproduct of the injection molding process, and they can accumulate for hobbyists who frequently assemble plastic models. While some may view these plastic remnants as waste, others recognize their potential for creativity and recycling. The leftover plastic sprues can be used as raw material for various purposes, such as crafting custom plastic putty to conceal imperfections in models or creating entirely new sculptures.
The recycling and repurposing of plastic sprues are particularly prevalent among enthusiasts of tabletop wargames, such as Warhammer, Age of Sigmar, and Dungeons and Dragons. These gamers often find themselves with an abundance of leftover sprues from the numerous model kits they assemble for their hobby. Instead of discarding the sprues, they put them to creative use by crafting terrain features, dice towers, or even entire miniature armies for their wargaming adventures.
Additionally, plastic sprues can be recycled into polystyrene, although this may not be feasible for the original manufacturer due to capacity or logistical constraints. Some companies, such as Games Workshop, have recognized the importance of sustainability and initiated programs to recycle sprues and empty paint pots. For hobbyists, recycling plastic sprues might involve locating a local polystyrene recycling facility or exploring innovative ways to repurpose the leftover plastic.
Overall, plastic sprues are much more than mere waste products. They represent an opportunity for creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness. Whether they are recycled into new forms or reused to fabricate additional model components, plastic sprues showcase the potential for transformation and the value of minimizing waste.
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Injection moulding
One of the benefits of injection moulding is its ability to process a wide range of materials, including metals, glass, elastomers, and various types of plastics such as thermoplastics and polymers. Thermoplastics are particularly prevalent in injection moulding due to their ease of recycling, versatility, and suitability for the process. The use of recycled plastic in injection moulding is an area of interest for sustainable product design, with companies like Games Workshop announcing programs to recycle leftover plastic from model kits.
Leftover plastic from injection-moulded models is called "sprue". These are the channels that the liquefied plastic travels through to create the actual model parts. Sprues can be recycled in a variety of ways, including being melted down to create new models or used as a medium for sculpting new miniatures or scale models. Some model kits may also include extra parts that are not used in the kit, which can be kept and used to replace any lost or broken pieces in the future.
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Kitbashing or model bashing
The process of kitbashing typically involves taking pieces from one kit, also known as "bits", and applying them to another model or a custom project. This can range from simple modifications, such as a helmet head swap, to more complex conversions that involve advanced techniques and tools. For example, in model rocketry, kitbashing may involve using pieces from one kit to build a completely different and unusual model.
Kitbashing is particularly useful for creating models with a high level of detail. Commercial model kits provide a wide range of identical, mass-produced components that can be used to add fine details to an existing model. This is especially beneficial for professionals who need to create prototype parts, as they can quickly test out different designs before recreating the final version with lightweight materials.
The leftover plastic from models, also known as sprues, can be recycled and used for kitbashing. Sprues are the "channels" that liquefied plastic travels through during the injection moulding process, which is commonly used to create plastic model kits. These leftover sprues can be cut into miniature "bricks" and reconstructed into new structures, such as buildings or terrain features for wargames like Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons.
Additionally, kitbashers may use a variety of tools and techniques to modify their models. This can include cutting and shaping parts with a Dremel tool, filling gaps with body filler or putty, and using sandpaper or files to smooth and refine the model. Kitbashing provides a creative outlet for modellers to go beyond the limitations of pre-made kits and create unique and personalised builds.
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Plastic recycling
The plastic leftover from models is called a sprue. These are the "channels" through which liquefied plastic travels to create the actual model parts. Sprues can be recycled in a number of ways. For example, they can be used to create custom plastic putty, which can be used to fill in mistakes in models without having to resort to putty that is a different colour. They can also be cut down into miniature "bricks" and reconstructed into a new structure.
In general, plastic recycling involves the melting and reforming of plastic into other items. This can cause polymer degradation at the molecular level, and requires that waste be sorted by colour and polymer type before processing, which is often complicated and expensive. Errors can lead to material with inconsistent properties, rendering it unappealing to industry. Feedstock recycling, where waste plastic is converted into its starting chemicals, involves higher energy and capital costs. Plastic can also be burned in place of fossil fuels in energy recovery facilities, or biochemically converted into other useful chemicals for industry.
Recycling is low in the waste hierarchy, meaning that reduction and reuse are more favourable and long-term solutions for sustainability. However, plastic is a highly versatile material, and most people are reusing and recycling their plastics. Recycling and recovering plastic waste can save resources and offer a real alternative to the production of virgin plastics.
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Plastic model kits
The process of creating these plastic models is known as injection moulding, where liquid styrene plastic is injected into a mould, cooled, and then popped out as a "sprue" of parts. These sprues are the channels through which the liquefied plastic travels to form the individual pieces of the model. While they serve an essential purpose in manufacturing, they often leave modellers with leftover plastic sprues after completing their kits.
These leftover sprues from plastic model kits are sometimes referred to as "flash." They can be recycled or reused in various creative ways. Some modellers choose to recycle their leftover sprues by melting them down or sending them to polystyrene recycling facilities. Others get creative and use the sprues for kitbashing or model bashing, a practice of crafting new models or miniatures from leftover kit parts. This allows modellers to bring their unique imaginations to life by sculpting new creations from scratch.
There are numerous ways to recycle and repurpose leftover sprues. For example, turning them into custom plastic putty is ideal for filling in gaps or mistakes in models without resorting to putty that may not match the kit's colour. Additionally, wargamers and RPG enthusiasts can use leftover sprues to create terrain features for games like Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, and Pathfinder. For those with a collection of unused boxes, recycling them is an option, although some thinner plastics may not be recyclable.
Overall, plastic model kits offer a fun and engaging hobby for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The leftover plastic from these kits, known as sprues or flash, presents an opportunity for modellers to get creative with recycling and repurposing, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover plastic from models is called "sprue".
The process of creating plastic models is called "injection moulding".
A sprue is the "channel" through which liquefied plastic travels to create the parts of a model kit.
Sprues are necessary by-products of injection moulding that allow manufacturers to mass-produce model kits quickly, reliably, and inexpensively.
Leftover sprues can be recycled and used for various purposes, such as creating custom plastic putty, crafting new models or miniatures, or making terrain features for tabletop wargames.
