Goldwind claims breakthrough in 3D printing from recycled wind turbine blades

It has produced a set of flower beds using crushed blade particles from decommissioned turbines from a wind farm in Inner Mongolia – demonstrating the potential for 3D printing technology using recycled solid waste.

Goldwind explained that it experimented with the ratio of various raw materials, as well as the particle size and gradation of the crushed blade particles to achieve the strength requirements of the flower beds.

Describing the production as a “breakthrough”, it claimed that “the mechanical properties, durability and working performance of the finished product made from these new printing materials are equal to that of conventional building concrete”.

Goldwind stated that 30% of the blade was successfully recycled and suitable for use when it produced the flower bed – though it claimed that this percentage could be higher for other products.

The Chinese company added that solid waste recycling will help it towards meeting its target of recycling 100% of its wind turbines by 2040.

Goldwind is one of several global turbine makers to set such targets, with the likes of Vestas, Siemens Gamesa and GE-owned LM Wind Power all eyeing similar goals.