Sieve / sifter

thingiverse

I use a specialized sieve and cone combination to separate cigarette butts from their ashes, utilizing empty cans with an outer diameter of 155mm and an inner diameter of 152mm sourced from wholesale cherry and apricot suppliers. The cigarette butts are then utilized to create a natural insecticide, which I refer to as "tea." This "tea" serves as an effective pest control measure. Following the use of the "tea," the remaining cigarette butts undergo drying, during which time they still retain a faint odor reminiscent of cigarettes. Subsequently, they are compressed in a square tile press, along with 30% contaminated materials such as dog hair, dust, and burned 3D printing leftover plastics. This unique combination boasts an impressive insulation value, surpassing that of rockwool for temperatures ranging from -15 to 45°C. I employ these tiles under parket floors to dampen sound and isolate heat in the workspace. Once heated in the press, the cigarette butts no longer emit any odor. The resulting material resembles a Jackson Pollock painting viewed through yellow-tinted glasses. Notably, this solution is free, effective, and does not contribute to landfill waste. The heater used in the press is a 1.5-meter heating cable designed for electric bed sheets sourced from Aliexpress. This cable reaches temperatures of up to 95°C, which is sufficient to weaken the plastics and integrate the cigarette butt fibers into the material. A 12V 42Ah car battery powers the press temporarily, recharged by a 5A solar panel coupled with a small wind turbine and a $12 solar charger. In winter, I utilize the remaining ashes to create snow-free walkways without the need for salt. Salt is an unwise choice due to its negative effects on soil composition, plant health, and human-made appliances. Using ashes presents several benefits: 1) It adds essential minerals and nutrients to the soil. 2) It neutralizes unbalanced soil acidity. 3) Its crystalline structure effectively breaks down snow and ice crystals, creating traction. 4) It does not harm metal vehicles, building paints, or house floors. 5) It poses no threat to living organisms. To print the cone, I recommend using VASE mode. The sieve can be printed with varying levels of strength; I have found that a minimum of 18% infill and two walls is sufficient, along with three bottom and top layers.