Knowing a thing - anything - helps us appreciate it more
A re-post of "Enlightenment - piece by piece"
For this Friday’s story, I’m sharing a formerly paid subscribers story on dismantling an old printer. There’s a lot going on inside these ubiquitous machines. And there are a few maker opportunities and conservation lessons inside as well. ~JRC
Enlightenment - piece by piece
Dismantling an old printer to reuse and learn
First published May 16, 2022, as a subscribers-only story
Consumer-quality printers are remarkable technology. For a few hundred bucks (and often less), anyone can have a high-quality printing setup in the comfort of their own home. These devices translate our virtual words and images into tangible objects we can hold, use, and enjoy. But there is a catch to having all this power in one convenient and inexpensive package - they don't last. And worse still, most aren't made to be repaired. Fortunately, recycling programs exist, and many electronics retailers will accept old printers.
But there is another way.
If you are a maker, tinkerer, or parent (or all of the above), printers are a gold mine of reusable and repurposable parts - all you have to do is take them apart.
Before I continue, I should say that E-waste is a global challenge. Less than 13% is recycled annually, relegating most to overflowing landfills. Once there, old printers and other discarded gadgets leach toxic substances into the environment. You can help by repurposing old units or ensuring they go to reputable recycling facilities.
Here's a link to some helpful information on how and why to recycle your e-waste properly.
And here’s a plain-language discussion on recycling printers.
Now - back to the dismantling!
Inside a printer is a fantastic array of electronics and mechanics that work together in intricate and elegant ways. The gears alone are impressive and come in so many shapes and kinds; these are great for kids to use in simple robots and art projects. And the electronics include reusable circuits such as wireless modules and power converters. The opportunities abound inside an old printer for anyone who makes electronic gadgets.
The benefits of disassembling an old printer are numerous, but you must do it correctly - and safely.
Many parts are fused or glued and not meant to come apart. So safety glasses are a must (things might break and fly apart). And while many modern electronics are mostly lead-free, there are still nasties inside, so nitrile gloves are a good idea, especially for kids. But with safety in mind - plus a screwdriver, a little effort, and some patience - many rewards await anyone willing to give it a try.
My son and I are doing just that - we are taking apart an old Epson printer I've stored on my shop shelf for years. I'd always intended to part it out, so I hung onto it. With some recent efforts to reorganize and make more usable space, I decided today was the day to make it happen.
In just a few hours work, we had quite the haul. Four electric motors, dozens of connectors and screws, piles of gears, and a 120 AC to 12V DC power supply, to name but a few. My son loved all the mechanical parts and wants to use a few to make the trash compactor scene from Star Wars - A New Hope. I was stoked about a little electromagnetic switch and am imagining how I will use it. All the other stuff will come in handy at some point, I am convinced.
It's always fun to look inside something and see how it works. And having a more intimate appreciation for printers is bound to change how we interact with them. Perhaps best of all, we now understand all the resources that go into such things and will better manage these items in the future.
Knowing a thing - anything - helps us appreciate it more. And that, perhaps more than any other, is a reason to tear apart an old printer.
It's enlightenment, piece by piece.
Until next time.
JRC