alt Hacker NewsAfter reading this and clicking around the site I'm still not entirely sure what these machines actually do. Apparently they grind up hard plastics and turn them into pellets? But similar machines already exist as a commercial/industrial product that can easily and cheaply (from $500) be bought from Alibaba etc [1], so their differentiation is that their machines are open-source? Which is useful how, exactly? Their Pro page estimates EUR 2000+ in parts alone per machine, plus you need to cobble the things together yourself.
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It's useful for people who don't want to make a bicycle-powered shredder and instead want to source local laser-cut specialized alloys and all sorts of electronics, so they can produce a few kg of shredded plastic per day, and then a few bowls. /s
The value of Precious Plastic has long-since been realized - it inspired some actually-practical people to start making cottage recycling industries in the developing world, which has helped provide some employment and divert some plastic from rivers.
You’re making an apples to hand-grenades comparison. If you can find a shredder for $500 shredder off alibaba (every one i clicked was actually $1000 not including shipping and tariffs), it is likely going to break immediately if you stick anything bigger than a solo cup into it.
A machine equivalent to the precious plastics shredder will likely cost you a similar amount. Probably more with shipping… and tariffs until the taco tacos.