3D Printing Technology for Environmental Applications

Abstract

The present study assesses the environmental effects of three-dimensional (3D) printing and suggests how the utilization of 3D printing instead of conventional manufacturing processes can enhance the sustainability of manufacturing. The viability of 3D printing as a replacement to conventional production procedures will rely on the specific applications. We note the main strengths and drawbacks of the technology and propose that in spite of drawbacks, 3D printing would lead to sustainable growth in industrial, retail and aftermarket supports, biomedical, and low-end consumer domains. We notice that the efficient utilization of electrical energy is a huge environmental effect of 3D printers, but management of waste is nevertheless significant, primarily because it represents a high percentage of squandered energy and materials. Embedded energy in fabrication of product is highly important in low-use cases, and though transport is not crucial, drop in transport of products show a convenience to the users/manufacturers. We explore the range of parameters that affect the comparative environmental influences of mass manufacturing against 3D printing and give initial conditions on how to lower environmental effects of 3D printing. We also identify the impact positioning of 3D printers in supply chain has on environmental effects, exhibiting that high manufacturing application results in most feasible outcomes. We state that there is scope for lots of improvements in the environmental effects of 3D printing. The beginning point can be a proactive focus on environmental parameters from the outset of fabrication/product designs. Greater research that would compare the economic and environmental consequences of different printing technologies and emphasize viability of processes to particular design needs could allow a shift toward lower impact 3D printing and augment potential of 3D printing to free designers from boundaries of conventional fabrication.