Abstract
Additive Manufacturing, AM, is considered to be environmentally friendly when compared to conventional manufacturing processes. Most researchers focus on resource consumption when performing the corresponding Life Cycle Analysis, LCA, of AM. To that end, the sustainability of AM is compared to processes like milling. Nevertheless, factors such as resource use, pollution, and the effects of AM on human health and society should be also taken into account before determining its environmental impact. In addition, in powder-based AM, handling the powder becomes an issue to be addressed, considering both the operator´s health and the subsequent management of the powder used. In view of these requirements, the fundamentals of the different powder-based AM processes were studied and special attention paid to the health risks derived from the high concentrations of certain chemical compounds existing in the typically employed materials. A review of previous work related to the environmental impact of AM is presented, highlighting the gaps found and the areas where deeper research is required. Finally, the implications of the reuse of metallic powder and the procedures to be followed for the disposal of waste are studied.
Highlights
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a technology that has the potential of generating a change in the way manufacturing is conceived as well as in the world economy
According to the analysis presented by Wholers Associates in 2017, AM
In the report presented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S Department of Commerce, it is stated that in aerospace engines titanium parts are machined down to size from large initial blocks, which leads to more than 90% waste material, material waste that could be reduced by using AM [6]
Summary
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a technology that has the potential of generating a change in the way manufacturing is conceived as well as in the world economy. Today AM allows the manufacture of complex parts that otherwise would be impossible or too expensive to achieve, as well as a large number of advantages that can reduce manufacturing costs. Among AM technologies, one of the processes that is gaining relevance based on its capability to manufacture functional parts is metal AM. The lack of European and international standardization related to AM is proving to be an impediment to the implementation of this technology on a large scale [3]. Several standard categories were distinguished, including design, industry-specific requirements, quality of manufactured parts, materials, information processing, safety regulations, and education. The handling of the used powder in metal AM is studied, focusing on the issues regarding the hazards in the workplace and the treatment of the waste material
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