Sustainability Aspects of Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

The emergence of highly automated and digitally controlled manufacturing technologies and increasing consumer needs for new customized goods and services, are causing shifts in the dimensions of manufacturing systems. In this paper, consideration is given to the role of one such advanced manufacturing technology known as additive manufacturing and its impacts on sustainability. Additive Manufacturing has been fast emerging technology since last few years. This technology shows huge possibilities in reducing the need for high energy intensive processes, which in turn reduces the quantity of material necessary in the manufacturing and provide more environmental friendly system. This paper aims to provide an overview of the sustainability aspects of additive manufacturing to reduce energy and material consumption through optimum design, material usage and by reducing waste. As a newly developed technology, there are ample challenges at each stage of product realization. This paper summarizes the benefits and challenges of additive manufacturing.