Can 3D printing make a difference on manufacturing’s environmental impact?

3D printing, particularly, Large Format Additive Manufacturing, is driving several industrial sectors towards production processes that implement more sustainable practices and circular economy principles. From 3D printing recycled materials companies are reevaluating their impact, such as taking a new look at waste as a resource, reducing demand for raw material and overall environmental consequences of their production.

With the world focusing more on sustainability, the benefits of 3D printing and large format additive manufacturing are becoming crucial in driving innovation forward, while changing the production models towards a more sustainable and conscious manufacturing ecosystem. Additive manufacturing technologies are helping reduce the environmental footprint of industrial supply chains, thanks to their capabilities to use the less raw materials, to unlock efficient, local supply chains that avoids heavy logistics, print on demand and avoid large stocks, minimize waste, and improve recycling and reuse.

Waste reduction with Additive Manufacturing

Traditional manufacturing subtractive methods generate a lot of waste. On the other hand, 3D printing constructs objects layer by layer, mostly finished or near net parts. This drastically reduces the amount of waste generated and enables the use of recyclable and recycled materials, hence encouraging circular economy. The terms “3D print and waste recycling” are now becoming common in the manufacturing industry, as the waste coming from traditional processes and from end-of-life products can be transformed and reused to manufacture new parts. Thanks to additive manufacturing technologies, the lower demand for raw material is combined with the reduction of the environmental footprint of the whole production process.

LFAM stands at the edge of innovation also  sustainability-wise and Caracol, leader in LFAM, has shaped its products, vision and mission around this. The best example of Caracol’s commitment to sustainability is the development of Heron AM, a turnkey LFAM robotic platform designed to minimize material and energy used in production. Integrating Heron AM in the company’s workflow reduces material waste and optimizes the resources, thus contributing directly to sustainability. In addition, the system designed for material feeding in the form of pellet rather than filament, increases the potential of giving new life to production waste or recycled materials. Beyond the waste reduction, the modular set-up of this AM platform adapts to the specific production needs and to each facility layout, printing on-demand, locally, close to point of use of parts, fostering local supply chains that help companies keep their carbon footprint low.

The environmental benefits of 3D printing

Large Format Additive Manufacturing contributes to highly customized production models that, in turn, enhance the potential of 3D printing to reduce the environmental impacts of production, due to several factors:

Reduced Material Waste

• AM builds objects layer by layer, using only the material necessary for the final product
• Parts can be produced on-demand, minimizing excess production and leftover materials

Efficient Use of Resources

• AM allows for precise control over material usage, which can lead to more efficient resource consumption
• Custom designs, engineered for 3D printing, optimize material distribution and the part’s structure, enhancing efficiency and performance

Local Production

• AM enables production closer to the point of use, reducing the need for transportation and associated carbon emissions
• AM supports decentralized manufacturing and in remote locations, which can lower the environmental impact of logistics and supply chains

Reduction in Inventory and Waste

• With digital inventories, AM reduces the need for large inventories of pre-manufactured parts, which can lead to excess waste if items are not used
• With on-demand production, items are made as needed, reducing the risk of unsold stock and obsolescence

Recycling and Reuse

• LFAM systems can work with recycled or recyclable materials, further reducing environmental impact
• Custom parts can be designed for easier disassembly and recycling, promoting a circular economy

Conclusions

The potential for 3D printing to minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing, with regards to on-demand, custom, and low volume productions, is huge. Optimizing material use, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact are they main, tangible factors that collectively contribute to the sustainability of large format additive manufacturing.

Moving to 3D printing and integrating additive manufacturing platforms such as Heron AM enable the advanced industries to make relevant strides toward reducing environmental impact in production and to clearly show a path toward sustainability.

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